The Kwara State Government has again reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that residents of the state, especially people in the rural areas, enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Speaking at the flag off of a two-day training organised by the Kwara State Community and Social Development Agency (KWCSDA) for 20 communities at Folusho Hall, Sango, Ilorin last weekend the Governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed stated that, “the policy thrust of the present administration in the state is ensuring that the dividends of democracy get to the grassroots.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Alhaji Abdulazeez Tayo Oyelowo, the governor said that the money for the projects is a loan which will be repaid and urged the participating communities to use the funds judiciously.
He stressed the need for the participating communities to demonstrate high level of probity and accountability in the execution of the identified projects.
He also urged the participating communities to see the projects as their own reminding them that it is the reason for the 10 per cent payment contributed by the benefitting communities.
Earlier, the Acting General Manager of KWSCDA, Alhaji Yahaya Jiya Ahmed informed the gathering that, “the training is the first of its kind since the existence of the agency as we are training 20 communities at once.”
Ahmed who recounted the establishment of the agency in 2009 stated that the original project ended in 2013 but was extended to July 2014. He disclosed that the additional financing took off in December 2015.
He stated that so far, 103 communities have benefited while a total of 128 micro projects have been completed in Kwara State.
While commending the Kwara State Government for its commitment to the plight of the rural dwellers the Acting GM urged government to urgently put machineries in motion to cash back the 2017 N50million counterpart funding for the projects.
The 20 participating communities are; Ago-Oja, Shagbe, Gbere, Sheji, Babanla, Araromi, Atari, Ginda, Iji-Isin, Ajilete, Gumbagi, Tswako, Ndafatifin, Olarewaju Amodi, Tsonfada Jiyade, Pakata, Oke Aba, Sodegba, Magaji Okaka and Omomere communities.
