Date: 2013-12-11

The Kwara State Government has lifted the ban on National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria in Offa and Erin-Ile.

The two unions have, however, been advised to work together in peace for the socio-economic development of the two areas.

The State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed announced the lifting of the ban on the two unions while speaking during a courtesy call by the National President of the NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Yasin at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin.

Governor Ahmed restated government's determination to partner with the two unions to create a conducive environment and ensure peaceful coexistence not only in Offa and Erin-Ile, but the whole State.

He said part of government efforts to move the state forward was the provision of infrastructural facilities that would add values to the lives of the people.

"I want to assure you that whatever capital project we embark upon will be spread across the three senatorial districts of the State in terms of road, water, health facilities as well as in the area of electricity supply".

"In achieving these, I will call for your total understanding especially in the area of peaceful coexistence as no society can progress in an atmosphere of rancour", Ahmed said.

Governor Ahmed said government will continue to provide revolving micro-credit for the people including transporters for the socio-economic development of the State.

In the area of security, the Governor said the State Operation Harmony which was launched last month was to ensure adequate security of lives and property of the entire citizenry in the State.

"I want the people to take advantage of the peace currently prevailing in the state by working together for a common purpose and national development" Ahmed advised.

The governor who spoke in English, Yoruba and Hausa said his administration would look into their requests with a view to providing the enabling environment that would further unite both the people and members of the two unions in the state.

Earlier, the National President of NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Yasin had expressed gratitude to the governor for his support and assistance to the union since coming on board as the governor of the State.

Alhaji Yasin who commended the governor for his infrastructural development, appealed for the lifting of the ban imposed on the NURTW and RTEAN activities in Offa and Erin Ile areas of the State.

The National President of NURTW however promised that the unfortunate incident of Offa and Erin-Ile transporters that led to the loss of lives and property would not repeat itself as the National bodies of the transporters are determined to forestall a reoccurrence.