By Matthew Denis
The Kwara State Commissioner for Industries and Solid Minerals, Mallam Ahmed Alhassan has applauded the management of National Pilot newspaper for turning him to a celebrity in the state with their professionalism in reportage.
Recall that National Pilot upon the release of the names of the 19 commissioner nominees by the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed had revealed that Alhassan was a Level 10 Administrative Officer at the Ministry Culture and Tourism.
This medium also reported that Alhassan as at the time of his nomination does not have a car of his own but rides a motorcycle (popularly called okada) to office.
Speaking with our reporter in his office recently, the new Commissioner said, “My impression on National Pilot is that the medium is doing well and I like the publication. The last time I saw my story on me riding okada to office as a commissioner nominee, I felt so proud of who I am and the publication.
“I felt proud that the leader of our party and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and our governor decided to pick someone from the grassroots that is loved by the people.
“I don’t see the news as negative because I can remember when I was in Kano, the former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau was picked from the class to come and be the Chief Executive Officer of the state and he rode on his bike to where he was called.
“So there are several politicians today that ride motorcycles to occupy political positions and I won’t be the first.
“I so much appreciate National Pilot for promoting me and making me popular,” he said.
On his agenda for the ministry, the Commissioner said, “what is on my mind is to ensure this ministry improve on its revenue generation for the state.
“We will work with stakeholders to ensure the revival of moribund industries in the state,” he said.
