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Tag: Ahmed

  • Ahmed gives N100m loan to artisans

    Ahmed gives N100m loan to artisans

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday distributed N100 million cheques to 47 artisan groups under the aegis of the state Artisans Congress.

    It was learnt that the revolving loan is aimed at boosting economic growth of the state.

    Ahmed said his administration would continue to embark on policies that would reduce unemployment, poverty and create wealth among the residents.

    The governor directed each of the 16 local governments to initiate revolving credit schemes for the artisans in their domains to add values to the socio-economic growth of the state.

    He said: “The distribution of N100 million cheques as a revolving micro credit for Kwara State Artisans is, therefore, not only a fulfillment of a promise that was made last year but also takes us closer to our dream of an economically vibrant informal sector in view of our emphasis on small business promotion under Shared Prosperity.”

    “Our determination to fund your congress is because all of you are important to the economic development of our state and therefore deserve all necessary support”.

    “It is part of our strategies to address the problem of unemployment, reduce poverty, and boost the economic well being of our people in tangible ways.

    “Let me therefore congratulate members of the Kwara State Artisan Congress for this unique opportunity to grow your business and build your wealth. The money you receive today will boost your various businesses and contribute to you and your families’ welfare.”

    Governor Ahmed also told the people that the loan should not be considered as part of government largesse, “rather, you should see it as a revolving fund to be recouped and made available to other members.

    “In view of this, you have a one-month moratorium and should repay the loan in full within a period of one year so that other members can participate and grow their businesses”, he said.

    He also urged the beneficiaries to strictly adhere by the repayment schedule, to avoid sanctions and allow others benefit from the revolving loan.

    In his response, the state chairman of Artisans Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Landy hailed the state government’s effort at banishing poverty and create wealth in the state.

    He therefore assured the state governor, Alhaji Ahmed that, the funds provided by the government through loan would be judiciously used.

  • Ahmed gives N3b car loans to teachers, civil servants

    Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday disbursed car loans worth N3 billion to teachers and civil servants.

    The governor also inaugurated an ultra-modern press centre for the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin.

    Presenting the car loans to the beneficiaries, the governor said it was “another opportunity to demonstrate this administration’s long-standing commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants across the state, including secondary and primary school teachers.”

    According to him, civil servants are the foot soldiers of good governance and those who work silently to ensure that government’s vision for the uncommon development of Kwara State comes to fruition.

    Ahmed said: “We accord the welfare of civil servants the highest priority as demonstrated by the payment of salaries and especially by today’s launch of N3 billion vehicle loans to civil servants.

    “This government approved the renovation of offices in the ministries of Health, Commerce and the Local Government Service Commission. Also put in place are welfare policies and programmes, such as training and retraining of workers for better performance, employment opportunities for the youth through KWABES, approval of the sale of government quarters to sitting civil servants and the recent negotiation with estate developers to provide houses at affordable rates to workers.

    Inaugurating the NUJ press centre, he said: “The truth is, many laudable government initiatives will fail without appropriate advocacy through the media. The media also has the capacity to promote transparency through its surveillance function, while also setting an agenda for good governance.”

     

     

     

     

  • No room for parallel PDP in Kwara, says Ahmed

    No room for parallel PDP in Kwara, says Ahmed

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed yesterday warned those he described as dissidents not to waste their time planning a parallel Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure.

    Such an attempt, he said, would not succeed as the state’s PDP election-winning machinery was intact.

    He said: “For those few dissidents who think that they want to come and start running parallel structure here, they are wasting their time because we are a formidable force.”

    Ahmed spoke with reporters at the Ilorin International Airport on his arrival from Abuja.

    The governor, who was received by his commissioners, political office holders and PDP supporters, said:”As you are aware of the goings on, consultation has started with the Presidency and it is still ongoing. Hopefully, another round of consultation would be arranged where we hope the issues that have been raised would be thrashed out.

    “Don’t forget that we had to go to the Presidency as a mark of respect for the president to deliberate on the issues, which we have highlighted and to let you know that things are still ongoing and hopefully we would get you informed as soon as the final outcome is made available.

    “But the most important thing we should know is that a few dissidents might feel that this is an opportunity for them to begin to raise disharmony in the PDP system in Kwara.

    “Let it be clear as crystal, we in Kwara State have an election-winning machinery and that machinery has been trusted, tested and it is still available. So, we should get to know that.”

  • Ahmed seeks disciplined police

    Ahmed seeks disciplined police

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged the police to ensure that the public is kept abreast of disciplinary measures taken against erring officers.

    The governor said this would sustain public confidence in the security agency.

    Ahmed spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, when he received the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Mr. Chis Dega.

    He noted that transparency in punishing erring officers would also serve as deterrent to other policemen who may have the tendency to behave below acceptable standards.

    In a statementby his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, the governor said his administration would always ensure that the police and other security agencies get necessary support to protect life and property of the residents.

    According to him, this is the reason the government bought vehicles and gives other logistics support to the police.

    Ahmed also advocated the development of a peer review mechanism by the states under Zone 8 of the police formation on strategies to fight crimes.

    The governor said there would be greater synergy in crime control in the zone, if such approach is adopted.

    Dega said he was in the state to assess the condition of a Kwara State Polytechnic student who was shot by a policeman and sympathise with his family.

    The AIG added that he had visited the Rector of the polytechnic, Alhaji Masud Elelu, over the incident.

  • Ahmed urges Nigerians to have faith in democracy

    Ahmed urges Nigerians to have faith in democracy

    Kwara State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed yesterday urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the challenges threatening the country’s democracy.

    He expressed optimism that the challenges are temporary setbacks that would “our resilience stronger”.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, during the celebration of his second term in office.

    He said: “As we look back at the last 14 years and reflect on our current situation, some may be discouraged by the challenges that threaten to overshadow our democracy.

    “I wish to state with all emphasis at my disposal that our resilience is stronger. We will overcome these temporary setbacks.

    “As I speak, thousands are gathered across the country to hear their leaders extol the gains of democracy. Some will recount their successes; others will focus on the challenges that currently confront us as a people. Like us, some will choose to celebrate their strengths and look to the future with optimism.

    “As someone who recognises the supremacy of the people in our democratic experience, I choose to celebrate you, the good people of Kwara State, for your unalloyed support and for keeping faith.

    “In that mode, I look forward with you to a bright future, a future filled with peace, equity and prosperity for us all; a future where the opportunities for growth are as limitless as our aspiration for lasting well-being; a future where our children and their children can thrive and reach their maximum potential.”

  • Kwara closes poly as students prevent Ahmed from inaugurating projects

    The Kwara State Government yesterday closed down the state polytechnic, Ilorin, following the prevention of Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed from inaugurating some projects to mark his second anniversary in office.

    The government had slated the inauguration of some roads and other projects for yesterday and today. One of the projects billed for inauguration yesterday is the Akerebiata-Royal Valley Estate Road within Ilorin township.

    An eyewitness said the students chased away scores of people who had gathered for the inauguration.

    It was learnt that the angry students vandalised some vehicles belonging to the government near Mubo Street.

    The protestors were joined by their colleague from the state College of Education, Ilorin, as well as other tertiary institutions.

    They were said to be protesting the alleged shooting of a National Diploma (ND 1) student of the polytechnic on Monday by a policeman in a bullion van.

    The protest lasted over five hours. It paralysed vehicular movement and forced scores of commuters to trek long distances.

    The government said the school will remain closed until the return of normalcy to the school.

    In a statement the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, the government advised the students to return to their homes until the reopening of the school.

    The government described as unfortunate the shooting of the student by a policeman. It also advised the students to maintain the peace and disallow miscreants from hijacking their peaceful protests.

    But the National Vice President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Taiwo Otitolaye, described “the incident as one of the manifestation of a failed state”.

    He said: “Across all geo-political zones, there is insecurity of life and property, kidnapping, bank robbery, Boko Haram insurgence, looting of pension funds, political brigandage, even by the Governors’ Forum. This regime has lost focus and there is a state of anomie in the land.

    “We condemn the primitive shooting of the student and call for the immediate arrest and trial of the policeman who carried out this wicked act.”

  • AHMED MUSA DUMPS NIGERIA FOR CLUB

    AHMED MUSA DUMPS NIGERIA FOR CLUB

    •Opts to play in Russian Cup final
    •Storms Eagles’ Germany camp June 2

     

    AHEAD OF THE 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, Super Eagles and CSKA Moscow forward, Ahmed Musa will be joining the Nigerian squad in their Germany training camp on June 2 .

    Speaking from his base on Monday, the speed-star revealed why he was left out of the Stephen Keshi side that will face the El tri of Mexico in May 31international friendly game in Houston, USA.

    “I will be going to Germany on June 2 after the Russian Cup final. I have been in contact with the team secretary of the Super Eagles and told him that if my club qualifies for the Russian Cup final, I will not be available for the friendly. So, when we eventually qualified, the secretary called me again to confirm if I will still be able to come and I told him it wasn’t possible,”said Musa who was crowned Russia Premier League winners last weekend with the capital outfit.

    The former Kano Pillars ace it would be recalled has been in blistering form in the Russian top flight in the outgoing campaign scoring 11 goals in 25 league appearances to help CSKA win the title after a 0-0 draw against Kuban K.

    Meanwhile, in a twist of events, CSKA Moscow fans have called for a boycott of the Russian Cup final against Anzhi Makhachkala because it will be played in the Chechen capital Grozny. The fans are angry with the FA’s decision to host the finals in the volatile North Caucasus region.

  • Ahmed canvasses establishment of Council of Ulama on preaching

    Ahmed canvasses establishment of Council of Ulama on preaching

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed at the weekend called for the establishment of a Council of Ulama (a body of Muslim scholars) in the country to moderate preaching among Islamic clerics.

    This, he noted, would reduce the use Islam to address perceived wrongs and propagation of political ideas by some preachers.

    Ahmed spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the launch of a book, entitled: Language Skills for Arabic Students, written by Dr Uthman Idrees Kankawi.

    The governor also urged Muslim preachers to harp on the virtues of peaceful coexistence and equity, as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an.

    He said: “Such a body, to be composed of reputable and knowledgeable Islamic scholars, should be saddled with the authority to vet sermons before they are preached in public. Doing so will ensure that our scholars’ sermons are in line with the authentic provisions of the Holy Qur’an, the Hadith and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

    “Such a move will also provide an opportunity to instil in our youths the virtues of peaceful coexistence, love, integrity and equity which, In shaa Allah, will insulate them from fundamentalist preaching through the internet and other sources.

    “Finally, as leaders in our various spheres of influence, all of us here have a sacred responsibility to preach these eternal virtues of peaceful coexistence and equity, as enshrined in the Holy Qur’an, the Hadith and the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) as a counterweight to the increasing stigmatisation of Islam, the religion of peace. We cannot allow the actions of a few to define us as Muslims and shape the perception of Islam, our religion.”

  • Ahmed, Belgore quarrel over Shonga project’s film award

    Ahmed, Belgore quarrel over Shonga project’s film award

    The Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday debunked the claim by the state government and former Governor Bukola Saraki that Shonga Farm in the state won the Agriculture and Green Economics category at this year’s Deauville Green Award in France.

    The party said the claim conflicts with details from the award’s organisers.

    In a statement yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, by Mohammed Dele Belgore’s media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, the party faulted the government’s claim.

    Belgore, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in the 2011 election.

    Ajakaye also dismissed as a sham and diversionary, reports that some of Belgore’s supporters have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The media aide affirmed that some people were paid to disguise as ACN/Belgore supporters to satisfy PDP’s obsession with publicity.

    “We have since discovered that the PDP and its government can go to any length, including concocting mindless lies, to satisfy their obsession for media attention,” he said.

    “When you place the defection story beside the claim by the leader of the ‘defectors’ that they belonged to an MDB Forum, the whole thing falls flat. This is because there is nothing like MDB Forum.

    “But we are not surprised. Just last weekend, the PDP-led government shamelessly issued a statement claiming that a documentary on Shonga Farm had won The Agriculture and Green Economics Category in the 2013 edition of the Deauville Green Award.

    “We have since found out that this claim falls within the series of lies for which this government is notorious. The award, which the film on Shonga won was: ‘the Grand Prix for Best Audio-Visual Environmental Institutional Policy’, not the Grand Prix in the Agriculture and Green Economics, as claimed! And we ask: why this mindless falsehood?”

    The state government and Dr . Saraki, last weekend, issued separate statements celebrating the award, which the government’s spokesman, Dr. Femi Akorede, claimed was a “further validation of Saraki’s unparalleled vision for agro-reform”.

    The government yesterday said the ACN was alarmed at its giant strides, “the latest example of which is the Asteria Grand Prix (award) for A Farm For Africa. This is consigning the party to irrelevance in Kwara State”.

    The Special Asssistant to the Governor on Media and Communications, Dr Muideen Akorede, said: “It will, therefore, stop at nothing to diminish the state government’s achievements, even where these are obvious to all well-meaning Kwarans…

    “I wish to state with all emphasis at my disposal that I received a Grand Prix for A Farm for Africa. It is a documentary film on the revolutionary Shonga Farm project in front of crowd of film producers, government officials and representatives of non-governmental organisations. Clearly, ACN and its leaders are the ones peddling falsehood here.”

    Akorede said the documentary, entitled: A Farm for Africa, won the “Grand Prix Award in the Agriculture and Green Economics”. The film was produced by a British film producer, Matt Reid, and directed by Ed Wardle.

  • Ahmed Musa eyes Russia’s top scorer’s prize

    Ahmed Musa eyes Russia’s top scorer’s prize

    Super Eagles and CSKA Moscow forward, Ahmed Musa, is looking forward to being crowned the top scorer of the Russian Premier League at the end of the current campaign.

    Speaking with the Russian media ahead of today’s tie against Krasnodar in the 21st round of matches, the former Kano Pillars speed star stressed that he is ready to play in any offensive position CSKA Moscow manager Leonid Slutsky needs him.

    ”I like any position the coach puts me. I am an offensive player. And this is important, and the details are not important. From the edge or on the edge – does not matter,” Musa told sport-express.ru.

    At the moment, the CSKA Moscow ace is the second highest goalscorer in the Russian Premier League. He has acknowledged that the race for the goleador award will be difficult.

    ”It is (a tempting target). But my dreaming of this achievement is not new to me because in Nigeria, I was leading scorer in the championship. But I’m happy that I am among the candidates.

    ”I promise I will work hard to keep up the momentum.Let’s see what place I find myself at the end of the season.The competition will be tough,” Musa said.

    It would be recalled that Musa, who is primarily a winger, has flourished in attack in the current campaign, netting 9 goals in 19 matches for the table topping Moscow-based outfit.