By Adebayo Olodan
The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed was yesterday, celebrated by top politicians, candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general elections, friends and family members as he turned 55.
The low-key birthday celebration of the governor was marked with special prayers at the Government House, Ilorin with his political associates, members of the State Executive Council, his aides and family members in attendance.
Leading a host of personalities to celebrate the former commissioner for Finance in the state is the Kwara State PDP governorship candidate, Hon Razak Atunwa.
Atunwa, who also served as commissioner for Finance in the state in the early hours of yesterday, via his twitter handle @ Atunwa_1 wrote; “Happy birthday to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, HE @AbdulfataAhmed, may Almighty Allah continue to grant you wisdom as you serve Kwara. Live long in soundness of health and prosper, Amin!
Similarly, the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold in his congratulatory message to Ahmed, said, “Like yesterday, it has been seven years of togetherness, resourcefulness, and lessons in humility. It has been seven years of dedication and commitment to shared value and prosperity. It has been seven years of compassionate governance.
“In those 90 months that we worked together, you did not allow my learning to terminate. You showed absolute love and understanding. You demonstrated limitless loyalty appreciated by many.
“As you and your humble, unassuming wife celebrate your birthdays, I thank you from the depth of my heart for your trust and confidence in me. I appreciate you for the opportunity and privilege to be part of the journey from the beginning.”
In his message, the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Nurudeen Demola Banu said, “As you mark your birthday today, we want to use this medium to appreciate your efforts to the advancement of the cause of Kwara State and restoration of its glory and dignity.
“We must also appreciate your vision to the state revenue base for development, advancement and sustaining of the sustainable development goals.”
…KWIRS launches book in honour of Ahmed
By Mike Adeyemi
In commemoration of the 55th birthday celebration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) yesterday launched a book titled; ‘Taxpreneur’ written by the Executive Chairman, Dr. Muritala Awodun.
Speaking at the event in Ilorin, Governor Ahmed described KWIRS as a child of necessity adding that the establishment of the revenue agency changed the narration of the state.
“Governance like everything today is so dynamic. It is a social contract between the people and the state.
“We know world over that driven governance require revenue to deliver to the people,” Ahmed said.
He however stated that there is the need to improve on the state’s taxation processes.
“We need hospital, roads and health care services and all these can happen only if we have a good taxation process in place.
“We must learn to use resources within for optimal maximization,” the governor said.
The governor appreciated the author of the book, Dr. Awodun for the documentation so that the coming generations could have something to lay hands on.
“You may have a robust IGR in paper without a complimenting manager.
“Book presentation like this is an activity to show prosperity. We did not put our speech in written that is why African history is distorted.
“Birthdays are period of stock taking. Where you are, where you ought to be and where you are going,” he submitted.
Earlier, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad said Awodun has captured in the book, the good attributes of the governor.
“Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed is an embodiment of smartness and we cannot be thankful for him enough,” he said.
In his welcome address, Dr. Awodun appreciated the governor for providing an enabling environment for KWIRS to operate optimally.
The book was reviewed by Prof. Abiola Sanni from the University of Lagos and presented by Prof.(Mrs) Teju Somorin.
