Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has described workers in the state as dependable allies in entrenching good governance and efficient service delivery.
The Governor, in his May Day message to the workers signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said workers remain indispensable companions in his administration’s quest to building a prosperous Kwara for all.
He said the government could not have achieved remarkable achievements in various sectors of the economy without the contributions and support of the workforce.
Governor Ahmed, who congratulated the workers on the occasion of May Day, assured them that the present administration would continue to prioritise their welfare through improved working condition with a view to enhancing their productivity.
He reassured the workers that his government would not renege in prompt payment of salaries and other benefits despite the prevailing economic realities.
According to the governor, “the state government facilitated a N4b loan for the 16 Local Governments in the State to offset part of their salary arrears owed their staff because it regards the councils as integral part of the State and shall continue to support all workers in the state”.
“Workers are the engine room of any government that must be cherished and partnered with for positive results at all times. Any government that undermines the capability of workers at any given point in time, is preparing to fail”, Dr Ahmed said.
While the Governor promised to complete ongoing secretariat complex on schedule, he urged workers to sustain their loyalty, dedication to duty and efficient service delivery in order to build a virile civil service and move the state to the next level.
SOLAR ENERGY DRIVE
Governor Ahmed has advocated effective solar energy drive as an alternative source of energy to meet local needs, create wealth as well as guarantee green economy.
Governor Ahmed made the call this weekend at the graduation of first set of trainees on full scholarship programme in Solar Photovoltaic Technology, Installation and Entrepreneurship sponsored by Riccofortezza-Asteven Energy Limited at the International Vocational, Technical, and College, Ajase-Ipo.
The governor noted that opportunities inherent in green economy are huge and immeasurable which could be harnessed and converted to energy for proper use to create wealth and drive industrialisation.
According to him, “in green energy lies the future of Nigeria for abundant opportunities rather than relying on limited source of energy”.
Governor Ahmed also stressed the need for improved power infrastructure in order to create jobs and ensure economic growth.
The governor who congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of their training urged them to make judicious use of the training and one million naira worth of start-up equipment to empower themselves and contribute to the economy.
He assured the youth that the government would continue to create enabling environment and make funds available to jump start businesses and make them job creators rather than job seekers.
In his address, the Chairman, Asteven Renewable Energy, Dr Sunny Akpoyibo congratulated the 25 graduands for developing interest in green economy and charged them to exploit opportunities therein to become entrepreneurs.
Dr Akpoyibo thanked the state government for the opportunity to extend his company’s corporate social responsibility to the state.
Responding on behalf of other graduands, Mr. Oluwaseun Ajibola thanked Governor Ahmed and the sponsor of the training for the opportunity, promising to use the product grants to jump start their businesses and become contributors to the economy.
He explained that the training on solar energy was a worthwhile experience as it exposed them to the rudiments of Solar Photovoltaic Technology, Installation and Entrepreneurship.
