The Nation Newspaper

Tag: kwara

  • ‘Pay Kwara civil servants promptly’

    The Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union (IEDPU) has urged Kwara State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed to pay workers.

    It enjoined him to make the conversion of civil servants in cadres more transparent.

    IEDPU’s National President Alhaji AbdulHamid Adi, who spoke in Ilorin as part of activities to mark the 50th conference of the union, warned the government against imposing non-indigenes on the leadership of the state-owned investment company, Harmony Holdings.

    He also cautioned against its involvement in “buying and selling of land.”

    The government has paid salaries of core civil servants up-to-date, but it is yet to pay those in corporations and local governments because of what it identified as consistent drop in revenue allocation to the state.

    Adi said it was against the doctrine of Islam to owe workers.

    He advised the government to put in place modalities that would enhance its capacity to pay civil servants promptly.

    The IEDPU national president said: “We appeal to the government to pay the salary arrears of workers in colleges of education, councils, water corporation, media establishments and others. We advise it to pay salaries promptly. Islam teaches us not to owe workers.”

  • ‘Kwara has N200b infrastructure deficit’

    ‘Kwara has N200b infrastructure deficit’

    Kwara State government has put its infrastructure deficit at N200 billion.

    Bent on bridging the gap, the government is preparing to obtain N20 billion bond for projects.

    The House of Assembly has given the government the go-ahead to access another bond from the capital market.

    It said it had paid off the N17 billion bond obtained in 2009 for infrastructural development.

    In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, said the bond was paid on August 5 last year, following payment to subscribers throughout the bond’s five-year tenure.

    The government said repayment of the N17 billion bond, which was obtained by the Bukola Saraki administration, did not impose any burden on the state’s finances, as the bond maintained an issue rating of A and issuer rating of BBB – which signified the superior credit profile of the government.

    Akorede listed the N17 billion bond projects as Kwara State University, Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre, International Aviation College, remodelling of Ilorin Stadium Complex, phase one of Ilorin Water Reticulation Project, Ilorin Cargo Terminal, as well as urban and rural road and electrification projects.

    Stressing that long term borrowing, such as bond was cheaper and a more reliable means of funding major capital projects, the government said the proposed N20 billion would finance innovative projects, such as the dualisation of Michael Imoudu to Gamo Road, part completion of Kishi Kaiama Road, indoor sports hall of the Ilorin Stadium and the new campuses of Kwara State University at Osi and Ilesha.

    Other proposed projects are secondary school classrooms across the state, equipment for the International Vocational Centre, Ajase Ipo, remodelling of the General Hospital, Oro, as well as cottage hospitals, the state’s counterpart funding for an industrial park, which will generate 3,000 jobs, provision of transformers and take-off of contributory pension scheme, which is a precondition for accessing other infrastructure funds.

    Dr. Akorede noted that the proposed bond was a necessity, given the challenges in the national economy and a huge drop in monthly allocation, which had limited government’s ability to fund infrastructure.

    The media aide assured the public that the Ahmed administration had taken steps not only to ensure that the government could afford the bond repayments without any pressure on its finances, but also that it had reformed its revenue machinery to boost government’s capacity to meet its other obligations to the people.

  • Kwara won’t reduce minimum wage – Ahmed

    Kwara won’t reduce minimum wage – Ahmed

    Governor  Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara says his administration will continue to pay the N18,000 minimum wage inspite of the drop in revenue earnings.

    Ahmed gave the assurance at the inauguration of an auditorium at the Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies, Ilorin.

    “The state government is committed to the security and welfare of its workforce despite the current controversy about the proposed downward review of the minimum wage to workers in Nigeria.

    “I am happy to announce that the state government is still committed to the continued payment of the minimum wage as it is notwithstanding the dwindling monthly allocations from the Federation Account,’’ Ahmed said.

    The state government, he said, was also set to introduce the Contributory Pension Scheme in order to check post retirement pension challenges.

    He said it was becoming increasingly impossible to sustain the present pension model where the state government was solely responsible for workers’ pension.

    The governor described the Contributory Pension Scheme as result-oriented and affordable, saying it would be easy for beneficiaries to invest and get interest on their deposits.

    “It is therefore necessary and in fact beneficial to adopt the more sustainable model of contributory pension in Kwara State,’’ he said.

    The governor, who urged workers in the state to embrace the contributory pension model, said it would be beneficial to them and assist government in the judicious management of scarce resources.

    The Director-General of the institute, Dr John Olarewaju, said the institution had been playing critical role in capacity development of the country’s labour force through various educational programmes.

  • Kwara to spend N56b on infrastructure

    Kwara to spend N56b on infrastructure

    Kwara State government will spend N56 billion on infrastructural development in the 16 local governments next year.

    It said of the amount, it would obtain N20 billion bonds from the capital market.

    Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who spoke at the weekend in Ilorin when addressing stakeholders, said: “The bond is one of the ways we will devise to execute capital projects next year.”

    He urged council chairmen to improve their internally-generated revenue (IGR) to augment the shortfall in the federation account.

    Said Ahmed: “We must look for alternative if we must continue as a government. The dwindling allocation from the federation account is why we have arrears of primary schools’ and local government workers’ salaries.

    “This is why it behoves the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and council chairmen to examine how they spend their money. At the state level, we will endeavour to pay workers according to what accrues to us. Payment of primary schools and council workers lies with the local governments.”

  • Train kills two in Kwara

    A train yesterday killed two drivers in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    The deceased were on queue near a filling station.

    The incident reportedly occurred at a rail line near Sango.

    It was learnt that the train crushed the two drivers as they were attempting to run out of a taxi parked on the rail line.

    An eyewitness said the drivers were crushed inside the cab, while people at the filling station watched helplessly.

    Police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi did not confirm the incident, saying he had not been briefed.

  • Kwara teachers flay salary arrears

    Teachers in primary and junior secondary schools in Kwara State have decried the nonpayment of their salaries for three months by the state government.

    The teachers under the umbrella of ‘Concerned Teachers in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Kwara,’ urged the government to effect the payment of their salaries to enable them meet their financial needs.

    In a statement by their co-ordinator and secretary, Alhaji Bello Isola and Mrs Dorcas Iyanda, the teachers said they are facing hard times.

    “The inability of the state government to pay our salaries has impacted negatively on our obligations to our family as most of us cannot afford to pay our children’s school fees, talk less of paying our house rents,” the statement noted.

    Reacting to their plea, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Media and Communications, Dr Muideen Akorede attributed the difficulty in paying salaries to reduction in allocation to the state.

    “The state government is committed to the welfare of its teeming workforce including the teachers, but the dwindling federation allocations from N2.7billion to N1.2billion has affected so many financial obligations,” he said.

    He noted that a committee of stakeholders is looking into how to distribute the allocation.

    Akorede urged the affected teachers to take it easy with the government as the process of paying their salaries had commenced.

     

  • Firm trains 152 youths in Kwara

    Firm trains 152 youths in Kwara

    A battery manufacturing firm, Forgo based in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has trained no fewer than 152 youth workers.

    The firm said that the trained workers would add value to the Nigerian economy. The company added that it planned to double its strength in the next 12 months.

    Managing Director of the company, Joseph Offorjama said this in Ilorin at the commissioning of Forgo battery assembly facility.

    Mr. Offorjama said the company, with its increased electronic features and security tracking system, would offer quality products that are capable of powering modern automobiles.

    He said, “The general increase in battery demand by automobiles and machines can only be met by a proven and tested battery brand with extreme strength to suit the Nigerian climate.”

    He decried Nigerians’ taste for imported products, adding that “it is disturbing to note that virtually all the batteries being used in Nigeria are all imported due to the challenge that only one company assembles automotive battery in the country; coupled with the preference of Nigerians for imported products.

    “This trend has also contributed to the present downward trend in the economy as we import so many things that could be made here in Nigeria, including automotive batteries.

    “However, due to the recent policies of both federal state governments to encourage local investors, we make bold to say here that this determination has motivated us in a very great measure.

    In a remark, President, Nigeria Automotive Technicians Association (NATA), Michael Omonayin hailed the coming on board of the company.

    He added that based on the of the company’s products, the association had since 2009 signed a memorandum of association with Forgo Battery Nigeria Limited.

    “While we have remained resilient all these years due to unavailability of the customized brand, today’s ceremony to us is a dream come through,” Mr. Omonayin added.

    Commissioning the facility, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed promised to create conducive environment for investments to thrive in the state.

    Said he: “It is my pleasure therefore, to be in your midst today for the commissioning of Forgo Battery Assembly Facility in Ilorin. The product of this company is indeed important.

    “Aside from aiding the access of our people to quality supply of battery, thus promoting private transport businesses, it will also boost the effort of the government in the creation of jobs and engaging more people of our State directly or indirectly.

    “I appreciate your thoughtfulness in establishing this company in Ilorin, Kwara state and assure you that you will harvest good returns on your investment in our state.

    “It is evident that by the establishment of this company here, the management is contributing to our prosperity. I, therefore urge the people of the state to reciprocate through due patronage of the product.

    “In the past, Kwara State was known to be a civil service state. This tag was hinged on the fact that the bulk of the workforce is engaged in the Civil Service. But I am glad to acknowledge that recently the story is changing for the better.

    “It would be recalled that my predecessor commenced the process of weaning the State from this perception. In recent times, a number of companies have been attracted to the state, complementing the efforts of the Kwara state government in providing employment to the people.

    “Prominent among such companies are the Dangote Flour Mills, Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company, Kam Wire Steel Industry, and Cashew Nut Processing Industry, among a host of others.

    “These companies have in their employment, thousands of Kwarans who are making a living through them.

    “I am aware that the product has already made a name and carved a niche for itself for quality and durability. I implore you therefore to make the best use of this opportunity.

    “I cannot but mention the phenomenal efforts of the state government in attracting investors to the state. Following a lull in projects, I assure you that the State government will resume infrastructural development programmes at the end of this month. Key among these projects will include road, power, water and education.

    I, therefore, invite investors to take advantage of these developments and exploit the numerous opportunities that abound in our state.

    Consequently, we have relaxed measures for acquiring land and Certificate of Occupancy and made available other benefits that will encourage investment. Furthermore, all machinery will be in motion to sustain the atmosphere of peace that is a necessary pre-requisite for the upsurge of industries and commercial ventures. I, therefore, urge our industrialists to come over to Kwara state to enjoy the immense benefits available.”

  • Posthumous awards for six in Kwara

    A group under the aegis of Igbomina Ekiti Muslims Forum (IEMF) has honoured six late members of the organisation.

    The award is in recognition of their contributions to the forum which came into existence in the year 1994.

    The dead members that were garlanded in absential include late Abdulsalam A J. Mustapha, Yahaya Abolaji, Engr. Aminusola Isola, Abdulwahab Olayiwola, Jimoh Kayode Alabi and Prof Nasiru Mohammed

    Representatives of the awardees received the awards on their behalf.

    In a remark, President of the IEMF, Alhaji Bashir Bakare said the award was meant to remember and honour the forums past heroes, mentors and leaders for their contributions in the spread of Islam in Igbomina Ekiti land of Kwara state.

    He added that the awardees were great pillars that gave strong support to the forum.

    Said he: “Igbomina Ekiti Muslim Forum is a religious organization that comprises Muslims from five local government areas of Oke-Ero, Ifelodun, Irepodun and Ekiti. The forum was formed in 1994 with the aim of improving the spiritual as well as material wellbeing of the Igbomina Ekiti Muslims. These we have done in various ways.

    “Our other activities include establishment of Arabic school; award of scholarship to indigent students in secondary and tertiary institutions; organizing Tafsir during the month of Ramadan. During this programme, Qurans, hijabs, caps, money, food items and other materials are always distributed to the Muslim Ummah in any town visited; visitation and donation to prison, school for special needs and orphanages

    Other activities include training workshops for imams and mufasirs in Igbomina Ekiti land; organizing interactive sessions with other Islamic organizations on matters bordering on Islam and Muslims particularly child abuse; sponsorship of Dawwah programmes on electronics and print media; conflict resolution and economic empowerment programme for the less privileged.

    “The next empowerment programme comes up before the end of the year. Five people will be given free motorcycles. This is to further enhance their sources of livelihood.”

     

  • Kwara residents lament poor federal roads

    Kwara residents lament poor federal roads

    Nearly all federal government roads in Kwara State are in disrepair. Motorists and commuters have a hard time on them.

    Some of the roads urgently calling for attention include Ajase-Ipo-Offa-Erin-Ile, Olooru-Bode-Saadu-Jebba along Lagos-Kaduna high way, Ilorin-Kabba and Kishi-Kaiama all in Irepodun, Offa, Oyun, Moro and Kaiama local government areas of the state.

    Touched by this unsavoury development, groups under the aegis od Offa Descendants Union (ODU) recently lamented the dilapidated status of the Ajase-Ipo-Offa-Erin-Ile road.

    The road connects Kwara state with Osun state in the South west.

    Secretary General of ODU, Mrs. Wosilate Mccarthy during the 80th anniversary of ODU recently to urge the federal government to release fund for the rehabilitation of the six kilometre road to ameliorate suffering of the vehicle owners plying the road.

    The ODU chieftain, who said that the people were concerned about the present condition of road, added that business owners had suffered loss resulting from damage and destruction of their goods and vehicles, especially during raining season.

    The organisation, which commended efforts of the state government at rehabilitating the road in the past, said that several letters of appeal had been written to the concerned authorities over the nagging problem.

    As if that is not enough, two sons of Offa community who are members of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Prince Saheed Popoola and Alhaji Hassan Oyeleke (plaintiffs) have dragged the federal government and the firm handling the rehabilitation of the road to court for abandonment.

    The name of the company is Preconsmith Construction Limited.

    In their writ of summons filed by their counsel, John W. Irogu averred that the abandonment of the road by the contractor after the collection of substantial part of the contract sum is wrong.

    The plaintiffs have sought for the following reliefs: “A declaration that the said intentional abandonment of the said road has caused the people of the state including the plaintiffs undue hardship since the road has become practically impassable and a declaration that the federal government has failed to use the power of his office to compel the contractor (2nd defendant) to execute the contract upon which a huge sum of money had been received a long time ago or to bring the contractor to book for such failure.

    The lawmakers had also sought for “an order declaring the abandonment of the road by the contractor as illegal and wrongful and an order compelling the construction firm to return to site to complete the road project.

    “In the alternative an order compelling the federal government to use its power to either compel the contractor to execute the contract or bring the company to book for its failure to so execute.”

    Leaders of Bode Saadu community in Moro local government area state have also expressed serious concern over the deplorable condition of Bode Saadu-Jebba road.

    District head of Lanwa community, Alhaji Saad Gambari, said that the road which is the only major road that links northern states of Nigeria with South west, had gone intolerably bad.

    Alhaji Gambari said that many lives are being lost on daily due to poor state of the road, adding that criminal activities were rampant.

    •Bad portion of Bode-Saadu-Jebba road
    •Bad portion of Bode-Saadu-Jebba road

    The road traverses communities of Bode Saadu, Iyana Oloko, Ayekale, Sabo-n-gida, Araro, Lakanla, Kanbi, and Jebba.

    The community leader also appealed to federal government authorities to fix the deplorable road in order to make life bearable for them.

    He said that “the situation of the road is terrible and government has not showed concern to the road despite our frequent request and plea to the federal government. The road is causing a lot of problem to the communities involved like frequent armed robberies. Asthmatic patients that live by the side of the road are also affected by the dust especially during the dry season.

    A number of people have lost their lives as a result of these developments. We are using this period to call on the federal government to come to our rescue as a matter of urgency.”

    The president of Jebba Descendants Union, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulkareem agreed  that Jebba-Bode Saadu road is a federal government road, urged the state government to intervene and give palliative measures that could help the condition of the road.

    Alhaji Abdulkareem said the condition of the road deteriorated three years ago, adding that “a construction firm brought total to the road last year to work on it and to our surprise they could not do anything on the road and they disappeared with their equipment immediately after the general election.”

    The representative of the communities in the state’s House of Assembly, Mathew Okedara,representing Lanwa, Ejidongari constituency, said that he bought grader to grade the road when the condition was becoming unbearable, adding that he had informed Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) both in Ilorin and Abuja office without any response yet.

     

  • Kwara introduces toll-free number

    Kwara State government has introduced a toll-free phone number for enquiries, suggestions and complaints about governance.

    Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Governor Dr. Muyideen Akorede, in a statement yesterday, noted that the toll-free line, 08001000100, was part of government’s efforts to ensure transparency in governance and create a feedback mechanism between it and the people.

    According to the statement, the phone number could be reached between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Friday.

    It urged the public to call the number for enquiries on government services or clarification on issues relating to governance and development of the state, while encouraging them not to lend credence to fallacious accounts of events and fabrications that lack substance.