I'll trek for Gov Ahmed if...

It is now a fad for Nigerians to trek long distances in honour of their political heroes. From different parts of the country 'Gullivers' have embarked on journey to 'places of significance' to honour their heroes.

The trend was set by Hashimu Suleiman, who travelled from Lagos to Abuja for the President-elect, Gen Muhammadu Buhari. A feat he completed in18days Since then, there have been quite a number of Nigerians who have journeyed on foot to honour their heroes of the last general elections particularly the president-elect and outgoing president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Though there have been skepticism over the sincerity of claims by the trekkers, but undoubtedly they have succeeded in making a statement; a show of their unalloyed loyalty to their political 'champions'. Although these Nigerian trekkers had embarked on the energy sapping mission with the May 29 inauguration as deadline, I hope to like Guliver, travel on foot someday, I wish to trek for Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed someday (not now), as there are conditions attached to my own mission. I'll trek from Ilorin the Kwara State capital to Share; the governor's homestead for his first year anniversary of second term in office if he meets my expectations.

Security The issue of security cannot be over flogged. The recent happenings in the state has left a sour taste in the mouth. Activities of miscreants that want to make the state ungovernable is of major concern to the good people of the state. The Fulani/herdsmen clashes in some parts of the state that has led to wanton loss of lives and property destruction is giving many communities sleepless nights. Spates of armed robbery within the Ilorin metropolis and its environs and cult activities in higher institutions of learning, are threatening the peace of the state famous for its sobriquet State of Harmony. Understandably, with development comes security challenges, but as the Chief Security Officer of the state the governor must step up his game to lay to final rest these problem of insecurity in the state. However, one cannot but commend the efforts being made lately to arrest the ugly development by the present administration. The governor on the heels of the mayhem unleashed on communities in Ilorin by hoodlums had read riot act, which has lead to the arrest of scores of the perpetrators of the unwholesome act. It is common knowledge that development only thrives in a peaceful environment. For the state to record remarkable socio-economic development in the years to come it is expedient that all arsenals are employed and deployed for Kwarans to relish again peace and tranquillity in all ramifications. The security situation in the state must CHANGE for the better. Therefore, if the security situation in the state can return to status quo and peace maintained and sustained in the months ahead, i'll head for Share on foot for the governor's 5th year anniversary come May 29, 2016.

Political appointments Penultimate Monday, the governor announced the dissolution of his cabinet. He's expected to constitute a new one after his 2nd term inauguration tomorrow. Like the saying that a general is as good as his foot soldiers, it is incumbent on the governor to appoint right people into positions of authority, in order to get the desired result. Appointment into public offices should not be reward for political patronage in the interest of the development of the state. Technocrats must be appointed to man key ministries especially; putting square peg in square hole. Those who can deliver should be appointed to head ministries such as Finance, very well Education and Human Capital Development, Tertiary, Health, Agric, etcetera. The achievements of former Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, as then state commissioner for Education is yet to be surpassed. The policies formulated and implemented like the 'Every Child Counts' has helped to put the education sector of the state on a good stead. It must however be noted that some outgone commissioners made remarkable achievements in office. A good example is the Commissioner for Finance, Banu Demola, who brought to bear his expertise in the management of the state's finances on the backdrop of the dismal monthly allocation to the state from the federation account. He and others like him are worthy of re-appointment into Governor Ahmed's new cabinet for high level performance in the second leg of his governance. And again, the governor must ensure justice and equity in the appointment of political appointees; it must be devoid of religious and ethnic sentiments. Youth employment/development Youth employment is pertinent towards a safer society. So there is the need for the state government to initiate progammes in this direction. A lot has to be done in the area of youth empowerment to ensure a bright future for youth. There should be activities that will promote job creation, especially in agriculture sector. The youth should be engaged constructively. Gov Ahmed in his 2nd term must ensure that more funds are provided for youth development programmes that can lead to job opportunity for them. More skill acquisition centres should be established to encourage youths to develop their talents and reduce the dependence on white-collar jobs. When the youths are empowered with skills, education and jobs, the rate of poverty would be reduced likewise level of criminality. The recent unrest recorded in the state is not unconnected with idleness. Like the saying, an idle mind is the devil's workshop, the youth should be engaged to distract them from criminal tendencies. The governor Ahmed-led administration must therefore pay premium attention to areas where Kwara youths can be engaged for economic advantage. The Ajase-Ipo Vocational centre is and the Shonga farm as well as the Malete Youth farm should be taken optimal advantage of, in this regard.

Infrastructural development The importance of road to the socio-economic development of any area cannot be undermined. There are many agrarian communities that are yet to be opened up particularly in the Kwara North senatorial district. Therefore the Gov Ahmed should ensure that more road construction and rehabilitation are embarked upon during his second term in office as this will help simulate industrialisation and commerce as well as boost agricultural development and food security. Road construction should not be based on political patronage. The state government should give priority to local contractors in the award of contracts. Water supply is another area this administration must look into. There are many areas within Ilorin metropolis that have not enjoyed potable water supply in years. These areas should be identified and the needful be done in this regard. Relationship with the legislative arm With the 8th session of the state House of Assembly devoid of opposition elements, the executive arm of government must not play 'Lord of the ring'; it should give the legislative arm a free hand to operate. The House should not be reduced to a rubber stamp of the executive but must be able to stand its own on matters affecting the generality of Kwarans. Revenue Generation The state government should be able to explore novel areas of generating more income for the state. Kwara is blessed with various mineral resources and tourist potentials which are yet to be exploited; this, the governor must look into in a bid to make the state financially bouyant. Efficient tax collection mechanism must be deployed to increase the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Relief for disaster victims The rainy season is here again and with it comes pockets of property destruction here and there; it is a natural disaster that cannot be wished away. Therefore the state government must be ready to give succour to victims in order to ameliorate their sufferings. Let the affected people feel the impact of government in this area. Let them know that this administration is sensitive to their plight. My hometown, Arandun in Irepodun Local Government Area was ravaged by rainstorm penultimate week. The rainstorm caused damage to property worth millions of naira in the ancient town. So government should identify other areas affected by rainstorm with the aim of giving them adequate relief materials. Equitable distribution of wealth The dividend of democracy should be the lot of every community in the state. There should be fair distribution of the wealth among entities for this is critical for even development of the state. The Ahmed led administration must prioritise its policies to favour all. All these are achievable through determination and commitment. This administration will benefit from working together with patriotic and well meaning Kwarans regardless of different political leanings in order to achieve the vision of taking the state to higher pedestal. If the governor can meet these conditions before May 29, 2019, I'll celebrate the achievements by trekking all the way to Share. Lest I forget, someone should avail me the road map to the governor's birth place, it may come handy afterall.

NB: I want to tender unreserved apology to readers for absence of this column for two editions, it was due to unavoidable circumstance that required my attention. Thanks for your understanding.

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