The people of Kwara state yesterday joined their counterpart all over the world to celebrate the commencement of year 2013 under surveillance by security agents who manned various positions in the state.

Beautifully dressed children and their parents were seen around shopping malls in Ilorin, children amusement parks, University of Ilorin Biological Garden and other relaxation places to celebrate the New Year.

Others converged at various places of worship seeking God’s Blessing to seek God’s favour in the New Year.

Security agents were however not on holiday as personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) were seen manning strategic positions in Ilorin metropolis while police men carried out patrol along major streets.

At the New Year eve, police anti-bomb vehicles were deployed along some major streets to forestall any unforeseen circumstances.

Despite the Boxing Day fire incidents recoded at the Jankakra markets in Lagos, residents used fireworks to usher in the New Year.

Speaking with Blueprint, one of the people at the University of Ilorin Biological Garden playground, who brought his wards for relaxation, and did not want his name in print, thanked God for allowing him to see another New Year.

He said the outgone year had been characterized with so much ups and downs particularly as it affects the security situation in the country.

He said with those security problems they could not achieve much, noting that the government has also lost a lot in the areas of providing developmental projects.

He expressed optimism that the state and the federal government will do better in this New Year.

He called on government to be proactive in dealing with issues that has to do with human development and economic prosperity and security.

He also urged the citizens to always support government projects and programmes.

He assured that with prayers and hard work, the government will deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.