Economic Diversification: Ahmed calls for renewed synergy between federal, state agencies

By Bukola Adama

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfattah Ahmed has said that greater synergy between federal agencies and their state counterparts is necessary for ongoing economic diversification.
He stated this at a two-day inter-agency seminar, with the theme, “Working together to sustain harmonious relationship for growth and development’ held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, Kwara State, last Tuesday.
According to him, “The renewed synergy is necessary for the ongoing diversification of the economy which requires cooperation among states and the federal government as each has areas of comparative advantage that can form basis of effective collaboration.”
Governor Ahmed noted that such synergies have the potential to create jobs, boost development and economic growth in states of the federation.
He also reiterated the call for constitutional synergy between states and federal government which entails the devolution of more areas of responsibility to the states and subsequent deployment of matching of funds.
Governor Ahmed therefore urged federal government as well as respective agencies across all sectors to identify and leverage on opportunities for interaction and eschew mutual suspicion and competition that may hamper useful synergy.
The governor commended the organiser for what he described as ‘timely initiative,’ adding that his government is opened to collaboration with federal agencies in the interest of good governance.
In his address, the organiser and Special Assistant to the Governor on Conflict Resolution, Alhaji Umar Balogun said essence of the seminar was to foster harmonious relationship between government agencies at both state and federal levels.
“This, he stressed is to create peaceful atmosphere, which is necessary for increase in productivity, economic growth and development in any community.”
He noted that some state agencies are working in isolation particularly in the agricultural sector, an avenue through which government can reduce hunger and alleviate poverty.
“Consequently, we intend to use the power of collaboration in building bridges of understanding and goodwill among federal establishments and state agencies by promoting social inclusion through participation, inclusiveness, commitment and team spirit that will invariably enhance productivity.”