Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State during the weekend in Ilorin advocated the restoration of merit as a major standard in public and private sectors

He said that merit together with capacity for excellence should drive both sectors and determine access to high offices rather than narrow considerations and preferential treatment.

Speaking at a merit award programme and dinner organized by the Ilorin district of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria(ICAN), the governor submitted that when patronizing merit, good governance would no doubt be assured and would lead to the meaningful improvement of material and social well-being of the citizenry.

Represented by the state Head of Service, Alhaji Mohammed Dabarako, the governor pointed out that equity is an essential component of good governance, urging the members of the public to adopt merit and equity as a foundational values and the country would be better for it.

Governor Ahmed also cautioned Nigerians against fanning the ember of disunity, unbridled partisanship, ethnicity, religious bigotry and favouritism, stressing that it would bring no good but retard the country's progress. His words:"Merit and equity, on the other hand, inspire greatness and drive us towards achieving our aspirations for a better society.

"Therefore, let us do the right thing, build people, do your best for the country, for prosperity. If we resolve to exhibit the right values in all we do, our leader would have no choice but to follow suit".

The President of the Institute, Alhaji Kabir Alkali Mohammed in his remarks praised the government for its policies and programmes aimed at making life meaningful for the populace.

The Chairman of Ilorin District of ICAN, Alhaji Salaudeen Ibrahim had earlier in his remarks spoke about the activities of the institute, saying that the Kwara State Governor including seven other personalities were given merit award for their contributions to the society.