The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to impact positively on the lives of the less privileged in the society.
The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Wasiu Odewale reiterated this during the flag off ceremony of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), for Gender and Vulnerable Groups, organised by Kwara State Community and Social Development Agency (KWCSDA), at Lasoju, Asa Local Government Area of the state.
Odewale explained that the present administration is committed to the wellbeing of the residents of the state adding that Gender and Vulnerable Investment is aimed at assisting the less privileged across the 16 local government of Kwara State, on project of their choice.
Towards this end, the Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to make a good choice of the project to be embarked upon, with an appeal to the supporting Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to guide the groups where necessary.
He enumerated the categories of beneficiaries as people with special needs, the aged, widows, mentally challenged, those ostracised and those with disabilities, adding that Gender and Vulnerable Investment (GVI) is a Group Driven Investment (GDI), targeted at providing them with infrastructural facilities, for the betterment of their lives.
In his address, the Acting General Manager, Kwara State Community and Social Development Agency, Alhaji Yahaya Ahmed said Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed provided the sum of N50 million in December 2015 to fast-track grassroots development.
He added that Component 4 was introduced to accommodate the interests of the groups, urging those concerned to express interests in order to benefit.
Ahmed urged the various groups to participate actively in the PRA especially during the needs assessment process, which will enable them choose their preferred projects, reminding them of their fundamental 5 per cent contribution, either in cash or kind.
Appreciating the gesture, Mrs Elizabeth Barnabas from Olorunda Widow’s Group, said the Kwara State Government has always been supportive of the less privileged, citing the example of Governor Bukola Saraki-led administration as being responsible for the sponsorship of her children’s education.
…pledges support to NSCDC, NPS in fighting crime
By Ahmed Ajikobi
The Kwara State Government has promised to support the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the implementation of reformative policies to curb crime in the state and Nigeria at large.
The pledged was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Sola Gold while receiving the newly posted Comptroller of Prisons Service, Kwara State Command, Folashade Akinwale and the NSCDC commandant Adeyinka Ayinla.
According to Gold in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Issah Mohammed, the state government remains a partner in progress with the paramilitary service and will strive to meet up the command’s request of solar power, and educational materials and other logistics for the inmates, despite its lean purse.
He stressed that government will continue to work with security agencies to eradicate socio-vices in the society.
Gold who described the NSCDC as one of the most sincere, honest, dependable and formidable security agency in the country, charged them to continue to project the image of the organisation positively.
He added that more efforts are needed to drastically reduce cases of herdsmen clashes with farmers especially in Asa, Patigi and Kaiama local government areas of Kwara State.
Gold also charged the Command to ensure pipelines are well protected.
Speaking, the state NPS Comptroller, Folashade Akinwale appreciated the state government for its support while calling for more patronage to ensure inmates are reformed after serving their jail terms.
In the same vein, the NSCDC Commandant, Adeyinka Ayinla described his new assignment as a challenge while pledging that criminals will have no hidden place in the state.
He appealed to the state government to come to the Command’s aid in the area of logistics especially operational vehicles and other needs.
