By Kayode Adeoti
The Kwara State Government has formally presented letters of appointment to 17 traditional rulers who were elevated to second class status across the state.
The letters were handed to the monarchs at a colourful ceremony held on Friday at the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ilorin.
Presenting the letters on behalf of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Saidu Habib, said the event was in fulfilment of the state government’s resolve to accord traditional institutions their due respect.
He recalled that the monarchs were elevated in 2014 adding that the exercise would be a continuous one.
Habib, however denied insinuations that the event was politically motivated even as he assured that the state government will soon present staff of office to the elevated monarchs.
Speaking with newsmen, the Commissioner said, “We thought it wise to present them (elevated monarchs) with their letters of appointment and staff of office will follow soon. It is big one for His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed for living up to his promise.”
He however urged the traditional rulers to work harmoniously with their subjects to fast track development at the grassroots.
Among the upgraded monarchs were; the Onijagbo of Ijagbo, Oba Salaudeen Adeyeye Fagbemi; Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buhari and Alaran of Arandun, Oba Ibikunle Adekanye. They all expressed gratitude to the state government for the gesture.
The monarchs, who spoke separately, said they had yearned for the letters of appointment after the announcement of their elevation about four years ago even as they assured that the gesture would spur them to work harder in consolidating the prevailing peace in their communities.
In a related development, the state government presented letters of appointment to 32 traditional rulers, whose status were recently upgraded to fourth class.
Among those that witnessed the event included the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Salihu Mohammed, council chairmen and top government functionaries.
… begins bursary disbursement, this week – Scholarship Board Chair
By Adebayo Olodan
Following the release of N50million by the Kwara State Government for the payment of bursary to students across various tertiary institutions, the state Scholarship Board has confirmed that disbursement of N5, 000 to eligible students will commence, this week.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter in Ilorin, last Friday, the Chairperson of the Scholarship Board, Barr. Fatimah Yusuf said that her office is working assiduously with the leadership of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), to ensure hitch free disbursement.
According to her, the N50million would be disbursed among students of Kwara State origin in public tertiary institutions in Northern and South West states.
“First, let me start by appreciating Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for the release of the fund despite the lean purse of the state. Our governor with this gesture has showed yet again that he is committed to the wellbeing of our students and youths.
“You will remember that sometimes last year, we attended to students in tertiary institutions across the state but this time, we are harvesting names of students of Kwara State origin in Northern and South West states. I can assure you as soon as we are done with this, we will commence disbursement during the week,” she stated.
Speaking further, Barr Yusuf, who said the initial plan was to make e-payment to qualified students but the leadership of NAKSS suggested that the process may take too long.
She however debunked the rumour that the students are likely to be paid N3, 000 instead of N5, 000 each.
“Such rumour is unfounded and it may have emanated from mischief makers, not our office or that of NAKSS. We have always been transparent in our dealings with the students and we have never short-changed anyone since we came on board,” Yusuf disclosed.
Confirming the release of the N50million to the Scholarship Board, NAKSS in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Comrade Musa Mohammed Mancha and National Publicity Secretary, Salihu Ayatullahi said, the association has held series of meetings with stakeholders to ensure a free and fair disbursement to qualified students.
“Also, we are hopeful that all things being equal, the payment will commence in a few days time. At this juncture, we must acknowledge the doggedness and great efforts of the Chairperson Scholarship Board, Hajia (Barr) Fatimah Yusuf and the other staff. We further urge them to do everything possible for the success of the process of disbursement,” part of the statement reads.
The students’ body also applauded Governor Ahmed for the release of the fund to the scholarship board while also urging him to fasten the release of the balance of N50million before the completion of the first phase of disbursement, for the benefit of more students.
NAKSS however sought the cooperation of members and called on anyone with complaints to channel such through the NAKSS headquarters or local chapter of various tertiary institutions.
NAKSS had penultimate week disrupt activities at the state secretariat in Ilorin and even shut out the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Bilikisu Oniyangi while protesting the non-payment of their bursary.
