Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has been sworn-in for his second term in office on Monday, vowing to remain a responsible and responsive leader for the people of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the modest colourful inauguration lasted just 45 minutes, kicking off at exactly 8.10 a.m, following the arrival of the governor at 8 a.m.
Both AbdulRazaq and his Deputy, Chief Kayode Alabi, were accompanied by their spouses, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq and Mrs Abieyuwa Alabi, as well as members of their families and friends.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Abiodun Adebara, administered the oath on the deputy governor and then the governor.
Each attracted milestone cheers from the council chamber filled with royalties, security commanders, top government officials, party leaders, diplomats, technocrats and labour leaders.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the state Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, led all the first class traditional rulers to the event, joined by the scion of the Abdulrazaqs and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq.
The state House of Assembly Speaker, Mr Yakubu Salihu, led his colleagues to the event, which also had all the Senators and House of Representatives members-elect from Kwara in attendance.
The Grand Khadi of the state Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen; state Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole; cabinet members led by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Jubril; captains of industry and media executives also witnessed the occasion.
AbdulRazaq, who set out his spending priorities, assured that he would consolidate on the gains of the last four years of his administration in his second tenure.
He attributed his achievements to the support of the people of the state.
“The next four years will consolidate the gains of our first tenure and lay new foundations for sustained socioeconomic development and institutional growth.
“We are going to deepen the reforms and investments in the critical sectors like education, healthcare delivery, civil service welfare, social safety programmes, general infrastructural upgrade and renewals,
“focused expansion of our economic base and promotion of a political culture that advances self-reliance and growth.
“Our spending priorities will be to complete all the ongoing infrastructural projects and iron out the business models to deliver maximum benefits to the people,” he stated.
“Adequate attention will be focused on completing projects like the Ilorin International Conference Centre, the Revenue House, Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre and Sugar factory,
“Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses of the Kwara State University, industrial park and Shea Butter factory in Kaiama, among others.
“The General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover and the garment factory will be flagged off soon with huge economic benefits,” said AbdulRazaq.
He added that: “The Ilorin Capital City Master Plan will be followed by a grander Kwara State Master Plan that will cover Kwara South and Kwara North for sustainable living.
“Affordable housing programme will be another priority of this dispensation.
“This will help civil servants and other citizens to own their own homes. It will also curb unplanned construction and support decent living conditions.”
On his part, the deputy governor (Kayode Alabi) thanked the attendees, urged the people of the state to continue to support the administration.
Alabi said the government would continue to priortise the interest of the people over all other considerations. (NAN)
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