We prioritise self-reliance, expanding mass prosperity over handouts: Kwara Gov
*As Senator Sadiq empowers constituents in big ways
By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said his administration is prioritising policies, projects, and programmes designed to make citizens self-reliant and more prosperous.
“Our policies, projects, and programmes are designed to make our people self-reliant. In our opinion, that is the surest path to breaking the cycle of poverty and making our people more prosperous,” AbdulRazaq said at the mega constituency empowerment programme organised by Senator Umar Sadiq of Kwara North.
“This involves gradually moving many of our people from the age-long culture of dependency to sustainable practice of self-reliance through skills acquisition, support for small businesses, empowerment, and inclusion.
“This mega empowerment by Senator Umar Sadiq is a good example. Rather than throw crumbs at people, we prefer building the necessary social and physical infrastructure, train people in life skills, and give them startup funds or equipments.”
“I also commend all our lawmakers at all levels who have been doing similar things. This goes a long way to strengthen what we do as an administration. We welcome more of it,” he added, while commending Senator Sadiq for choosing the noble path.
Also speaking, Senate President Dr Ahmed Lawan said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is working hard to fix infrastructural challenges and urged all Nigerians to continue to support the government.
Lawan also called on the people of Kwara State to continue to support Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to consolidate on his remarkable achievements in the last two years, saying that his administration has delivered on key components of governance in a way and style not seen over the past decade in the state.
He acknowledged the humility and maturity of the Governor in handling of state matters, commending his leadership of the state and its people.
The senate president particularly praised AbdulRazaq for working closely with the three senators from Kwara to perform their legislative functions with comfort thereby bringing dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
He said: “All the three senators from Kwara State have been working with us in the senate. You have sent a great team to the senate. What we are witnessing today is giving account of stewardship in the last two years. Your Excellency, Senator Sadiq Umar is the chairman of our committee on Rules and Business. For him as a first-timer to be the chairman of Rules and Business is because he has exhibited commitment, hardwork and team work. The chairman of Rules and Business is the gate between every senator and his Bills. So, it’s a huge responsibility. It shows the quality of senators from Kwara State.”
The organiser and senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar, explained that the programme was to give back to the people of his constituency who gave him the mandate to serve them, adding that the programme complements the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in addressing the needs of people of North who he said have long been neglected over the years.
He assured Governor AbdulRazaq of the people of Kwara North’s continous support for the administration.
The lawmaker advised beneficiaries of his mega empowerment programme to make judicious use of the items for optimal benefits to them and their communities.
The programme, which was well-attended by dignitaries such as federal and state lawmakers, cabinet members, traditional rulers, and political bigwigs, was preceded by a courtesy visit of the Senate President to the Governor.
Accompanied by top government functionaries, the Governor meanwhile had earlier received Lawan and other senators at the Ilorin International Airport.