The Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to partner with community and religious associations in its effort to eradicate poverty and improve the well being of the people.

Ahmed, who commended the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union for being a dependable ally for growth and development in the state, urged community and religious associations to work with the government for this purpose.

Ahmed charged clerics in the state to evolve a sustainable system of collecting and distributing charity to guarantee equitable distribution of wealth and hasten development. The governor spoke on Wednesday at the Charity Home in Ilorin, the state capital, during a special prayer to mark the 50th birthday celebration of a former Governor of the state and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Ahmed, who extolled the virtues of Saraki as the mastermind of the state's unparalleled transformation, said government alone cannot eradicate poverty without the support and understanding of the people.

He, therefore, charged religious leaders to collect from the wealthy to improve the welfare of the needy in line with religious dictates as espoused by the late Senate Leader, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, and effectively emulated by his son, Senator Saraki. The governor described Saraki, who is also the Turaki of Ilorin, as a God chosen leader for Kwara State with a charge on the people to rally round him for the development of the state.

He said: "No state develops without a leader that will galvanize the people and reduce political acrimony, which hinders progress."

In his remarks, Saraki expressed gratitude to God for the golden jubilee celebration. According to him: "Some will start and finish early; some will start and finish well.

"For attaining 50 years, I give gratitude to Almighty Allah." He pledged that his commitment to the development of Kwara State and national unity remains unshaken.

The special prayer, which attracted people from all walks of life, within and outside Kwara State, was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Bashir Imam Fulani.