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Tag: Ahmed

  • Ahmed calls for state of emergency on drugs

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on drug and substance abuse.

    He spoke when the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharmacist Ahmed Yakassi, visited him at the Government House in Ilorin.

    According to him, the country is challenged with increased crime, such as kidnapping, robbery, cultism and insurgency, largely induced by drug abuse, usually among youths.

    He said the right steps must be taken by governments at all levels towards curbing drug abuse which is spreading across all strata of society.

    The governor noted that drug abuse goes hand-in-hand with violence, stressing that the most theatres of violence and crime in the world have associated problems of drugs and substance abuse.

    Ahmed advocated a tripartite arrangement between governments, regulatory authorities and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to form platforms to dissuade youths from drug abuse, especially the misuse of over-the-counter and prescription drugs

    He said: “The level at which our youths have imbibed drug abuse is becoming alarming – at the basic education, secondary and tertiary level, it is a very serious situation.

    “It will require all hands to be on deck. Everybody must be involved in advocacy to ensure that all areas which contribute to the use of drugs are properly handled to give us a better society.”

    He promised that the government will improve and compliment the number of PSN in the state, and ensure proper drug dispensation to users. Yakassai said their association was engaged in fighting fake and counterfeit drugs in the country, to ensure sanity in drug administration.

     

  • Ahmed signs bill stopping pension for serving ex-governors

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has signed into law, an amendment bill stopping the payment of pensions to former governors and deputy governors whenever they hold a public or political office.

    The House of Assembly recently passed the bill, following the consideration of a report by the House Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

    With the law, former governors and their deputies shall not be entitled to pension and other benefits whenever they hold a political or public office,” a statement by his media aide, Muyideen Akorede, said.

    The governor also assented to the Ilorin Township (Prohibition against the Production, Sale and Consumption of Liquor in Certain Areas) Law, 2018.

    Under the law, no person will be allowed to produce, sell, store or openly consume alcohol within specified areas in the metropolis.

    Any person who contravenes the law shall be guilty and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six month or both.

  • Ahmed vows to strengthen councils

    Ahmed vows to strengthen councils

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has promised to strengthen local government areas for revenue growth to enable them carry out their responsibilities.

    He spoke when the Council of Chairmen from Kwara South, led by the chairman of Oyun Local Government Area, Joshua Omokanye, visited him at the Government House.

    Omokanye also chairs the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

    The governor, who said the days of reliance on federal funds are gone, added that the government will soon give staffs of office to traditional rulers upgraded last year.

    Ahmed reiterated the need for councils to improve their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by partnering Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).

    He said: “I will continue to work with you to ensure that capital expenditure is synergised with the state’s expenditure so that you can take advantage of what we are doing in Human Capital Development, Infrastructure and driving the economy”.

    Omokanye lauded the governor’s efforts in creating a sustainable model in the state’s finances, and requested the presentation of staff of office to upgraded traditional rulers in their areas of domain.

  • Ahmed promises 90 per cent budget implementation

    Ahmed promises 90 per cent budget implementation

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has promised that his administration remains resolute in achieving over 80 per cent budget implementation on capital projects.

    Ahmed, who spoke while inspecting ongoing projects in Ilorin yesterday, reaffirmed the government’s determination to bridge infrastructure deficit in the state.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said: “The administration achieved 70 per cent budget implementation last year and we are determined to achieve between 80 and 90 per cent this year.”

    He explained that infrastructure is key in facilitating socio-economic development, and promised that the government would not relevant in providing critical infrastructure for the development of Kwara State.

    The governor has commiserated with the Emir of Ilorin, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), families and friends, on the death of Justice Saka Yusuf.

    The deceased was the state’s former chief judge.

    A statement by Oba described Justice Yusuf’s death as the exit of a fearless but God-fearing legendary legal luminary.

    The statement reads: “The late Justice Saka contributed his quota to the state and humanity within the opportunities available to him as a Chief Judge of the state and former National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). No doubt, the exit of this legal icon will be missed by his family in particular and the state in general.”

    Ahmed prayed God to grant the deceased rest and the families, friends and the entire Emirate the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Ahmed pledges to release fund for projects

    Ahmed pledges to release fund for projects

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has assured contractors handling projects of prompt release of funds through the Kwara Infrastructure Development Fund (IF-K).

    Ahmed, who gave the assurance yesterday in Ilorin while inspecting the 9 kilometres Kulende junction-Sango-UITH-Oke-ose road, said IF-K is a sustainable funding window for all capital projects and it guarantees timely release of funds.

    He reassured Kwarans that all ongoing projects would be completed before his tenure ends.

    The governor also expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done and hoped it would be delivered on scheduled.

    The consultant in charge, Kola Shittu said the project is 45 per cent completed, adding that it would be ready by October.

     

  • Ahmed: I’m not returning to PDP

    Ahmed: I’m not returning to PDP

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has debunked claims that he is planning to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A statement yesterday by his media aide, Muyideen Akorede, said the governor, Senate President Bukola Saraki and other political leaders in Kwara State have no reason to return to the PDP, or join any other party, unless pressured by supporters.

    Ahmed clarified that the insinuations, which emerged from his recent interview, did not suggest he was planning to leave; rather, he was stating the conditions under which he and other stakeholders left the PDP.

    The governor emphasised that he, Saraki and other governors left the PDP due to impunity, disregard for the rule of law and lack of inclusiveness.

    He reiterated that they are committed to the APC and have no intention of defecting.

    Ahmed urged those commenting on the matter to read the interview properly rather than relying on social media headlines and insinuations to draw uninformed conclusions.

    Chieftains of the APC in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State have dismissed insinuations of their planned defection to the PDP.

    A member of the party recently said the APC leaders defected to the PDP for alleged marginalisation.

    A statement by a member of the party caucus, Idris Buko, thanked the leaders for giving them what were due to them, saying “as a party faithful, we say with all sense of modesty that we are not marginalised”.

    The statement reads: “To set the records straight, at no time or forum was the issue of leaving APC discussed.

    “However, it’s pertinent to state here that the author of the publication is a card-carrying member of PDP, and it is incontrovertible that he participated in the elections as a member of PDP; the records are there

    “It’s laughable for a non-party member, who we learnt has been commissioned to destabilise our party, to come up with the theory of defection. We were not surprised he went to town with concocted falsehood to seek unavailable attention and relevance in APC.

    “The Baruten chapter of our party is proud of our leaders, both at the National and State levels, for their contributions to the success and growth of our party in the state.

    “We, therefore, call on party members and supporters at home and in Diaspora, to disregard Samari Abdullah’s self delusion of getting attention from the party hierarchy as a dream, as we remain loyal to the APC.”

  • Ahmed seeks enforcement of poultry importation ban

    Ahmed seeks enforcement of poultry importation ban

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has called for stronger enforcement of the ban on poultry products.

    Ahmed, who spoke at a-one day seminar on “Impact of smuggled poultry products on the Economy and Health of Nigerians”, organised by the Poultry Association of Nigeria, said the poultry sector is currently responsible for 25 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    According to him, the sector has the potential to create employment for five million Nigerians.

    He said: “However, the industry is still faced with many challenges, which include but not limited to unfair competition from imported frozen meat, including chicken and turkey.

    “Imported frozen meat is said to account for over $2.5 billion in foreign exchange and a loss of more than one million job opportunities annually. The net impact of this is the gradual emasculation of local businesses, resulting in unemployment and stunted growth.

    “While the issues highlighted demonstrate the urgent need to stem the importation of frozen poultry to protect and promote Nigeria’s poultry sector, environmental and health implications of imported meat are no less grave.

    “Given these economic, social and environmental costs of importing meat, I call for stronger enforcement of the ban on importation of poultry products into the country to protect the health of our citizens and boost our economy.”

    The association’s National President, Ezekiel Ibrahim said about 3.9 million metric tons of poultry products were smuggled into Nigeria between 2014 and 2017.

    The association urged the Federal Government not to lift the ban on the importation of poultry products.

    Ibrahim said the consumption of smuggled poultry products had increased terminal ailments among the people.

    His words: “Over the last 15 years, the industry has had mixed fortunes in terms of development. While the industry has grown immensely over this period, it has also witnessed great challenges like the continued smuggling of frozen products into the country, outbreak of Avian Influenza and high cost and scarcity of maize and soya-beans.”

  • Ahmed promises good policies

    Ahmed promises good policies

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has promised to be more aggressive and people-centred in the pursuit of his policy of inclusiveness and shared prosperity in the New Year.

    In a New Year message by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor thanked the people for their faith and commitment to peace, growth and development. He promised to rededicate himself to collective prosperity.

    The statement reads: “I’m determined and irreversibly committed to completing ongoing projects and providing equitable dividends of democracy, infrastructural development across the state.”

  • Ahmed, Saraki for Quranic competition

    Ahmed, Saraki for Quranic competition

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Sulu Gambari are expected at the finals of the state’s quranic competition.

    The competition holds between today and tomorrow at the stadium complex.

    Chairman of Kwara State Arabic Board Dr. Abdulkadir Juma’ Al-Salman is the chief host; the co-host is the Danmadami of Ilorin and chair of State Quranic Committee, Alhaji Sheu Abdulgafar.

    Committee spokesperson Alhaji Nuhu Isa said the proprietor of Baraje Centre for Arabic and Islamic studies, Abubakar Baraje and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Netherlands, Dr. Nimatallahi Akanbi, would chair the occasion.

    A Sharia court Khadi, Justice AbdulLateef Kamaldeen, is the guest lecturer.

    The finals would produce the state’s representatives for the national contest in Katsina State on February 2 and 11.

  • Ahmed calls for prayers at Xmas

    Ahmed calls for prayers at Xmas

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has congratulated Christians in the state at Christmas and urged Nigerians to pray for a more speedy and sustainable economic recovery.

    In a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor noted that the occasion calls for sober reflection on individual contribution towards growth and development of the country, saying Christians should use the period to pray for the country’s leadership.

    He urged Nigerians to pray for peace and harmony.