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Tag: Ahmed

  • Ahmed urges muslims to sacrifice

    Ahmed urges muslims to sacrifice

    Kwara State Governor Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged muslims to use the Eid-el-Kabir to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, good neighbourliness and selfless service premised on the virtues of islam.

    Ahmed, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival, stressed that Nigerians must always work for the good of the country above personal or sectional interest.

    Dr Ahmed charged muslims to appreciate the essence of Eid-el-Kabir as a symbolic representation of total submission to the will of Allah, goodness to one another and service to humanity as exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim.

    The Governor expressed gratitude to religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, trade unions and politicians and the entire people of the state for their prayers and love and for ensuring sustainable peace in the state.

    The Governor noted that for Nigeria to realize its potentials as a nation, Nigerians of all religious persuasions must work collectively, consciously and submit to common religious doctrine of being their brother’s keeper.

    “We must therefore use the eld-el-kabir as another opportunity for us to reflect on the essence of sacrifice and humility as fulcrums for the promotion of harmonious relationship in our polity”, he said.

    Governor Ahmed assured the people of the State that his administration remained committed to the formation and implementation of policies and proprammes designed to drive their socio-economic development.

    The Governor reiterated that despite the plan to boost internally generated revenue to N2bn monthly, additional taxes would not be imposed on the people of the State.

  • Enhanced IGR ‘ll solve salary crisis, says Ahmed

    Enhanced IGR ‘ll solve salary crisis, says Ahmed

    kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said the only panacea for resolving salary crisis was to increase the volume of the state’s Internally- Generated Revenue (IGR).

    Ahmed, who spoke at a meeting with the officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), said yesterday in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media, Dr. Muideen Akorede, that increased IGR was the only way the state could survive its economic challenges.

    He urged the people to support the state Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) to meet its revenue targets so that salary arrears would become a thing of the past.

    Ahmed assured the workers that the N5 billion bailout for the payment of salary and pension arrears for the local governments would be released soon by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He expressed concern about the hardship council workers and pensioners were facing, following the arrears, which was caused by a drop in monthly federal allocation.

    The governor hailed the workers and pensioners for their patience and pledged to ensure that the funds were released.

    According to him, the bailout, when received, would clear the arrears in the 16 local governments.

    Ahmed said the government received N4.3 billion bailout promised by the Federal Government to clear the two months’ arrears owed civil servants.

    He also told the union leaders that the Federal Government had restructured the state government’s N15 billion debt into a low-interest 20-year bond.

    The governor said the expected savings would enhance the government’s capacity to meet its salary obligations and other responsibilities.

    He said the government was putting together a special package to turn around Radio Kwara, The Herald and Kwara Television to enable them generate revenue to cover their overheads and contribute to the IGR.

     

  • Kwara won’t introduce new taxes, says Ahmed

    Kwara won’t introduce new taxes, says Ahmed

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said the newly established State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) will not impose new taxes.

    He said it would only boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through the diversification of the state’s economy.

    The governor spoke at Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area at the presentation of the staff of office to the Emir of the town, Prof. Halidu Abubakar.

    Ahmed said the mandate of KWIRS was to change the process of collecting taxes by deploying technology to block loopholes and increase efficiency.

    The governor noted that with an increased revenue, his administration would complete existing projects, establish new ones in all sectors and inject additional N2 billion into the state’s entrepreneurship development scheme.

    He urged the new Emir to build bridges of harmony and peace among the people of his domain and beyond.

    Prof. Abubakar pledged not to betray the confidence the people of the emirate and the state government reposed in him.

  • Ahmed appoints special advisers

    Ahmed appoints special advisers

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the appointment of nine special advisers to strengthen governance and assist in the realisation of his administration’s development aspirations.

    A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sola Isiaka Gold, said the appointments, which followed the House of Assembly’s approval of the governor’s request to appoint special advisers, are as follows:

    Gobir Hassan Ahmed, Special Adviser, Labour Matters.

    Alhaji Aliu Zakari Gunu, Special Adviser, Local Government.

    Mr. Aanu Ayodeji Ibiwoye, Special Adviser, Agriculture and Rural Water Support Services.

    Alhaji Musa Abdullahi Mohammed, Special Adviser, Rural Energy Support Services.

    Alhaji Abdullahi Duro Muhammed, Special Adviser, Emergency and Relief.

  • Ahmed: IGR drive ‘ll boost growth

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said his administration’s revenue drive would generate funds for developmental projects, stimulate the economy and create jobs.

    Speaking at an interactive session with community leaders in his office, the governor said his administration planned to create new infrastructural projects to promote the welfare of the people, stimulate commerce and attract investments that would create a conducive economic environment for job creation.

    He stressed the need to grow internal revenue and place less emphasis on federally-allocated revenue, which he noted, had dropped and was unlikely to return to the previous level in future.

  • Dankwambo, Ambode, Ahmed, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Amosun, others preach peace, patriotism

    Dankwambo, Ambode, Ahmed, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Amosun, others preach peace, patriotism

    GOVERNORS have implored religious, traditional and community leaders as well as their followers to pray for sustainable peace as Muslim end Ramadan fast.

    They urged the citizens to be patriotic and live in peace, irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences.

    Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, in his goodwill message as part of the celebration, said Nigerians should imbibe tolerance and mutual respect for one another to attain “sustainable peace, which is a catalyst for the development of our dear state and country”.

    “As we are aware, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony. We should, therefore, be tolerant with each other and encourage peaceful coexistence among our diverse people,” he added.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, urged the citizens to rededicate themselves to the cause of a peaceful and prosperous Lagos, where residents, regardless of ethnic, religious or social status, can prosper.

    The governor, in the Eid-el-Fitri message, said it was only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians could put the country back on its leadership pedestal.

    He urged them to embrace the tenets of love, tolerance, forgiveness and brotherhood, which characterised the period of the holy month.

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom felicitated with the state Muslim Community on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitr celebration.

    He rejoiced over the peaceful co-existence between adherents of the various faith – in the state, especially in the spirit of this year’s joint breaking of fast between Christians and Muslims.

    The governor, however, regretted his inability to extend the usual courtesies due for such seasons on account of dwindling finances of the state.

    He promised to meet such obligations when the financial fortunes of the state improve.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, especially the values of good neghbourliness, patriotism and respect for the sanctity of human life.

    Ahmed, in an Eid-el-Fitri message by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, identified greed and selfishness as causes of Nigeria’s socio-political, economic and security problems.

    He emphasised that if Nigerians demonstrate the kind of compassion and love for one another as displayed during Ramadan, Nigeria would surmount its numerous challenges and become a role model to other nations.

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to the service of their country as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.

    The governor, in his Sallah message, enjoined Nigerians not to lose sight of the gains and lessons of the Ramadan fasting as they go about their daily activities.

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole asked Muslims to exhibit the true spirit of peace and love in their daily dealings with men of all faith, saying Islam as a religion of peace abhors violence in whatever guise.

    The governor, who congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the success of this year’s Ramadan, urged them to inculcate the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast to positively impact on their neighbours and the society.

    To Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the nation will overcome its challenges and emerge a strong, united and prosperous nation.

    In a message by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor stated that “the attributes of self-discipline, compassion, brotherliness and patriotism exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan, if sustained, we will attain the dreams of our founding fathers for a united and prosperous nation.”

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko hailed the people of the state for embracing the Residency Card initiative.

    Besides, he admonished Muslims not to return to habits they dropped  before  the Rammadan.

     The governor called on Muslims  to sustain the lessons of  Ramadan by allowing the “God-like characters they lived all through the period of the Ramamdan to become a way of life for them”.

  • Ahmed signs four bills into law

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has signed four bills into law.

    He pledged to redouble his efforts to improve the people’s welfare.

    The new laws are: A Law to Amend the Environmental Sanitation Law, A Law to Repeal the Kwara State Transport Corporation, A Law to Amend the Cooperative Societies Law and A Law to Amend the Kwara State Debt Securities Issuance Law.

    Ahmed said he would initiate and implement initiatives to ensure good governance.

    A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said the governor acknowledged the challenges confronting the state, following dwindling allocation from the Federal Government.

    The statement said the governor assured that he would work hard to cushion the effect of the poor national economy on the populace.

    Ahmed urged the people to support his administration to develop the state, stressing that all hands must be on deck to create a prosperous Kwara for the benefit of all.

    The governor said although his administration had no intention to impose fresh taxes, efforts would be made towards efficient revenue collection to raise funds for his people-oriented projects.

    These projects, according to him, include 100 megawatt Independent Power Project, 2,000 classrooms, remodelling of five general hospitals and the implementation of new water projects.

  • No plans to impose fresh taxes on Kwarans – Ahmed

    No plans to impose fresh taxes on Kwarans – Ahmed

    Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said that his administration has no plans to impose fresh taxes on the people of the state.

    He added though, that his administration would make all efforts towards efficient revenue collection to raise funds for the execution of people-oriented projects.

    These projects, according to him, include a 100 megawatt Independent Power Projects (IPP), 2000 new classrooms, the remodeling of an additional five general hospitals and the implementation of new water projects across the state.

    The governor also has signed for four bills into law with a pledge to redouble efforts to improve the welfare of the people despite the downturn in the national economy.

    The new laws are: A law to amend the Environmental Sanitation; law to Repeal the Kwara State Transport Corporation; law to Amend the Cooperative Societies, and a law to Amend The Kwara State Debt Securities Issuance.

    The governor in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr Muideen Akorede promised to initiate and implement new initiatives aimed at ensuring good governance and making life better for all residents in the state.

    Ahmed acknowledged the challenges confronting the state as a result of dwindling allocation from the federal government and assured that he will work harder to cushion the population from the impact of the economic downturn as much as possible.

    He urged the people to support his administration to rapidly develop the state, stressing that that all hands must be on deck to create a prosperous Kwara State for the benefit of all.

     

  • PDP, Atiku, Ahmed, others greet Saraki, Dogara

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed have congratulated the Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    A statement yesterday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, described the development in both chambers of the National Assembly as victory for democracy.

    It assured that it would continue to partner with like minds in other political parties and groups to ensure that the nation’s democracy, was sustained in the overall interest of the people.

    “What is paramount to the PDP is the sustenance of our democracy and the wellbeing of our people, irrespective of creed, class or ethnicity. The PDP is therefore willing and ready to partner with like-minded individuals in other political parties and groups to sustain our democracy, ensure good governance and promote the unity and stability of our dear nation. Nigeria as a nation belongs to all of us. Its interest therefore must be put over and above personal, partisan or group interests at all times.

    “In this regard, the PDP notes with gratitude, the immense contributions of the immediate past Senate President, Senator David Mark for the decency and mature manner with which he ensured the smooth take off of the 8th National Assembly”, the party added.

    The statement also commended the PDP Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus for “successfully galvanising” PDP members in both chambers of the National Assembly, which it said, contributed to the peaceful conduct of the elections.

    The PDP charged its members in the National Assembly to continue to uphold the tenets of democracy and enforce the constitutionally vested parliamentary role of check and balances to ensure the much desired accountability and probity in the polity.

    It urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to accept the will of the people, respect the independence of the legislature.

    Atiku congratulated the newly elected leaders of the National Assembly, admonishing them to see their elections beyond the narrow interests of their political parties.

    The former Vice President in a statement from his media office, said with the elections of its presiding officers, the 8th National Assembly should swing to work and put the overall national interest beyond the personal political interests of its members.

    He said with the election of its presiding officers, the 8th National Assembly has prepared the ground work for a full legislative business and reminded every member of both the Senate and the House of Representatives of their responsibilities to their constituents, which, he said, is to put national interest before their individual political interest.

    Atiku added that Irrespective of the political mix through which the presiding officers emerged, the 8th National Assembly should never lose focus of its role as a partner in progress with the other arms of government, especially the executive arm.

    “The Nigerian people look up to the new National Assembly to work with the executive arm in finding solutions to the problems of insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and joblessness in the country. Their election is indeed a call to duty, and it is a call for which they cannot afford to fail the nation,” he said.

    Ahmed and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad, hailed the emergence of Saraki as the Senate President.

    Ahmed, in a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr Muideen Akorede, said: “On behalf of the government and people of Kwara State, I congratulate my leader, distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, the new Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly. His emergence not only reaffirms the supremacy of popular will, it also underlines our collective preference for a credible legislature and our confidence in Senator Bukola Saraki’s capacity and competence to lead it.”

    Ahmad described Saraki’s emergence as liberation of the National Assembly and respect for sanctity of the Constitution.

    Ahmed, in a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Sanni, said the senators have demonstrated maturity and zeal to deepen the country’s democracy by ensuring the independence of the first arm of government.

    He expressed confidence that the National Assembly under the leadership of Saraki would serve as the voice of Nigerians, check and balance, and stabilise the nation’s polity, stressing that the Senators had demonstrated that the nation’s constitution supercedes any other sentiment.