The Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth leader, Oyinloye Oyelere is dead.

Confirming his death to the FidelinfoNews via a terse statement, the APC spokesperson in the state Alh. Folaranmi Tajudeen Aro said “State youth leader, Oyinloye is dead, may God grant Him eternal rest”.

Details of his internment will be published later.


https://www.fidelinfo.com/2021/03/14/breaking-kwara-apc-youth-leader-dies/

It was a gloomy moment for the former chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Kwara State chapter, Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa as he was walked out of a meeting of APC chairmen in the country held at Barcelona hotel, Abuja last night (Friday).

Bolarinwa who was accompanied to the meeting by Messrs Sunday Oyebiyi, Bolaji LAK Jimoh and a few others were refused audience.

The meeting however recognized the new chairman, Alhaji Samari Abdullahi who received details concerning the forthcoming membership registration on behalf of Kwara chapter.

Bolarinwa had showed up in the meeting to cause a stalemate but the chairman of the APC chairmen forum served him a clear warning.

“Mr. Bolarinwa the decision to remove you subsists and therefore excuse us. The only available window open to you is to write a protest letter. If you don’t leave now, we would apply force”.

Bolarinwa later courted honor when he volunteered to leave without being helped out.



https://naijabreezenews.com.ng/just-in-gloomy-night-apc-chairmen-walked-bolarinwa-out/

The backlog of arrears of local government staff (unpaid) gratuities from 2009 in Kwara State is in the excess of N21bn, Executive Secretary Kwara State Local Government Staff Pension Board Smaila Oyelowo has disclosed. 
 
"The present administration inherited N21,516,812,33 as backlog of gratuities from 2009," Oyelowo disclosed on Monday while testifying before the Retired Justice Mathew Adewara-led panel of inquiry into the alleged diversion of N300m monthly from local government funds in Kwara State. 
 
Oyelowo said the N30m monthly release for gratuities before May 2019 has now been increased to N100m monthly to gradually defray part of the outstanding debts.
 
 "We approached the (new) state government to jerk up money being released for the payment of gratuities and (that) was expressly granted. Now, on monthly basis, we are receiving N100m to settle gratuities. But because of COVID-19 pandemic, we got N60m in June. In July, this has been raised to N100m again,” he told the panel, saying the board was unaware of any deduction of their money.
 
"We only prepare vouchers for the payment of pension for the consultant engaged for its payments while we concentrate on the issues of gratuities. The board does the collection of (details of) new pensioners, upgrades the payroll, and forwards to the consultant for payment.”
 
The Executive Secretary advocated the adoption of contributory pension scheme as a solution to the issue of backlog. 
 
For their parts, Directors of Personnel Management from the five local government areas (Kwara North) testified before the Retired Justice Adewara-led panel and described the alleged diversion of N300m monthly from local government funds as baseless and unfounded. 
 
Tsaduko Muhammad (Baruten), Adeyemi Oyewole (Edu), Hussein Saidu (Kaiama), Adefalu Akande (Patigi), Amuda Musbau (Moro), and some bank managers testified before the panel on Monday. 
 
The panel interrogated the witnesses in respect of payrolls, bank accounts, bank statements, statutory allocation papers, schedules of local government internally generated revenues, and cash books. 
 
Chairman of the panel Justice Mathew Adewara reiterated that the panel was on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the allegations of diversion of local government funds in Kwara State, saying it is not putting anyone on trial. 
 
"As you are aware, this panel was set up by the Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the mandate is to examine all the relevant books (internally generated revenue, federation allocation and how those funds are being used,” he said.
 
"This panel is to probe and find the veracity of the claim that N300m was being diverted by the Kwara State government from the local governments funds. Nobody is on trial. Nobody is being prosecuted. We are only on a fact finding mission. We are to find out the correctness of your books.”



https://tribuneonlineng.com/kwara-gov-inherited-n21bn-backlog-of-lg-gratuities-―-pension-board-scribe/

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved 2019 promotion exercise for all state government workers, including serving deputy directors.

“His Excellency has approved for the Civil Service Commission to organise promotion examinations for the state government workers. This exercise covers all categories of state government workers from Grade Level 07 to 16 and substantive deputy directors in the state civil service,” according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.

“Consequently, the Civil Service Commission is to activate the process which takes full cognisance of the COVID-19 protocols and the need for everyone to stay safe. This exercise, for which the Governor has approved funding, is part of the Governor’s efforts to restore the glory and pride of the civil service. It is an exercise geared towards motivating the civil servants to be at their best at all time.”

The statement said no less than 1,716 state government workers across all the MDAs are to take part in the promotion exercise.




https://affairstv.com/2020/08/19/abdulrazaq-approves-promotion-exercise-for-kwara-civil-servants

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said he is committed to taking steps to secure a brighter future for young people in the state, citing the age demography of his appointees and the size of government projects and programmes that target the youth.

In a message commemorating the International Youth Day on Wednesday, the Governor said the future always belongs to the youth, hence his administration has focused on critical engagement of young people for growth and development.

The theme for the 2020 edition of the IYD is ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action’.

“On this occasion of the International Youth Day (2020), which is commemorated every 12th of August, the Governor fully identifies with young people in Kwara and beyond in their aspiration for a future filled with hope and great possibilities,” according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye.

“The Governor is constantly guided by the need to secure a vantage place for the youth by not just engaging them but also making them a critical voice at the decision making table. This is reflected in not just the choice of most of his appointees but also in signature projects like the recently approved innovation hub and the visual arts centre to create an environment for young people to prosper in a new economy.

“The Governor pledges to deepen engagement with every segment of the state, including the youth constituency which constitutes the largest demography on the African continent and therefore has the highest stake in governance. He believes that more resources should be deployed to enhancing the wellbeing of young people.”

The governor also urged the youths to focus on things that brighten their future while shunning antisocial behaviours or activities such as cultism, drug abuse, and scanty regard for law and order.




https://www.von.gov.ng/governor-abdulrazaq-pledges-to-secure-brighter-future-for-kwara-youths/

The Kwara State Government has lauded the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF for a robust partnership spanning close to three decades to accelerate the State drive to prosperity.

The State Commissioner for Finance and Planning, Mrs Florence Olasumbo Oyeyemi gave the commendation during a training session for selected Monitoring and Evaluation Officers organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Planning in Ilorin, the state capital.

Oyeyemi also commended UNICEF for its unwavering support in ensuring the State has a Monitoring and Evaluation Policy under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and becoming the second State in Northern Nigeria to attain the laudable feat in the process adding that M&E policy is geared towards ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in the implementation of Government projects and policies in the State.

She recalled that UNICEF first made its appearance in the State when Kwara was faced with devastating scourge of Guinea Worm, pointing out that the desease has become a thing of the past as a result of formidable partnership with the Organization.

The Commissioner added that since the Organization's first appearance in the State, it has enjoyed so many supports across sectors in different capacities including; Vitamin 'A' supplement which has greatly reduced Infants and Maternal mortality in the State, other areas, according to her, include Education, Social Protection and support for Effective implementation of Food and Nutrition through Capacity Building for officers.

Oyeyemi commended the organisation for the training of M&E officers describing it as an "addition to the already existing robust partnership with UNICEF" stressing that the State will seek more support from UNICEF especially in the area of Capacity Building on the emerging M&E system in the State.

Earlier, UNICEF Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Kaduna Field Office, Mr. Olanipekun Oluwashola commended the State Government for its political will to Strengthen the M&E system through Capacity Building for Officers stressing that the training is centered on Result Based Management and it will greatly help the State in it planning and programming to achieve effectiveness and efficiency in her activities if the officers make judicious use of the tools at their disposal at the end of the training session.

Also at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance & Planning, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Folounsho, the State Director Planning, Alhaji Issa N. Ibrahim, the State Director M&E, Pastor Oladipo Samuel



https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/08/11/kwara-trains-staffs-on-monitoring-and-evaluation-commends-unicef-for-her-support/

With enormous power and resources at their disposal, governors have so much expectations placed on their shoulders. These range from policy formulations to execution of sustainable projects targeted at improving the lives of citizens.

In the preceding month of June, the Board affirmed that it was a poor outing for most of the helmsmen in a report entitled, NIGERIAN GOVERNORS: Fumbling, wobbling dominate June 2020 performance

The July, 2020 report features the traditional scan of the political space and focuses, this time, on the select few on either side of the performance divide, judging by policy initiatives and execution.

 

1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu —Lagos

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu makes the Top 5 for the month of July, 2020 on account of his commitment to the vision of building a Smart City, principally through urban renewal and rural development.

We acknowledge his pursuit of this vision, despite the COVID-19 pandemic which has preoccupied governments across the world.

We note the progressive work being done on the Ojota, Mile 12, Agege and Lekki-Epe axis of the city.

Though the urban renewal projects have come with attendant hardship, we are, however, convinced that they are necessary sacrifices to ensure better service delivery.

2. Seyi Makinde —Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde earns a Top 5 mention having shown a steady commitment to education, with several remarkable interventions in that sector. These include schools upgrade, and access to free education.

In dealing with the COVID-19 challenge, we admit the clarity of purpose in his efforts to ensure that schools are not just re-opened but that these were done with a clear cut direction, as exemplified in the full year school timetable released for the state.

The responsiveness of the Makinde administration to the challenges faced by some female citizens of the state who were reportedly trafficked to Lebanon caught our attention in July. We note that the timely rescue is exemplary and capable of restoring the confidence of citizens in government.

3. Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman —Kwara

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, makes the top 5 for initiating an intervention programme to lift some of the burdens confronting stakeholders in the educational sector, especially proprietors and teachers in private schools

We acknowledge that his plan to extend grants and interest free loans to private schools is capable of preventing job losses and reviving a sector badly hit by COVID-19. We encourage the governor to fully discharge this plan as the Board shall track and review his performance in that regard.

4. Dapo Abiodun —Ogun

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State scores highly for his commitment to lifting the quality of life in the border towns through road infrastructures which had suffered neglect over the years.

We note the current remedial works in communities bordering Lagos, especially in the Sango, Agbado, Akute, Denro-Ishasi- Ojodu Abidoun axis. It is our belief that the attention given to roads in these and other communities will impact the economy positively as gains are made in man-hour originally lost to traffic, and low productivity.

5. Babagana Zulum —Borno

Governor Babagana Zulum makes a return to top 5 on account of his continuous sacrifice, sometimes at personal risk, to see to the restoration of peace in the insurgency-ravaged state.

We note his courage in undertaking obvious life-threatening trips across the state as he identifies with troubled communities, commissioning projects and leading from the front in efforts to impact the lives of citizens stranded in Internally Displaced Persons camps. We also acknowledge Zulum’s daring attempts at speaking truth to power, and aiming to decisively deal with alleged sabotage and failings of the military in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in the Northeast.

BOTTOM 5

1. Nasir el-Rufai —Kaduna

Governor Nasir el-Rufai gets a mention in the Bottom 5 due largely to the unabated security challenges in the state.

We are disturbed by the continued killings and destruction of property in the Southern part of the state, allegedly by bandits and militias who have proven either too tough or slippery for the government and security agencies to contain.

 

 

While we acknowledge that el-Rufai is largely a Chief Security Officer without powers of coercion, the governor gets our knock for his repeated commentaries that tend to further stoke the crisis and diminish hope, confidence and faith in his administration to effectively deal with the challenge of Southern Kaduna.

2. Udom Emmanuel —Akwa Ibom

Governor Udom Emmanuel gets a Bottom 5 mention over the decision of the Akwa Ibom State Government to breach the accountability process by locking out media men out of state functions on the pretext that some of them had contracted the COVID-19 disease.

While we note the frosty atmosphere existing in the state between the government and media practitioners over claims of lack of transparency in the reportage of COVID-19, it is regrettable that the governor will allow his action to be tainted by unwholesome intentions that query his patriotism and commitment to transparency.

3. Aminu Masari —Katsina

Katsina is, no doubt, a State in turmoil. Reports of killings and abductions have become very rampant, leading the populace to embark on protests over the lack of appropriate action by government and security agencies.

The near free reign of bandits and Governor Aminu Masari’s lack of grip of the challenge earns him several minuses.

We are amazed that despite the presence of various arms of the nation’s security forces in the state, the governor has been unable to manage the situation.

We hold that the prevailing banditry in the state is a reflection of years of mis-governance and the failure of government to consciously connect with its citizens, especially the youth population.

4. Bello Matawalle —Zamfara

Governor Bello Matawalle gets a mention in the Bottom 5 for his prodigal spending of N100 million on a private university in the state, an action we consider not well thought out.

A private university, in our reckoning, is a private business, an investment that should be borne by its promoters. Though the state had argued that it was done to promote education in the state, we reckon that such a gesture could have lifted the sector better if it had been channelled to the many public institutions requiring urgent intervention in upgrade of facilities and faculties.

We are appalled that Governor Matawalle might not have considered that his action could open the floodgates to several other requests from private and religious institutions who maybe tempted to see him as a profligate father Christmas.

5. Okezie Ikpeazu —Abia

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State gets a mention in the Bottom 5 ranking for July 2020 for his unilateral sacking and suspension of three local government council chiefs in the state.

We condemn the sacking of the Chairman of Umenneochi Council, Mathew One, and the indefinite suspension of Aba South and Aba North chairmen, Cherechi Nwogu and Victor Ubani, as tantamount to trampling on the principles of the rule of law, due process and fair hearing in a constitutional democracy.

We are concerned that with such actions, as taken by Governor Ikpeazu, our democracy faces stunted growth, especially as state govenors see local government administrations as mere apendages of their offices.

 

 

Ripples Nigeria



https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/08/10/again-kwara-gov-ranked-3rd-best-in-policy-formulations-and-execution-of-sustainable-projects/

His first one year in office has rightly been adjudged one of the best among first-term governors of Nigeria. His heavy investments in healthcare, road network, provision of potable water, workers’ welfare, his incredibly simple but impactful approach to governance, and his relationship with the masses have earned him accolades from wide and far. But just when many have declared the 2023 race open just a year after the last general election, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara, is instead upping the game to the chagrin of his harshest critics and comfort of the masses.

Over the last four weeks, the Governor has taken steps to not only strengthen the delivery of good governance but to also deepen accountability and transparency and reassure the masses that his administration would do things differently. On top of that is the ripening of the fruit from one of his bold, strategic steps in the health sector: the delivery of 2.3m insecticide nets to combat malaria and tackle maternal death. At $4 per one, the insecticide nets are worth N3.3bn and they came with over 5000 ad-hoc jobs for Kwarans. It is the fruit of the N82m counterpart funds the Governor paid last year for the Global Fund and Partners on malaria campaign. In Nigeria today, Kwara is proudly rated a state with ‘high political commitment’ on matters of public health. Last week, Kwara received N100m grant from the World Bank/NCDC to strengthen its superlative showings in Nigeria’s battle against COVID-19. It is a testament to Kwara’s emerging stature in national ratings.

The good news did not end there. AbdulRazaq’s critics are clearly overwhelmed by his simple but impactful moves to deliver basic amenities to the people. What he claims to have done — water, health, road, workers welfare, and humane leadership — are things ordinary person can attest to. He isn’t building a castle in the air. The tactics of the critics have therefore been to tag him as non-transparent in the management of public resources. When they claimed that palliatives given to the poorest of the people were a fluke, he beckoned on various civic groups to lead the distribution. The rest is history.

A few weeks ago when some persons alleged monthly diversion of N300m local government funds, the Governor had a historical precedent to bare the fang. In 2003/2004 when similar allegations came up, rather than the helmsman rising to the charge, some council chairmen linked to the allegation bit the dust for such derring-do! For AbdulRazaq, however, he chose the path of honour by not only disputing the claim but also officially inviting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the allegation. He urged the House of Assembly to also investigate the claim while also setting up a panel of inquiry to unravel the truth for Kwarans to see.

That is not all. In response to claims that government’s contracts were not commensurate with public funds sunk into them, AbdulRazaq boldly activated a social audit system which enables civic groups and communities to monitor government projects and submit a report upon which further payments to contractors would be based. That is a first in Nigeria. Some persons have sought to deride the process by saying it is a Greek gift and is no substitute for the Freedom of Information Act which is currently before the Kwara State House of Assembly for domestication. They miss the point. The Governor never intended it to be a substitute for the FOI Act. His introduction of it was a rare show of goodwill which points to his sincerity in the service of the people. Under the social audit, the government is committing to giving every necessary document and political support to the public to ensure that projects are properly executed. In any event, those deriding social audit are in a way misconstruing the fact that FOI and social audit seek just one end: transparency and accountability. Neither the FOI nor social audit is an end onto themselves. They are a means to an end: transparency, accountability, and probity.

The government indeed appreciates the attitude of those who have embraced social audit while pushing for the FOI. Such embrace implies that all they want with the FOI is transparency and quality service delivery. Those calling for the rejection of social audit are unwittingly telling the public their interest in the FOI is not to press for accountability but to blackmail the incumbent government. No administration wants to be blackmailed or stampeded.

The push for a new Kwara continues, nonetheless. The Governor has recently empanelled a commission of inquiry to investigate the sale or acquisition of public properties between 1999 and 2019. It is a step to return to Kwarans what belonged to them and send the signal to the past and present occupiers of public office that there would be consequences for bad behaviour. No society grows without regard for law and order.

The Governor’s agenda to build a new economy in Kwara State has also received a major boost as the state Executive Council approved the construction of an information communication technology (ICT) innovation hub and Ilorin Visual Art Centre — both of which are certain to create jobs, expand revenue base, and make the state the go-to place for great things. With film post production works currently being done majorly in Lagos, South Africa and Ghana, the visual arts centre will put Kwara on the map of African cinematography especially the last mile finishing. That brings greater attention to KWASU’s Film (Studies) and Film Production Department and the Malete film studios. PwC estimates that the Nigeria entertainment and music sector compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will hit 10.8 billion dollars by 2023. That sector currently employs one million people annually cutting across location scouting, cinematography, editing, sound design, set design and distribution. That’s the possibility Kwara will be tapping into once the visual arts centre berths.

If there is anything that COVID-19 has taught us, that would be how far-gone or far-behind-time our current work-life style is. Many university degrees today may not earn us jobs in the coming years. So the government’s investment in the ICT hub is to prepare Kwarans for the new economy and a fair opportunity to compete. The pandemic has taught us that the 9-5 job schedule is becoming obsolete; yet 4 in five persons are ill-prepared for the new challenge. With the ICT hub, our young people will learn software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, graphic designs, social media, digital marketing, and a lot more in an atmosphere of beneficial synergy with the private sector. It is designed to prepare the Kwara person for global outsourcing and startup entrepreneurship with emphasis on solving local problems and create values.

The takeaway from all these is that AbdulRazaq is clear-eyed and determined to restoring a Kwara envisioned by its founding fathers: a state that is central to Nigeria not only in its geography but also in what it brings to the table of socioeconomic and human capital development.

·Ajakaye is the CPS to the Governor of Kwara State



https://thenationonlineng.net/kwaras-incredible-march-to-fame-under-abdulrazaq/

Kwara State High Court on Thursday lifted the interim injunction restraining the state government from constructing anything on the civil service clinic land (alias Ile Arugbo) following repeated failure of counsel to the claimant Asa Investment Limited to appear before the court to fully prosecute its case. 
 
The Asa Investment Limited, which is purportedly owned by the late Olusola Saraki, had taken the Kwara State Government to court after the latter reclaimed the land which it said was unlawfully taken over by the firm without any right of occupancy or payment to the owner, the state government. 
 
The court, presided over by Justice Abiodun Adebara, also awarded a penalty of N200,000 each in favour of all the four defendants (Kwara State Governor, Attorney General, House of Assembly, and Bureau of Lands) and another N50,000 to the police on account of the failure of the claimant to allow the case to proceed to hearing on various occasions.
 
Justice Adebara took the decision after the counsel to the claimant Akin Onigbinde SAN again failed to attend the court session on Thursday. Onigbinde instead sent a letter, accompanied with a medical report, saying he was advised to undergo bed rest between 3rd and 10th of August, 2020.
 
After many adjournments at the instance of the claimant, Onigbinde had again on on July 8th  agreed to an adjournment for July 22nd but he later said he could not make the sitting.
 
That led to the adjournment to August 6th which Onigbinde again did not attend allegedly on medical grounds. 
 
Salman Jawondo, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State who appeared for the government, said the claimant was “deliberately wasting the time of the court” and urged Justice Adebara to dismiss the case for lack of diligent prosecution and to award N250,000 penalty each against the claimant and in favour of the defendants.
 
Jawondo, who insisted that Asa Limited was just buying time with the numerous adjournments,  wondered why other counsel to the claimant cannot continue with the case in the absence of Onigbinde.
 
The Police, which is the fifth defendant in the case, aligned with the government’s position that the case should be struck out.
 
The court awarded only N200,000 each in favour of the first four defendants and another N50,000 in favour of the police.
 
Justice Adebara however adjourned the matter to 23rd and 24th of September to allow the claimant’s counsel to continue the case, warning that he would not grant any other adjournment after this.
 
The government had in January reclaimed the land which it said was originally meant for the construction of the civil service secretariat but was unlawfully gifted out to a private firm in 2005 without any payment or certificate of ownership. Asa Investment Limited, which claims ownership of the land, thereafter challenged the action of the government in the court.
 
 



https://affairstv.com/2020/08/06/court-lifts-restriction-order-on-ile-arugbo-awards-penalties-against-asa-investment/

-Tops Kaduna, Enugu in Annual States Viability Index

 

The Economic Confidential has released the Annual States Viability Index ( ASVI) which shows that seven (7) States are insolvent as their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) in 2019 were far below 10% of their receipts from the Federation Account Allocations (FAA) in the same year.

The index carefully and painstakingly computed proved that without the monthly disbursement from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), many states remain unviable, and cannot survive without the federally collected revenue, mostly from the oil sector.

The IGR are generated by states through Pay-As-You-Earn Tax (PAYE), Direct Assessment, Road Taxes and revenues from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA)s.

The IGR of the 36 states of the federation totalled N1.3 trillion in 2019 as compared to N1.1 trillion in 2018, an increase of about N200 billion. The report by the Economic Confidential, an intelligence magazine further indicates that the IGR of Lagos State of N398bn is higher than that of 20 other States put together whose Internally Generated Revenues are extremely low, and poor compared to their allocations from the Federation Account.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja which is not a state but the nation’s capital generated N74bn IGR against N30bn from the Federation Account in the same period.

Lagos State remained steadfast in its number one position in IGR with a total revenue generation of N398bn compared to FAA of N270bn which translate to 147% in the twelve months of 2019. It is followed by Ogun State which generated IGR of N70.92bn compared to FAA of N92bn representing 77%; Rivers with N140bn compared to FAA of N219bn representing 64% and Kwara State with a low receipt from the Federation Account has maintained its impressive IGR by generating N30bn compared to FAA of N80bn representing 38%.

Others with impressive IGR include Kaduna with IGR of N44bn compared to FAA of N129bn representing 35%; Enugu generated N31bn compared to FAA of N103bn representing 29%; Ondo with IGR of N30bn compared to FAA of N103bn representing 29%; Edo with IGR of N29bn compared to FAA of N108bn representing 27%; Anambra with IGR of N26bn compared to FAA of N98bn representing 27% while Cross River State earned N22bn IGR against FAA of N99bn representing 25%.

The ten states with impressive IGR generated N894bn in total, while the remaining 26 states merely generated a total of N440bn in 2019.

The report provides an amazing discovery, as most states have improved their IGR compared to previous years. In 2019 only seven states generated less than 10% IGR compared to 17 states in 2018.

There are seven states that may not survive without the Federation Account due to their extremely poor internal revenue generation of less than 10% compared to their federal allocations. Top on the
Katsina, the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari generated the poorest and lowest IGR compared to its federal allocation in 2019. It realized a meagre N8bn compared to a total of N136bn ‘free money’ received from the Federation Account Allocation (FAA) in 2019 representing 6%. It is followed by Kebbi with IGR of N7.3bn compared to FAA of N100bn representing 7%; Borno N8bn compared to FAA of N121bn representing 7% and Taraba with IGR of N6.5bn compared to N86bn of FAA representing 8%.

Others include Bayelsa, the home state of former President Goodluck Jonathan with IGR of N16bn compared to N176bn of FAA representing 9%; Yobe with IGR of N8.4bn compared to N88bn of FAA representing 9% and Gombe with IGR of N6.8bn compared to N75bn of FAA representing 75% within the period under review.

The poor states with lower IGR may not stay afloat outside the monthly allocations from Federation Account due to lack of initiatives for revenue generation drive coupled with arm-chair governance. Some of the states cannot attract investors due to socio-political and economic crises including insurgency, kidnapping, armed-banditry and herdsmen-farmers clashes.

The Economic Confidential ASVI further showed that only three states in the entire Northern region have IGR above 20% in comparison to their respective allocations from the Federation Account. They are Kwara, Kaduna and Kano States in that order.

Meanwhile, ten states in the South recorded over 20% IGR in 2019. They are Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Enugu, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Cross River and Delta States.
Only Bayelsa is a state with the poorest Internally Generated Revenue of less than 10% compared to their FAA in the South in 2019. The other poorest IGR states are in North-East Yobe, Gombe, Borno and Taraba State and two states from North-West, namely Katsina and Kebbi.

Meanwhile, the IGR of the respective states can improve through aggressive diversification of the economy to productive sectors rather than relying on the monthly Federation Account revenues that largely come from the oil sector.

 

 

Source: Economic Confidential


https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/08/08/kwara-ranked-4th-economic-viable-state-behind-lagos-ogun-rivers/

Last weekend, the Kwara government did the needful. It released the statement of spending on the COVI9-19 from April 1st- June 29th, 2020. It reads N1.5bn. The government explained the sum comprise running costs, purchase of high-end medical equipment, renovation of COVID-19 related facilities, distribution of palliative among other things. But some state-based media outlets got the statement wrong and cast headlines that twisted the story. The damage to the government's image was honestly undeserving.

However, for the sake of the record, Kwara doesn't spend N17.4m daily in the fight against the virus in the state. We owe the right to good and factual news reports.

It is already a bad streak for everyone economically and socially that we can't afford to be adding the menace of fake news to our table of problems. I hope the public takes note and disregards the misinformation while sieving stories that come their way in the coming days. We hold ourselves the duty of spreading true and factual news as patriotic citizens and not reports which undermine public trust and safety, and even sets the public up against some officials or the authorities.

Right on the trail, something similar happened. You could have heard on the radio a comment by a brother, Mr Abideen Opeyemi Olasupo during an appearance on Home Front, a programme on Sobi Fm earlier today where he cast doubts over Kwara's stance on no payment of #47,000 for every COVID-19 test. I am happy to inform you that he made the comment out of fact, which he has since confirmed. The truth is Kwara pays no dime for tests today and the government's website doesn't carry such information. We should kindly note and hold on to the truth.

As the Kwara social media space is getting filled with lots of stories and reports of late, it is expedient to be very careful with consuming information so as not to be misled into forming a wrong judgment. That is what I have rightly learned from the whole recent happenings.

We can imagine all the thoughts we might have had over the reports which have turned out to be untrue. One may have been disappointed, broken, or even feel tricked by the authorities. What is certain is that we got emotionally charged or psychologically disturbed. As such stories are also capable of sowing doubts in our minds regarding COVID-19, it is safe to assume some persons would throw caution in the wind and contract the virus out of disbelief. That is the most dangerous path we could degenerate at this point.

Covid-19 is no respecter of anyone. Doctors, professors, imams, pastors, and many public officials have been sent to the sudden sojourn of no return. Whereas we all owe the debt of death, it'd be unwise to die out of sheer disbelief for what could kill easily. As it stands today, coronavirus is the biggest threat to humanity. We must take to precautions and be wary of consuming fake news from any men and women with a record of insincerity.

It is no coincidence that the World Health Organization identified fake news as a stumbling block to the fight against the virus worldwide. One must be very careful henceforth as people appear more and more desperate to break the news about the virus for every right and wrong reasons. Once bitten, twice shy.

It was a miracle no one made recourse to the N243m cash donation the government claimed to have received and not spending yet because it wasn't appropriated. For someone with an eye for the positives, that is a great piece of news. That points to the reality of an executive government respecting the sanctity of the state assembly. This story put paid to the narrative some persons feed the public that the house bears no power over the state executive in Kwara. That is another thing to note. Aside from showing respect for institutions, it also reveals the AbdulRazaq-led government as one with a thing for probity and accountability.

That would draw me to the recent sack of aides. Over two permanent secretaries of the state ministry and other government officials have been suspended for one form of indiscipline or graft-related offenses with the investigation ongoing. It is a clean break from a rotten civil service and dirty corridors of power Nigerian state governments symbolise. What that means for the common Kwarans is that Governor AbdulRazaq would spare no one blocking or working against the state government's growth vision. Astounding.

You could be surprised such a development never trended. Just like the purchase of the two new Mercedes-Benz ambulances to fortify the efforts against the pandemic in Kwara yesterday. But I am not. We need urgent reflection on the influencers and opinion moulders we follow. Policy and public programme analysis are far beyond having a wide follower base on social media but radiating robust knowledge on topics of discourse. It may, however, interest you that these people do not suffer the required knowledge base but are most sharply divided between emotions and reasoning. To hide such interest or desire which often borders on personal political and group ambitions, they hide under the thick shade of activism. The game is up.

But it is never too late to do good. They need to drop the hatred and malice for the government of the people, they need to come around to push the people-driven agenda conceived by the government to fruition. Simply put; collaboration, not opposition.

The facade is honestly falling off. It is high time the masses took the centre point of advocacy, AbdulRazaq should be given a fair chance as one who was voted and continue to do good by the people of Kwara in the last fourteen months. That doesn't include sycophancy, please. But it would mean putting a stop to spreading fake news on the government and its officials' activities, conjuring spurious allegations bordering on finances, and all other acts capable of damaging all the government's developmental efforts like in the past few days. For God and country.


6th July, 2020.
9: 40 pm.



https://www.thevinereporters.com/2020/07/kwaras-covid-19-fight-and-gale-of-half.html

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a total number of 1,000 ghost workers in the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board.

Speaking with journalists on the achievements of the Ilorin zonal office of the commission in the last 16 months in Ilorin on Thursday, the Zonal Chairman of the antigraft agency, Mr Isyaku Sharu, said that a permanent secretary and a director have been arrested in connection with the alleged offence.

The EFCC boss said that the ghost workers were allegedly smuggled into the payroll of the state SUBEB.

Sharu said that the zone also uncovered alleged diversion of about N159million by the embattled 16 local government chairmen with traces in their personal accounts, adding that some of the council bosses have started making refunds.

“The zone has also made additional cash recovery for the Kwara state government of over N138million from the alleged treasury looters”, he said, recalling that the zone had earlier handed over N374million to the state governor on two occasions.

“The zone has also uncovered alleged diversion of about N750 million from the Light-Up Kwara project of the immediate past government in the state in which N72 million was used in purchasing a property in Guzape area of Abuja”, he said.



https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/06/11/efcc-uncovers-1000-ghost-workers-in-kwara-civil-service/

In an attempt to cushion the effects of lockdown and support business owners, Kwara State Government has released the sum of Three Hundred Million Naira for the State's Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) which targets the poor.

Commissioner for Fnance and Planning, Mrs Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence, disclosed this when she received the KWASSIP Anchor Mohammad Brimah and some members of his team in her office on Monday.

Oyeyemi said the money released for the programme, which is just one of the many people-focus policies of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration, was meant to fund the safety net initiative targeted at the poorest of the poor, including the aged, the widow and others at the lowest wrung of the economy. 

“This is to lift as many people as possible out of the poverty line,” she said, adding that at least N100m would be disbursed this week to roughly 20,000 transport workers in the state as "Òwó Ìsówó in form of soft loan that was designed to lessen the effects of the lockdown on local transporters.

He said the disbursement would soon be extended to other categories of beneficiaries captured under the KWASSIP law.

Brimah, for his part, commended the government for what he called a laudable programme that he asserted would cut down poverty rate, saying that the disbursement of the money would begin later this week.

Brimah said the disbursement would as enumeration continues for other programmes across various coal government areas of the state.

Brimah added that the KWASSIP would do its best to make the programme a huge success for the state as envisaged by the Governor.

KWASSIP, the pivotal social security programme of the AbdulRazaq administration, has four components such as school feeding (Ounje Ofe); conditional cash transfer (Owo Arugbo); trader moni  (Owo Ishowo); and K-Power which seeks to train and empower unskilled people of various age brackets.

The Governor had recently said that the administration would scale down capital projects and overhead costs but would prioritise high-impact projects and social spendings to cater for the masses in the face of dwindling revenue.


Mrs Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence
Hon. Commissioner for Finance and Planning
May 5, 2020.


http://factualtimesng.com/abdulrazaq-releases-n300m-for-kwassip-transporters-to-get-n100m-loan-this-week/

The Kwara state Government under the state's Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) will on Monday commence disbursement of soft loans to transport workers who have been seriously affected by the lockdown aimed at flattening the curve of transmission of COVID-19 in the state.
 
Those who are expected to be captured include motorcycle, tricycle and cab drivers who have been asked to stay at home as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

The Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said that his administration is taking this measures to cushion the effect of the lockdown on the town service transporters whose survival depends on their daily turnovers and have since been stopped from working as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. 

AbdulRazaq noted that the soft loans will be repaid in trickles after the COVID-19 crisis is over.


Fafoluyi Olayinka M. Solace,
S.A, New Media to the Kwara state Governor.



https://www.thevinereporters.com/2020/04/kwara-to-give-transport-workers-soft.html

Mallam Abba Kyari's death, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has generated a  lots of reactions with many believing the Borno born Harvard trained politician to be too strong in the Buhari administration leading to gloats and unguarded utterances over a man who died serving his beloved country. 

The Nigerian public are at liberty to express their views and opinions on the late Chief of Staff based on convictions and emotions which does not represent the true picture of what transpired during the five years he diligently served his nation.

But why do people who have and are still benefiting from the same Government Abba Kyari helped entrenched castigate his person even after death had whisked him away? Do such people have conscience?

Such is the sad situation in Kwara a North Central state as one certain Kayode Ogunlowo, a supposed aide on Domestic Affairs to the Minister of Information and Culture,  Alh. Lai Mohammed who took to his Facebook timeline to troll Kyari's death. 

A Commissioner in Kano state couldn't hide his happiness over Abba Kyari's  death when he equally in a celebratory moment wrote derogatory comments on his Facebook timeline and was before evening sacked by Governor Umar Ganduje for his unguarded remarks on the death of Abba Kyari.

Kayode Ogunlowo is a major beneficiary of this administration and shouldn't be seen making such unguarded remarks on Abba Kyari who played a pivotal role as his benefactor, Alh. Lai Mohammed's return as a Minister and member of the Federal Executive Cabinet. This is highest level of disservice.

Let's be fair to the dead especially one who was a benefactor.


Dr. Abubakar Dan Malami is a medical doctor in Kano.



https://cdn-af.feednews.com/news/detail/0b393a205fbbd414ce6c37ca702c9a56

The outbreak of one of the most deadly diseases in human history has exposed the hypocrisy of some individuals and groups as governments all over the world take drastic measures to contain and mitigate it's spread. Coronavirus, a viral respiratory disorder that is responsible for over 134, 000 recorded deaths was declared a pandemic in February by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This was at a time the novel Coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19 was spreading like a wildfire to other parts of the world.

Nigeria recorded its first case on the 31st of January, unsurprisingly in Lagos, the nation's economic and industrial hub. The virus has since spread to other parts of the country with only a few states having no case thus far as Lagos, Abuja and Kano remain the worst hit cities in Nigeria. 

After Nigeria recorded multiple cases, the organised private sector and corporate offices donated handsomely to the Nigerian government to fight the spread of the highly contagious infection. Kwara recorded its first case on April 6th. 

The state government under the leadership of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has exceeded expectations in the manner it has thus far managed the pandemic. AbdulRazaq led Kwara state government immediately constituted a Technical Committee on COVID-19 charged with the responsibility of addressing all COVID-19 related issues, headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi. The state government relentlessly constituted a Palliative Committee to cushion the effect of the government's decision to restrict movements, having asked people of all ages to stay home so as to stay safe.

Following the government's decision to lockdown, funds were released almost immediately to procure protective equipment such as hand sanitizers, hand gloves, face masks and foodstuffs to be distributed to the poorest of the poor in the state.

The stimulus package provided by the state government is to be distributed to the vulnerable members of the society regardless of their political leanings and affiliations, this includes those who have vilified the Governor's personality and have continuously criticized his administration despite the many mass oriented programs that have impacted positively on the populace.

But where is Kwara's self acclaimed political juggernauts? How have they disappeared into thin air during a time like this when they mostly need them? Where are Lai Mohammed and Gbemisola Saraki our Ministers? 

The total lockdown order by the state government remains the most effective way of curbing the spread of COVID-19 among other ways but it continues to bite hard on ordinary Kwarans whose survival depends on their daily earnings. This is the time the self acclaimed leaders are expected to justify their positions as leaders and help Kwarans during this time of dire need.

The Governor, as the number one citizen in the state, is leading from the front considering the measures he has put in place to ameliorate the sufferings of Kwarans regardless of creed, ethno-religious and political affiliations. What is of topmost priority to the Governor is the wellbeing of his people and safety of health workers who are the ones in the frontline in this fight.

Minister Lai Mohammed and Gbemisola Saraki should as a matter of urgent importance consider making provisions for those they have successfully incited against the Governor, who have been benevolent enough to extend his kind gesture to them. Even if they can't do anything Alh. Lai Mohammed should at least provide palliatives for Sanmora and Oro while Gbemisola Saraki provides for the aged women they sun dried during the Ile-arugbo saga.

Our Ministers shouldn't not only be seen assuming positions of leaders of the party without taking up responsibilities at such a critical time as this.

Leaving those they have continuously incited overtime against the Governor in their respective political wards to themselves at this time is political fraud and deceit. 

The Ministers may not have the wherewithal to provide palliatives for the vulnerable across the state but should be conscious of those in their neighbourhoods who most definitely need support and help at this stage of the lockdown. Afterall, the duo have been holding secret meetings with some party members who have now become their loyalists.

How about Gbemisola Saraki sending stimulus packages to those loyalists in Agbaji and its neighbourhood? Is Lai Mohammed averse to identifying with the poor and the vulnerable and putting smiles on their faces? Why have the duo suddenly disappeared, especially when those they hoodwinked into believing Governor AbdulRahman is running a vindictive government need them most?



Dapo Folayan writes from Oke-Ero.


https://www.operanewsapp.com/ng/en/share/detail?news_id=7414fd130b59fceb65fe53dbc2703304&news_entry_id=s7fa122b200418en_ng&open_type=transcoded&request_id=SEARCH_NEWS_TOP_ae2b2606-520d-41a4-b31b-3dc0b6e2f6ee&from=news

As part of the several proactive measures taken by the state government to curtail the widespread of COVID-19 in the state, the Kwara State Government ably led by Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has started massive distribution of over 100,000 different volumes of "Not for Sale" hand sanitizers across the state.

The distribution started during the weekend across all state-owned hospitals, pharmaceutical shops and others providing essential services in the state. The grassroot distribution to citizens and residents of the state has continued today.

It's essential to note that these sanitizers are free and not to be sold as it is part of the several efforts of Kwara state government to further step up measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state. The sanitizers are not drugs nor vaccine to cure the deadly virus, but to maintain quality personal hygienes not forgetting hand-washing with soap and water as they all remain in there respective home on the directive of the government.

The AbdulRazaq led administration has tidied up distribution plan for further palliatives which will include food items subsequently.

Though, no case of COVID-19 have been reported in Kwara State, the government is putting all measures in place to ensure citizens are safe and Kwara is free from the spread of Coronavirus.



https://www.thevinereporters.com/2020/03/kwara-govt-begins-distribution-of-over.html?m=1

Kwara State Government has imposed a partial lockdown from 6 am on Thursday 26th March 2020 as a preventive measure against the spread of Coronavirus.

State Deputy Governor Mr Kayode Alabi, who announced this at a news briefing, said all motor parks, public transportation including motorcycle, tricycle and taxis are banned from operation effective from Friday morning.

Mr Alabi added that all social gatherings are banned forthwith and that churches and mosques remain closed.

He, however, noted that only food stores and pharmacies are allowed to open at the market, stressing that eateries are only to sell take away to their customers.

All hostels and shopping malls must make provision for temperature checking and hygiene, using infrared handheld thermometers and hand sanitisers. 

The Deputy Governor, who called on residents to remain calm, gave an assurance that security measures are to ensure compliance with the directive and sanctions await anyone caught contravening the rules.

The lock down however is starting tomorrow morning but effective from 6am on Friday to afford people stuck up food and for payment of salary.




https://kwaragist.com/covid-19-kwara-govt-imposes-lockdown/

Statement by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on COVID-19 pandemic

Dear Kwarans:
 
The welfare, security and well-being of all Kwarans are of utmost importance to our administration and, as such, we have embarked on a robust healthcare transformation agenda to give every Kwaran access to better quality and affordable healthcare. 
 
At this moment, however, the world is faced with a viral pandemic caused by coronavirus. Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a new strain of coronavirus to infect humans. It was first detected in China and has now spread around the world, including Nigeria.
 
Currently, we have no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Kwara State. However, as a proactive government, and consistent with our determination to upgrade healthcare infrastructure in Kwara state, I have since approved funding for the construction of an isolation centre at the onset of our administration. Now, the number of cases in Nigeria is increasing, there are a total of 27 confirmed cases. The federal government of Nigeria is leading the fight against coronavirus by taking bold and decisive decisions that will save lives.  In Kwara State, we are following the lead of the Federal government by mobilising all resources available to us to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kwara.
 
Even so, basic preventive measures by individuals and communities remain the most powerful tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As individuals, we are all responsible for the general well-being of fellow Kwarans and should work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
 
1) washing our hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as much as possible daily;
2) avoiding touching our eyes, mouths, and noses;
3) covering our mouths and noses with our bent elbow or tissue when we cough or sneeze;
4) staying more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick and coughing, and wearing a mask if you are ill (especially if coughing) or looking after someone who is ill and coughing;
5) abstaining from handshaking until the threat of this COVID-19 is zero; and
6) avoiding crowded area and minimising any gathering to a maximum of 25.
 
As a community, we must do everything possible to prevent any transmission of COVID-19 by embracing the concept of social distancing and self-isolation. These measures are to prevent anyone that may be infected with COVID-19 from spreading the disease to others. An exponential spread of COVID-19 in our community might be catastrophic because we could have thousands of our citizens sick at the same time.
 
Given the aforementioned and the global health emergency situation, our administration has taken the following difficult but important decisions to protect Kwarans:
 
1)     Closure of all public and private nurseries, primary, secondary and state-owned Tertiary institutions.
2)     Aside from Ministry of health and essential workers, all civil servants are to work from home.
3)     All gatherings of more than 25 people are hereby discouraged until further notice.
 
We need to encourage all Kwarans to get involved in this fight against COVID-19. We believe we will achieve desired results only if and when our people  are properly sensitised on how to protect our communities from the virus.
 
We are determined to continue to make the necessary investments in healthcare to safeguard the lives of our people. A 20-bed high-quality isolation centre has been completed and equipped at Sobi Specialist Hospital and plans are underway to build additional and well-equipped 12-bed intensive care unit at the General Hospital, Ilorin.
 
We have put in place a “COVID-19 Technical Committee” comprising healthcare professionals and officials whose primary responsibility is to assist our administration in combating COVID-19 in Kwara State. This committee is headed by the Deputy Governor. 
 
In addition to the above measures, including the emergency telephone lines already given by the Ministry of Health, you will be receiving regular briefings and bulletins from us on the development.
 
Finally, l wish to reassure all Kwarans of the determination of our administration to prevent, contain, and limit the impact of the pandemic on our people.  
 
God bless Kwara State! God bless Nigeria.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor, Kwara State.
March 22, 2020.





https://businessday.ng/coronavirus/article/coronavirus-kwara-directs-civil-servants-to-work-from-home-sets-up-technical-committee/

The Kwara state Government has directed that a screening exercise be conducted for teachers and all civil servants across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

Teachers affected include those of State Universal Basic Education Board, TSC teachers and teachers working with local government education authorities. The screening exercise is scheduled to take place between Monday, 16 March 2020 and Friday, 20 March 2020.

The physical screening which is expected to take place at local government headquarters across the state will require those who are to be screened to come along with some details according to a statement from the office of the Commissioner for Finance.

Some of those requirements include Staff I.D with PSN, original higher qualification certificates with photocopies, passport photographs.

Others are original letter of appointment and letter of confirmation or appointment with photocopies and evidence of last promotion and bank details with BVN.


Read statement below:



This is to inform the general public that a screening exercise will be conducted in all the 16 local government areas of the state for all SUBEB teachers, TSC teachers and local government workers from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20, 2020.


All the above workers are expected to come along with the following documents:

1. Staff I.D with PSN.
2. Original higher qualification certificates with photocopies.
3. Passport photographs.
4. Original letter of appointment and letter of confirmation or appointment with photocopies.
5. Evidence of last promotion and bank details with BVN.


All workers will be physically screened at the screening points of their respective local government headquarters for effective documentation.

It is worthy to note that this exercise is different from the Human Resources management solutions also approved by the State Executive Council but yet to be deployed.

This screening exercise is however mandated for positive review for prompt implementation of minimum wage.


Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence,
Honourable Commissioner of Finance and Planning, Kwara State.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday handed over a 5000-litre capacity fire fighting truck to the state fire service, a few months after the administration gave two ultra modern skytick fire service technology to the service.

AbdulRazaq praised the service for doing so much to prevent loss of lives and properties in some recent fire outbreaks in the state, saying the administration would continue to equip it and train its staff for optimal service delivery to the people.

“We will continue to invest in your training and your equipment, and this is part of the evidences that we have to invest in your human capacity and equip you to do the job,” the Governor said shortly before handing the key of the 5000-litre vehicle made by Innoson Nigeria

“I know you need more and we will continue to strive to give you more and to make sure that your activities extend to other senatorial districts in the state.”

Kwara State Fire Service Director Waheed Yakub commended the Governor for the gesture, adding that it underscored his love for the people of the state.

“Your Excellency has done so much for us to bring us to where we are today. We can only thank you for your rare commitment to secure people’s lives and properties. We thank you for this new addition to what you have done for us,” Yakub said.

In November, AbdulRazaq handed over 27 vehicles to the Kwara State civil service, including two Hillux vans with modern fire fighting technology, to enhance their movement and service delivery to the people.





https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/03/03/again-abdulrazaq-hands-over-new-fire-fighting-vehicle-to-state-fire-service/

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday received another N263,327,800 funds recovered from some officials of the previous administration, saying the money would go into funding social investment programme.

That brings to roughly N373m the looted funds so far handed to the new administration, although the total recoveries by the Kwara office of the EFCC in the past one year are in excess of N8bn worth of assets and cash. Last year, the EFCC handed over N111m to the state government. 

AbdulRazaq commended the anti-graft body for the recovery and the handing over of the looted funds.

"We are quite exited for getting this money. This is a huge amount of money to be released to us at this time. It is mind-boggling that the situation has come to this,” AbdulRazaq said at the brief ceremony where the EFCC Ilorin Zonal head Isyaku Sharu handed the cash to the Governor.

"Anytime arrest is made, some persons would rain abuses on the EFCC and even the state government but the money keeps coming in. Yet they claim nothing was stolen.

"We thank the EFCC. So far, we have got over N300m and it is a continuous exercise. On our part, we will be judicious in utilising the fund. We will always remember that one day, we will leave this position we are today and we will be made accountable too. That is why we have to be responsible in what we do now."

AbdulRazaq said the over N111m earlier recovered and released to the state formed the seed money for the social security programme now underway for the benefits of the poorest of the poor in Kwara.

"The presence of the EFCC here makes everybody to sit up and being responsible and brought about change in perception, dynamism and thinking of the civil service and the entire citizens. We must all come together to kill corruption,” he said.

AbdulRazaq also said Kwara is currently paying N35m monthly to the Federal Government because the former administration collected N2bn loan for small businesses but mismanaged the money. 

Sharu, speaking earlier, said the latest recoveries were majorly from the money looted from the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) and local government fund by some former government officials. 

"These alleged looters siphoned from Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) and 16 local government areas," Sharu said.

"About five billion naira was allegedly siphoned from KWIRS and shared in the ratio of 30/70 by some notable individuals in the state through their cronies," Sharu announced.

He noted that the Zonal Office has secured 48 convictions and recovered at least N8.5bn worth of assets and money.

"The mandate given to us to conduct a holistic and all-inclusive cleanup of over two decades barefaced fraud and pen robbery on the good people of the zone is achieved. This is evident from the overwhelming success achieved in terms of convictions and recovery of assets," Sharu added.

 





https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/03/03/abdulrazaq-receives-another-n263m-looted-funds-from-efcc-says-money-to-go-into-safety-net-for-the-poor/

Kwara State Government has described as fake the purported ongoing sale of forms of the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), warning members of the public not to fall for the fraud.

“The Home Grown School Feeding form for food vendors has not been released. And when it is eventually released, His Excellency the Governor has directed that it should be given to all prospective vendors free as a way of supporting the poorest of the people in the society,” HGSFP Focal Person in Kwara State Hajiah Bashirah AbdulRazaq said in a statement.

“We therefore call on Kwarans to disregard the purported sale of the form. It is fake. The government will soon start distributing free forms to all prospective vendors and such forms shall have various security features.”



https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/02/29/dont-buy-school-feeding-forms-kwara-gov-tells-vendors/

Kwara State has received a net total sum of N3,255,019,095:98 (three billion, two hundred and fifty five million, nine thousand, ninety five naira and ninety eight kobo) for the month of February, a statement said at the weekend.

The tally includes N2,286,737,054:07 (net) statutory revenue allocation (SRA); N958,364,447:96 value added tax (VAT); N5,783,677:33 (exchange gain); and N4,133,916:62 excess bank charges — totalling N3,255,019,095:98, according to the statement by Finance and Planning Commissioner Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence.

The N3.2bn excludes the N610,762,826:72 deductions by the Federal government for various loans inherited by the administration.

For the month, the state government spent N2,368,021,322.69 on salary, pension and gratuities; and N302,926, 219.91 on running costs across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) — totalling N2,670,947,542.6.

The statement also put the total February allocation for the entire local government areas of Kwara at N2,461,583,280:22 (two billion, four hundred and sixty one, five hundred and eighty three thousand, two hundred and eighty naira, twenty two kobo).

The breakdowns are N1,911,097,577:32 (SRA); N543,944,377:44 (VAT); N3,814,727:24 (Exchange Gain); and N2,726,598:22 (Excess Bank Charges), according to the state.

While the entire local government areas got a total net allocation of N2,461,583,280:22, they spent N2,610,550,422.13 on salaries and other workers' obligations for the month, with the shortfall of N148,967,141.91 (or 6.05%) sourced from their entire IGR (N94,544,870.07) and another N54,422,271.84 from their reserve.



https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/02/29/kwara-gets-n3-2bn-for-february/

Ex-Kwara state information Comrade Ben Duntoye and scores of others yesterday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.

The event took place at Okerimi Oro in Irepodun local government council area of the state and was attended by the leaders of the APC in the state. Those in attendance at the event includes Kwara South Senatorial Chairman of APC Olayemi Olabanji, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the state Governor, Princess  Bukola Babalola, members of the House of Assembly representing Irepodun Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Tayo Awodiji and Hon.Owolabi Olatunde Rasaq representing Share/Oke Ode Constituency among others.



Addressing the crowd at the event, Comrade Duntoye said that “ordinarily, we are not people who jump from one party to another but after a critical review of this administration and with the obvious steady growth and development being experienced from this progressive and people oriented administration, we are left with no other choice than to dump the PDP for APC in the state so as to join hands with the state Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq to move the state forward in the interest of Kwarans. Our ideology has always been Kwara first.

“There is no controversy that the style of Governor AdulRazaq administration is less talk but characterised with plenty work which Kwarans appreciate.”



Duntoye who was a commissioner under the then Governor Bukola Saraki, added “the APC as a party has brought a new paradigm shift in the governance of the state which hitherto has endeared many residents of the state from road infrastructure, education, health and a lot of other initiatives that will take Kwara state to the next level.”

Duntoye added that “Governor Abdulrasaq’s sterling leadership being exhibited since he assumed office is worth commendation and this has prompted him to put a programme that would go a long way to bring a better lease of life to the people of the state and also to reduce unemployment among youths, the aged, women  through its Social Investment Programme bill recently passed into law by the state house of assembly”.

He promised the leadership of his new party loyalty and positive contributions that would move the APC and the progressives forward.

He added that, the governor will use his wealth of experience in the private sector to bring his local and international contacts to open up the state by introducing initiatives that will attract foreign direct investment and funding to the State.

Also addressing the gathering Mr. Olabanji described  Comrade Duntoye and other decampees as great political asset to the state, advising them to work more for the upliftment of the party in the state.

He also called on them to see the party as their home by always striving harder to be part of the success story of the party.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess  Babalola commended Duntoye and others for taking the stand to dump PDP for APC in the state.

She called on them to be up and doing so as to ensure the growth of the party in the state.

Babalola enumerated various ongoing projects of the Governor across the 16 local government areas, assured that, the present administration would continue to embark on more meaningful developmental projects that would add value to the socio-economic growth of the state.





https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/02/27/kwara-pdp-suffers-major-setback-as-ex-kwara-commissioner-others-defect-to-apc/

Kwara State Government on Friday handed new Toyota Hillux vans to security agencies in the state as part of its multi-prong approach to further secure the lives and properties of the people.

This comes barely two weeks after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called a security dialogue that drew participants from various sectors and interest groups across Kwara State.



The government said the vehicles were meant to re-energise the Operation Harmony, a state-driven initiative comprising the security agencies in Kwara State.

"When this government came on board, Operation Harmony was in a shocking condition, but I am thrilled by the zeal of His Excellency the Governor to bring the outfit back to live. It all started with the regular payment of subvention and provision of logistics to the outfit since inception of this administration,” Prof Mamman Jibril Saba said when he handed over the keys of the vehicles to the security chiefs in the state.



"We are however hopeful that the distribution of these vehicles will enhance effective and efficient discharge of your duties. I urge you to maintain and make good use of them in order to serve the desired purpose.”

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the gesture underpins the Governor's efforts to checkmate crime and strengthen security in the state.

“I say a big thank you to His Excellency. I want to use this opportunity to assure the Governor and the government of Kwara State that these operational vehicles that we are receiving today will be put into optimal use to combat crimes in the state,” he said.

Egbetokun spoke on behalf of other security chiefs who attended the brief event in Government House in Ilorin, the state capital.


https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/02/21/kwara-gives-new-operational-vehicles-to-security-agencies/

Top leaders of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State on Tuesday pledged their loyalty to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq whose leadership style, humility and attachment to the poor they described as a breath of fresh air.

 

The PDP leaders, who also comprised at least six suspended council chairmen, women and several youth leaders, spoke late Tuesday when they visited AbdulRazaq in Government House in Ilorin, the state capital.

 

“We can see a difference and people can feel that they have a government. The situation has changed in the area of road construction, water, health. You have also brought unmatched humility to governance,” Obalola Suleiman, a top PDP chieftain from Ifelodun local government area, said at the meeting.

 

“You have started very well and our people are happy. We urge you to continue along that path. We are willing to work with you for the overall interest of our state.”

 

Ben Duntoye, a former commissioner and PDP chieftain from Irepodun local government area of the state, aligned with Obalola.

 

“You are a silent achiever. We can see things for ourselves and we want to be a part of this success story. We can see that you are doing more work than talk. This is evident in our various communities,” Duntoye said.



 

Yahya Yinusa, a prominent PDP chieftain from Kwara North popularly called ‘Bulldozer’, also commended AbdulRazaq’s leadership and said the next few months would record influx of thousands of opposition figures into the ruling APC on account of the Governor’s sterling effort to reposition Kwara.

 

“I am not surprised at the positive turn of things in Kwara. We were in CPC together and I can tell the great roles you played in assisting many of us who were contesting at the time. Your work is really speaking for you,” Yinusa said.

 

Garba Labaka, suspended chairman of Ifelodun local government area, commended the Governor for his “unrivalled tolerance and political maturity”, saying the Governor has neither stopped their salary nor subjected them to harassment as was the case in some other states.

 

“This clearly sets you apart as a great leader. We are very grateful to you for your tolerance and large-heartedness,” he said, adding that he has the mandate of all his colleagues to thank the Governor as well as appeal to him to return them to office.

 

Bilikisu Sanni, a retired permanent secretary and PDP chieftain, said the Governor has made history as the most gender friendly leader in the history of the state.

 

“We will continue to be grateful to you for this singular honour you’ve done to us as women. You have also changed the face of governance. It’s an entirely new pleasant experience for the people of Kwara a State,” she said.

 

AbdulRazaq, for his part, commended the opposition leaders for the visit and said he sees everyone as critical stakeholders for a greater Kwara.

 

“The situation we have found ourselves in Kwara is such that all hands must be on deck to move the state forward. We need everybody on board in this task. That is why I treat everyone as fellow Kwaran. From the civil service to other sectors, my concern has been how to stabilise our state for posterity,” he said.

 

AbdulRazaq explained his various interventions in the health and education sectors, water, road, as well as his upcoming efforts to tackle poverty and grow the economy through social investment programmes and health insurance scheme, drawing applause from members of the opposition.

 

The meeting was attended by top government officials and politicians including Senior Adviser and Counsellor Kale Belgore; Special Adviser (Political) Saadu Salau; Special Adviser (Special Duties) Yinka Aluko; and Senator Suleiman Ajadi.



https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/02/17/pdp-leaders-in-kwara-state-pledge-loyalty-to-governor-abdulrazaq/

The Kwara State Commissioner of Finance and Planning, Mrs. Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence has instructed Kwara Civil Servants to immediately open account with commercial banks in order to ease the payment of their salaries.


The Honorable Commissioner made the call today while speaking to journalist in her office on the issues surrounding welfare of civil servants in the state and the Governor's resolute plans to improve the socio-economic conditions of Kwarans.


She stressed the need for civil servants to as a matter of urgency consider opening accounts with commercial banks in order to fast track monthly payment of salary and avoid technical errors which could cause unnecessary delay in getting their entitlements as at when due.

"All Kwara state civil servants are mandated to open salary account with commercial banks between 5th - 18th of February, 2020 for the purpose of salary payments, as payment will no longer be made to any Microfinance bank account moving forward" she emphasized.


This, according to the Finance Commissioner is in line with the agreements in place as negotiations on the payment of the new minimum wage reached an advance stage.





https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/02/04/kwara-govt-issues-new-directive-on-salary-payment/

The Kwara State Government has assured civil servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state of its sincere commitment to start the payment of the new minimum wage soon.


The State Commissioner of Finance and Planning, Mrs. Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence made the disclosure today while featuring on a Sobi FM breakfast program tagged Rebirth Half Hour, where she addressed topical issues that have to do with the socioeconomic developments of the state.


She maintained that the State Government has agreed to pay the new 30,000 Minimum Wage, while talks are rightly ongoing on the negotiations of consequential adjustments, she affirmed that the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq prioritizes the welfare of civil servants and is committed to ensuring a better life for all Kwarans without any parochial considerations.


"We need to commend the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for his unflinching commitment, transparency, accountability and supports for the tripartite committee towards fast tracking the prompt implementation and payment of the new Minimum Wage. We're assuring members of the public, especially concerned persons in Ministries, Departments and Agencies that very soon, the payment would start,” she added.


Also speaking on the debts inherited from the erstwhile government, Mrs. Oyeyemi lamented that the shortfalls cut across different sectors of the economy, while assuring that modalities are being put in place to offset and pay up the debts. She also re-emphasized that local governments in the state since June 1, 2019 controls their funds as Kwara is NFIU compliant.

The Commissioner noted that the new government ably led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has not taken any loan but taking thoughtful actions judiciously despite the paucity of funds. She said the last administration's undisclosed debt has now reflected in our risen debt profile.


On the 2020 Appropriation law, she noted that “It is a budget of reconstruction and reformation which was designed to uplift people from hardship and penury and proffer everlasting panacea to infrastructural deficits through critical infrastructure and human capital development “


During the program, audiences who phoned in commended the state Governor for his undying efforts towards rebuilding and restructuring the state despite the number of incalculable ills they inherited, imploring the committee to fast track the processes so that the economy of the state could be revamped and life could subsequently be bearable for all.





https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/02/01/kwara-govt-agrees-to-pay-minimum-wage/

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday assented to the 2020 appropriation bill, saying the document was designed to truly rebuild the state in a manner that uplifts people from poverty and addresses infrastructural deficit.

AbdulRazaq commended the House of Assembly for the thorough scrutiny of the budget proposal and for its speedy passage, recalling how he had told some members of the executive that the lawmakers were empowered to make input into the budget because they are the direct representatives of the people.

In the assented budget, the capital expenditure was reviewed to 55.04percent, up from 53 percent the Governor had presented on December 18. The parliament also cut the recurrent expenditure to 44.96 percent, further down from 47 percent in the original copy. Overall, the budget increased by N476m in favour of capital expenditure.

The total budget figure is N162. 487,666,170. The capital component of the budget – at 55 percent – is about the highest in the recent history of Kwara State.

“This is not a rubber stamp budget. I know what is in it and I agree with it in totality. I know there are changes but I agree with it because as representatives of the people, you’re closer to the people and can make input into the budget. It’s all for the good of our people,” the Governor said shortly after signing the budget.

Apart from various budgets which he said would drive socioeconomic and infrastructural growth, AbdulRazaq said provisions were deliberately made to lift as many people as possible out of extreme poverty.

He specifically commended the lawmakers for approving the Social Investment Programme Bill which he had since assented and for making further provisions for it in the 2020 budget “for the benefit of the poorest of the poor in our society.”

“It is a programme that will help the poorest of the poor and increase our GDP. We also intend to commence the School Feeding Programme this year. So many other programmes and projects have been captured in the budget to benefit the people. This is indeed a budget for the people of Kwara State,” the Governor added.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly Salihu Danladi Yakubu said the budget was thoroughly scrutinised by the lawmakers before its passage on Wednesday.

“Members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials who spoke during the budget defence could testify to the fact that the 2020 budget was thoroughly scrutinised,” he said.

“It is a budget of reformation and reconstruction because there are critical sectors which were adequately provided for like water, health, education, agriculture, and works with very substantial capital votes. It is a budget of hope.”

Yakubu said the Assembly would carry out adequate oversight functions to ensure proper implementation of the budget.

Top government officials at the budget signing included Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; principal officers and members of the House of Assembly; Head of Service Modupe Oluwole; Chief of Staff Aminu Logun; Government House, Commissioner for Finance and Planning Olasumbo Florence; Clerk of the House Halimah Kperogi; and the Acting Accountant General of the State Dr Kayode Waheed.




https://www.fidelinfo.com/2020/01/31/kwara-gov-signs-2020-budget-to-drive-growth-fight-poverty/