The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AbdulFatah Ahmed

  • Kwara APC, Ahmed disagree over N70b rice project

    The governorship candidate of the Kwara state All Progressives Congress (APC) AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq campaign organisation and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed have disagreed over the yet-to-come to fruition N70 billion Vasolar rice project.

    The Abdulraaq campaign organisation described the state government as one of the most unaccountable in the country.

    But the state government said that the Vasolar rice project was done transparently and with sincerity of purpose.

    Media aide to the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq campaign organization, Rafiu Ajakaye said: “Kwara State government runs the most deceitful and unaccountable government in Nigeria as most of its claims are based on outright falsehood while its projects were often conceived to either give the impression that it was doing something or divert public funds to advance private business interests.

    “A few examples include the Shonga farm project, aviation school, diagnostic centre and recently the so-called International Vocation Centre, all of which the government now says belong to private concerns after public funds had been used to establish them.

    “In 2012, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed entered into an agreement with one Vasolar Consortium which, to quote the governor, ‘will provide a total capital of N70billion over a period of four years while the State government is expected to provide seven million euros and 20,000 hectares of land of which 5,000 hectares will be cultivated yearly.

    “It has been seven long years since that MOU was signed and nothing has been heard of this clearly fraudulent rice project. Where is the public fund sunk into the Vasolar fraud?

    “To further appreciate our O To Ge (enough is enough) campaign, Kwarans may recall the collaboration between Kebbi state government and Lagos on rice production started on March 23, 2016 and the first yield of that collaboration was in the market precisely December 21, 2016.

    “The Igbemo rice in Ekiti started much after the Kwara contraption and the rice is now in market.

    “Just like people cannot point at any benefit from the Shonga farm, into which billions of public funds and resources were sunk, it is safe to call the so-called MOU with Vasolar Consortium a big scam and an economic crime against the people of Kwara.

    But Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ahmed on media and

    Communications Dr Muyideen Akorede said: “There is nothing secret about the Vasolar project. Nothing about the project qualifies it as a scam.

    “For the benefit of the Abdulrahman Abdulrazak campaign organisation, a memorandum of understanding, MOU, is a non-legally binding but formal agreement between two parties. That means it is not binding on either party. It’s public knowledge that the state government entered into a highly publicized MOU with Vasolar to establish an agribusiness venture in Kwara state.

    Read Also: 2019: PDP, APC in battle of supremacy in Delta

    “The company was to contribute funds into the project as equity while the Kwara state government was to contribute land and other infrastructure.

    ”However, the company was unable to raise the equity contribution and therefore pulled out of the planned project. How does that represent a scam?

    “How can a highly publicised agreement between the government and another party which could not be consummated because the latter had a rethink be described as a scam?

    “We urge politicians to avoid commentary that has the potential to scare away potential investors from Kwara State.”

  • Ahmed calls for revival of reading culture

    Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has called for concerted efforts to revive the reading culture, enhance writing skills and acquire knowledge that will serve the country well.

    Ahmed made the call on Saturday in Ilorin at a public presentation of a book titled: “Guide to Writing Effective Minutes of Meetings’’.

    The book was authored by Mr Rasheed Aiyelabegan, the Registrar of the International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin.

    The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs Bilikisu Oniyangi.

    Ahmed urged the people to always take advantage of the knowledge, information and education available in books.

    He commended the author for the initiative in writing the book and the tenacity of bringing it to fruition, in spite of the demands of his position as registrar of IAC.

    “My delight stems from the fact that today’s event creates an opportunity to add to the body of knowledge, especially in an aspect of administration and management that is gradually becoming a lost art.

    “It is also a means of boosting the reading culture.

    “While rapid advances in technology, especially in the area of information, have transformed our lives in many ways, these developments have also discouraged the art of reading

    “It has also eroded much of our writing standards, particularly in the specialized area of administration.

    Read Also: Ahmed decries destruction of parties’ billboards

    “Minutes-taking is not only crucial for accurate record keeping but it also enhances meetings and their outcomes.

    “It is, therefore, important that this skill is not only encouraged but taught to many; whether they are involved in administration or not,” the governor said.

    Earlier, in his address, the author said that the writing of the book was born out of his experience and observations that most higher institutions had not adequately taught students the art of writing minutes.

    “Some of us passed through these institutions but found ourselves in the position of secretaries and administrative officers only to learn on the job with or without any standard laid-down procedures,” he said.

    Aiyelabegan noted that the book would serve as a guide to those new to the task and a bail out for professional secretaries, administrative officers, staff and clerks among others.

    Mr. Kehinde Eleja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) reviewed the book.

    He said that the 94-page book was an original contribution to knowledge.

    Eleja commended the author for the book and challenged others to share their knowledge with people by writing books

  • Kwara APC gov candidate condemns ban on political rallies

    Kwara state All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has described the reported ban on political rallies and processions on the streets by the state government, as undemocratic.

    Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed had on Wednesday this week banned political street rallies and processions in the state.

    Governor Ahmed said “as an additional security measure, political street rallies and processions are hereby banned across the state.

    Only political rallies in designated areas and with prior notification to the state police command will be allowed henceforth.”

    The governor’s action was borne out of the weekend violent attacks onmpolitical rallies organized by major political parties in the state.

    The APC governorship candidate added that the governor’s pronouncement is an attempt to frustrate the party’s campaigns in the state.

    Mallam Abdulrazaq told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital while visiting the victims of the last Sunday reported attack on APC members by suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs in the state.

    On the entourage of the governorship candidate were the Kwara central senatorial candidate of the APC, Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe and other party stalwarts.

    Said Abdulrazaq: “They have made all efforts to frustrate our campaigns. They started by attacking our rallies. You know that they have had so many rallies and there has not been violence in any of their rallies. But the moment we step out to campaign they attack us.

    We mount our billboards, they use the Kwara state Signage and Advertising Agency (KWASAA) to bring them down, yet they have not succeeded in silencing us. It means our message is resonating. It is not about APC candidates any more. It is a movement in Kwara now.

    “Now they don’t want us to get there but we will get there by the grace of God and stop all this nonsense going on in the state. The governor’s statement is a case of someone hiding behind a finger. In a democracy how can you ban a rally?

    “We are victims of their violence here. It must stop. I met with the police commissioner and he assured me that the police are up to the task of getting to the bottom of the violence. We must stop this.

    “We have told the victims and our supporters not to retaliate. Our opponents don’t have anything to lose. They want to discourage our supporters from going out to vote. They want to discourage them from going out to campaign . No, we are going to campaign vigorously and our supporters will come out to vote enmass on the days of elections. The President is coming here next week and they cannot stop him from campaigning. They cannot also stop us from campaigning.”

  • Ahmed bans street rallies, processions over violence

    Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Tuesday banned street rallies and processions over political violence in the last few days.

    He vowed the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on perpetrators of the violence the state witnessed recently.

    The governor added his administration would not allow the state to slide back to the dark era of fear and violence.

    The governor said this in Ilorin, the state capital during a state wide radio broadcast.

    He said: “As an additional security measure, political street rallies and processions are hereby banned across the state.

    ”Only political rallies in designated areas and with prior notification to the state police command will be allowed henceforth.

    “No individual, group or political party will be allowed to disrupt the harmony that defines us as a people.

    “As you are aware, political campaigns have commenced ahead of the general elections.

    “In keeping with the tradition in our state, these campaigns were expected to be robust but peaceful.

    “Unfortunately, what we have witnessed instead is an increasing resort to criminality as a result of heightened political activities, with a consequent threat to law and order.

    “Anyone found to have either contributed to the recent violence or apprehended for involvement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, no matter their status, background or political affiliation.”

    The governor went on: “Kwara state’s peace, security and harmony cannot and will not be sacrificed for the ambition of any individual or political party.

    “Yesterday, I chaired an emergency state security council meeting and charged the police and other security agencies to deploy all lawful measures to secure lives and property in the state.

    “Following assurances by these security agencies, I urge all our people to go about their lawful activities without fear for their safety.

    “Our security agencies are capable and ready to forestall any further recurrence of such ugly incident.

    “As your governor, I assure you that no effort will be spared by my government to protect the lives and property of all law-abiding residents of the state.

    Read Also: Ahmed decries destruction of parties’ billboards

    I also urge you to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, movements and developments to the security agencies for prompt action.

    “In this regard, I have approved the establishment of a Joint Military Task Force comprising the police, army, navy, airforce, Department Of State Security, Civil Defence and the National Drug law enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    “This body is tasked with providing an extra layer of security and preventing a recurrence of the political violence witnessed in the last couple of days.

    ‘The state police command is hereby authorized to ensure full compliance.

    “Political parties and their supporters are also charged to campaign and solicit votes in a lawful manner and refrain from deploying divisive and inciting rhetoric or instigating violence against real or perceived opponents.

    “Thuggery, vandalism, intimidation and other forms of criminality will neither be allowed no condoned in any part of the state.

    “Those who aspire to political leadership must conduct themselves in peaceful and lawful manner while prioritizing the safety of those they seek to lead.

    “I urge you to remain calm as your security and safety will continue to be protected and guaranteed by the security agencies.”

     

  • Ahmed frowns at destruction of political parties billboards

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has described as unfortunate and unacceptable, the vandalization of billboards belonging to political parties and their candidates in the state by unknown persons.

    The new state Commissioner of police Bashir Manama had last week vowed not condone destruction of political parties billboards ahead of 2019 general elections in the state.

    Governor Ahmed, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Dr Muyideen Akorede, denounced the action and warned political parties, their candidates and supporters to desist from such actions in the interest of peace and harmonious coexistence that Kwara State is renowned for.

    He urged political parties and their candidates to campaign for votes in the forthcoming general elections on the basis on their ideas and plans for the electorate rather than deploying force, violent rhetoric or otherwise taking the law into their hands.

    Read Also: Ahmed presents staff of office to 19 monarchs

    The governor said only the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria(APCON) and the Kwara State Signage and Advertising Agency (KWASAA) are authorized by law to either approve or remove outdoor advertising for non-compliance with existing regulations. He, therefore, stressed that the police and other law enforcement agencies in the state have been advised to arrest and prosecute anyone either violating the law on outdoor advertising or illegally destroying billboards.

    He reiterated his call on the people of Kwara state to exercise their franchise freely without fear or favour in the 2019 elections and desist from any actions capable of creating crises, violence or otherwise disrupting the polls.

    The governor said it is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure that Kwara State maintains its reputation for rancour-free campaigns and elections.

  • Kwara Assembly passes N157.8b 2019 budget into law

    The Kwara State House of Assembly has passed N157.8 billion 2019 budget for the state into law.

    This is 0.19 percent higher than N157. 5 billion presented by the state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to the House on December 6th.

    The capital expenditure of the 2019 budget is now N79.6 billion against N79. 8 billion proposed by the governor, representing 50.44 percent of the total budget.

    The recurrent expenditure is now N71.1 billion as against N70.7 billion representing 49.56 percent of the total budget.

    The house, allocated N1.2 billion as one percent of the state Consolidated Revenue Fund, for the State Health Insurance Agency.

    Read Also: Kwara 2019: APC and the search for a running mate

    The aim is to ensure accessible qualitative healthcare delivery to the people of the state.
    Speaking after the passage of the budget, the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, while directing the Clerk of the House, Hajia Halimat Jumai Kperogi, to prepare a clean copy for the governor’s assent, praised members and staff for providing the platform in moving the state forward.

    Dr. Ahmad explained that, with the passage of the budget, the House had demonstrated its commitment and high sense of patriotism.

    He however expressed displeasure of non funding of the audit unit by the state government.

    He pointed out that the eighth legislature under his watch, had been consistent in allocating fund for the audit department for accountability and transparency in governance.

  • Kwara Assembly passes N156b revised 2018 budget

    The Kwara House of Assembly on Wednesday passed N156 billion as the revised 2018 budget for the state as against the N190 billion approved by the House in December 2017.

    The downward review of the budget was in response to Gov.  Abdulfatah Ahmed’s request in his message to the house two weeks ago.

    The revised appropriation bill was passed after the house had approved all the clauses in the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

     

    Read Also: Kwara spends N6.5b on Ilorin water project

     

    The total budget size after the review exercise is now N156, 043,339,799  as against N190, 997,425,571, which represents a 19 per cent decrease.

     

    The Deputy Speaker, Mathew Okedare, who presided over the plenary, directed the Clerk of the house, Hajia Jumai Perogi,  to produce a clean copy of the revised budget for the governor’s  assent

    (NAN)

  • Ahmed swears in six perm secs

    Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Wednesday swore in six new permanent secretaries in the state.

    He charged them to align with the policy objectives of his administration.

    During the ceremony, he noted that his government is committed to completing all ongoing projects, upscaling human capital development, especially health, functional education, and entrepreneurship even as his administration winds down.

    He disclosed that the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries were based on individual track records of performance and their potential to add value to governance.

    He urged them champion the government’s prudent utilization of resources while motivating staff to imbibe the diligence for which the state is known for.

    Read Also: Mother, four children electrocuted in Niger

    Ahmed also urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by continuing to uphold the diligence which recommended them for the position.

    Earlier in her address, the state Head of Service, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole said the appointment of the new permanent secretaries was necessitated by the retirement of permanent secretaries.

    Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Opeloyeru expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed for the appointment and assured the Governor of their readiness to bring their experiences to bear in achieving the lofty aspirations of the state government.

  • Ahmed appoints six permanent secretaries

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the appointment of six new permanent secretaries in the state.
    In a statement by the state Head of Service Mrs. Susan Oluwole, said the new appointees replace six permanent secretaries who had earlier retired from service after meritorious service to the state.
    She said Governor Ahmed approved the appointment based on the need fill the gap created by the retirements in order to sustain effective, efficient and affective service delivery.

    Read Also: Ahmed picks senate’s nomination form

    Mrs Oluwole listed the new permanent secretaries as Alhaji Tunde Shuaib Aremu, Alhaji Opeloyeru Ganiyu Olanrewaju, Mr. Amos Adegboyega Odetokun, Alhaji Sambo Mogaji, Alhaji Akanbi Oke, Mrs. Adams Maimuna Nnayanbidi
    The Head of Service congratulated the new permanent secretaries and urged them to continue to uphold the diligence which recommended them for appointment.
    The  new permanent secretaries will be sworn-in at a date to be announced later.

  • Let us guard our freedom jealously, Ahmed urges Nigerians

    Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Monday urged Nigerians to guard the country’s freedom and do nothing that will truncate the nation.

    He added that it is worrisome that this is not the best of times for in the country.

    Governor Ahmed told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital as part of activities to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Nigerian independence.

    He therefore enjoined all to “Promote such biding factors that would sincerely sustain the hard fought and won freedom by our nationalists whose labour must never be in vain.”

    Read Also: Ahmed approves employment of 1,850 teachers

    The governor who was represented by the Sports Commissioner Muyideen Alalade said: “In a time like this, particularly as we approach another election year, we need to cultivate a sustainable habit of brotherhood, eschew ethnic chauvinism, religious bigotry, political discordance and sectional interest that have the tendency not only to tear us apart but impede our pace of development, growth and progress.

    “It is also of paramount importance to stress that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is resolutely committed to the cause of Nigerians. I, therefore wish to assure the people of this great nation that, this government shall continue to toe the path of wisdom, to ameliorate our people’s hardship, make life more bearable and bring back succor to the people at the risk of our material comforts.

    “I therefore, at this juncture, plead for your continued support, understanding and above all, prayers for the leadership and government of this great nation for enablement to bring to fruition our vision for a better and prosperous Nigeria.  Let us continue to have abiding faith in the government and not forget that, we do not have a better country to call our own except Nigeria.”