The government held an emergency security council meeting on Thursday to design strategies to maintain law and order amid biting fuel scarcity and currency swap challenge.

“The governor has, meanwhile, approved the setting up of the task force, which is to be headed by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi,” a statement signed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, read in part.

It added that the task force will interface with various oil marketers and make things easy for the people of the state.

Other members of the committee include Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology Ibrahim Akaje; Commissioner for Special Duties Hon. Olaitan Buraimoh; Special Adviser on Security; Special Adviser on Special Duties; Senior Special Assistant on Security; Representative of the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Council of Chiefs; Representatives of the Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, and independent oil marketers.

“With security commanders and cabinet members presenting field reports on the question of fuel, currency issues and security situation in the state, the meeting called for calm while serious efforts are being made to ease the fuel shortage and the challenges arising from the currency redesign.

“The terms of reference of the committee will be to monitor fuel supply and effective distribution of same in the state, compliance of marketers with the best practices and in the best interest of the public, and prevent abuse of any kind in cooperation with the fuel marketers,” the statement added.

The emergency meeting was attended by the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and security commanders.

Meanwhile, Sulu-Gambari appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and urged them to allow peace to reign before, during, and after the general elections.

He urged parents to prevail on their children and wards to be law-abiding to the constituted authorities and not involved in any act capable of causing crises, especially during this hard period.

These were contained in a statement issued by the emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowana.

The monarch expressed concerns over the numerous socio-economic hardships orchestrated by the inadequate circulation of the newly redesigned naira notes, fuel scarcity as well as the forthcoming general elections on Thursday in

He stressed that for the nation to enjoy democratic advancement in the face of several challenges, there is a need for tolerance, perseverance, and adequate support from members of the public irrespective of their social status and religious belief by standing on the path of peace and harmony in order to avoid disarray of government programmes and actions.

According to him, “As traditional rulers, myself and my colleagues are deeply touched and aware of the various challenges faced by the general public especially people at the grassroots level. It is my hope that while the government is making frantic efforts towards addressing the ugly situation, I appeal to the people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwarans at large to remain calm and patient and not to allow anyone to use them to cause political unrest in the society.

Naira notes remain the only legal tender which allows for the easy transaction of business activities while a large volume of fuel is being consumed on daily basis for both domestic and industrial purposes, therefore the scarcity of both has no doubt caused unbearable hardship on the people.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that democracy can grow. I urge all political party stalwarts to endeavor to play the game of electioneering processes by the rules by embracing peaceful coexistence among themselves irrespective of their party lines.

“Voters should also exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner and vote for candidates of their choice without fear. Ilorin Emirate is peaceful, Kwara State is peaceful and we don’t want any unfortunate incident that will tarnish our longstanding reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.”

This, he said, would be achieved through the new intervention programme, the Immunization Plus and Malaria Process by Accelerating and Transparency.

IMPACT is funded by the World Bank after the state paid $100,000 in counterpart funds. Each benefiting PHC is getting N4.6m to upgrade primary healthcare infrastructure.

Speaking at the official flag-off of the program in Ilorin, the governor said the programme would help to deepen access to primary healthcare services.

He said that his administration’s commitment to the program underscores its focus to ensure universal health coverage for an average Kwara resident.

“I welcome you all to this important occasion which signals another milestone in the life of our administration. One of the cardinal goals of our administration is to ensure universal health coverage for all Kwarans, irrespective of their location. This has guided all the strategic interventions we have made in the health sector, “he said.

In a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said, “One of the early commitments our administration made is the Expression of Interest in the IMPACT Project by meeting all the necessary requirements, including the payment of $100,000 counterpart fund.

The idea is to enable our Primary Health Care Centres to have some level of financial autonomy and the capacity to optimally deliver basic health care services to the people.

“This (programme) is a continuation of the legacies of our administration. We have consistently been investing in the health sector, including the primary healthcare system through the renovation or construction of health facilities in several locations in the state, and the recruitment of all cadres of health workers. We have equipped many of our health facilities with equipment this state never had before. We will not relent, especially now that the results have been quite impressive,” he said.

On his part, the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Nusirat Elelu, said the administration had repositioned the health sector through prompt payments of counterpart funds.

Others, she said, are adequate investments in basic infrastructure, prompt payment of salaries of health workers, and their promotion, among other incentives that enable the state to stand shoulder-high on health issues in the comity of states.

She said the agency would do everything within its power to ensure that the resources entrusted into its care are utilized for the common man and in line with the necessary guidelines.

Meanwhile, development partners also commended the governor’s strides in the health sector, saying they point to his firm commitment to public good.

Representative of the World Health Organization, Dr Walter Mulombo, commended the administration for its strategic partnerships and investment in primary healthcare programmes to deliver quality healthcare services to the citizens.

Mulombo, who spoke through the North Central Coordinator for WHO, Dr. Asma’l Kabir, said Kwara was able to have the programme in place because of the governor’s foresight and commitment.

“I want to, on behalf of the representative of WHO, commend and congratulate the Kwara State Government for establishing the IMPACT project to improve access to universal health coverage,” she said.

She lauded AbdulRazaq for providing the enabling grounds for the WHO to deliver on its 2023 goals, which she said, were meant to cover at least 3 billion people worldwide.

“WHO’s 2023 goal is a global goal that has the 3 billion live goals. The first is that WHO intends to reach 1 billion people to have access to universal health coverage. Of course, this is part of the way for which the WHO appreciated Kwara State,” she said.

“Another 1 billion people are going to become healthier. And 1 billion more people will get protected from health emergencies. This is in direct alignment with what the Kwara State Government has been doing.”

Speaking at the 57th Annual National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union held at the Emir of Ilorin forecourt, Abdulrazaq urged community associations to embark on projects that will make the government achieve the set goals.

The governor while commending this year’s focus of IEDPU for embarking on the ICT centre, urged the people to support the union to ensure that the ICT project is completed on time.

He said, “Let us commend the Chief of Staff to President Prof Ibrahim Gambari. He hardly has time to come to Ilorin but he has been doing a yeoman’s job in Abuja. One of the projects, which has not been announced properly, is the protocol we signed which work will begin soon. It is a brand new diagnostic center worth $7million which will be located in Ilorin here. You have seen that during Maimartaba’s reign God is doing Ilorin favours. All Ilorin indigenes are progressing dutifully and rightfully.”

Abdulrazaq while commending the Emir for having a successful reign said, “The capital city Ilorin is wearing new looks following the government’s delivery of new roads and execution of many giant projects that the public could easily relate with Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

The governor commended the traditional ruler and the IEDPU for keeping the flag flying and said a lot needs to be done to make the capital city the number one positive reference point in Nigeria.

“I especially commend the Emir and the leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union for keeping the flag flying every year. We thank you for keeping the legacy of Sheikh Alimi evergreen. Distinguished elders, brothers and sisters, our administration remains committed to inclusive growth. Our goal is to make Ilorin one of the most celebrated capital cities in Nigeria and beyond. This is what informs the focus of our projects,” he said.

“I was in Kwara South yesterday to launch a hospital project by Offa Metropolitan Club. Let’s also make Ilorin greater; we should take the lead. By this time next year, IEDPU should be launching another project. It is a challenge for all of us. We are all members of the IEDPU and we should support them to achieve the set goals.

“In terms of infrastructure, we are renovating different parts of the state stadium; and we are building a new Squash Court. The Ilorin International Conference Centre will be the best of its kind in northern Nigeria outside Abuja. In terms of industrialisation and employment, we have just awarded a contract for an industrial pack in Eiyenkorin. There will be another pack in Malete. And you know, the state is building its own Innovation Hub, which will run along with IEDPU’s Innovation Hub in order to empower our youths to achieve greater heights.

On his part, the Emir appealed to the descendants of the Emirate to remain peaceful and united, and be committed to the course of growth and progress of the Emirate.

He congratulated the leadership of IEDPU and the entire people of the Emirate for devoting their time and resources to the overall development of the city.

The monarch hailed AbdulRazaq for taking a lead in the projects that continue to change the face of the ancient city.

This was made known on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in a statement titled, ‘No alternative to peace, Kwara Gov says in Eid message.’

According to the statement, the Governor spoke about the improvement of security in his state and across Nigeria, in a short interview with reporters in the state capital, Ilorin.

He said “It is a message of peace. There is no alternative to peace. This is a state of harmony and we should let it remain like that. Our founding fathers worked so hard to entrench peace in the state and we will continue to promote peace and unity in our dear state. It is a new frontier. Security wise, we have seen improvements across the country. We are certain that things will continue to get better. We thank the President for deploying all the arsenals he could. We appreciate all institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers and all our people for putting all hands on deck to make sure that we combat the alarming rate of insecurity.”

This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, in a statement titled, ‘Why we’re setting up Kwara Education Trust Fund: AbdulRazaq’.

AbdulRazaq said. “Our administration recognises the limitations of government to shoulder the burden of infrastructural development in all local government areas of the state. That is why we have sent Kwara State Education Trust Fund Bill to the House of Assembly. When passed into law, it will ensure contributions to schools. The law will empower the state government to partner with philanthropists, foundations and corporate bodies to raise money and help support strengthening educational infrastructure in the state. Let me commend Lateef Fagbemi’s effort in this community. This is a huge development. What else can you give to your community better than solid education? We are very grateful for this. You are not just the pride of the community, you’re an ambassador of the state. We appreciate your efforts,”

On Wednesday, a video of the driver evacuating an “unkempt person” with the help of some persons was posted online. The moment the workers tried placing the man in a COVID-19 ambulance in Ilorin, was filmed and none of those who appeared in the clip wore any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) recommended by the World Health Organisation.

A statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, says the driver failed to heed the clear directive from his superiors at the Rapid Response Team not to take any action until they arrive the scene.

Read the statement ”Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday directed the sack of a government driver that unilaterally attended to an unkempt person who was evacuated with a COVID-19 ambulance in Ilorin.
He also directed the issuance of queries to top officials of the state ministry of health for failing to act with necessary caution and expertise in the handling of the incident that was recorded in a video footage that has since gone viral. The Governor totally condemns the shoddy handling of the gentleman who was clearly going through a hard time. He has directed that the driver be fired immediately. As the investigation revealed, the driver failed to heed clear directive not to take any action until the Rapid Response Team (RRT) arrives the scene. He evacuated the gentleman with the help of members of the public without waiting for the arrival of the RRT. The Governor further directed that members of the RRT be queried, while other steps are being taken to ensure this incident does not repeat itself. Involving just anybody in the evacuation of a suspected case, as was seen in the footage, was a clear and dangerous violation of COVID-19 safety protocols. The government equally finds it quite distasteful and unacceptable that the driver, who had long been involved in such operations, made unethical comments to somebody in distress.
That incident was avoidable, and we sincerely apologise to the gentleman and to the people of Kwara State for the embarrassing development. We assure them this will not happen again.”

Among the 75 people in self-isolation are 28 staff members of the University of Hospital (Ilorin Teaching (UITH), who attended to the suspected Coronavirus patient before his death last Thursday.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who made the announcement in a press brief on Tuesday April 7, also confirmed that a senior consultant of UITH, Prof. Alakija Salami was suspended for his role in the admission and release of the corpse of a late suspected case of Coronavirus.

Abdulrazaq said “Contact tracing by the Rapid Response Team of the medical advisory committee has so far netted 75 persons who have had contacts with the cases, including the suspected case at the UITH. I have directed the immediate suspension of Prof. Salami and other officials of UITH whose professional misconduct brought us down this path. Our job is cut out for us and we are definitely not dropping the ball. Contact tracing by the Rapid Response Team of the medical advisory committee has so far netted 75 persons who have had contacts with the cases and the suspected case at UITH. This is a trying moment for the whole of mankind. But we are definitely not helpless or without reasonable preparation in Kwara State. We are also blessed with committed professionals who are up to the task and willing to stand up and be counted at this time — while also taking all precautions. COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Contracting it is neither a death sentence nor an indication of guilt. We urge Kwarans to avoid crowded space, isolate themselves, and call our helplines if they have just returned from places of interest in the last three weeks. The government will quickly extend the ongoing fumigation exercise to these places of interest, including Offa, where contamination may have occurred as a result of this infectious disease. Notwithstanding our preparation, we are not ashamed to say that Kwara State will be glad to get all the help it can receive at this moment. The government is utterly disappointed at the breach of trust that played out in the UITH case.”

In a statement released by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, all civil servants apart from the Ministry of Health and essential workers, are to work from home beginning on Monday, March 23 until further notice.

Governor Abdulrazaq revealed plans of building additional and well-equipped 12-bed intensive care unit at the General Hospital, Ilorin.

The statement reads in parts;
As individuals, we are all responsible for the general well-being of fellow Kwarans and should work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
1) washing our hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as much as possible daily;
2)avoiding touching our eyes, mouths, and noses;
3) covering our mouths and noses with our bent elbow or tissue when we cough or sneeze;
4) staying more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick and coughing, and wearing a mask if you are ill (especially if coughing) or looking after someone who is ill and coughing;
5) abstaining from handshaking until the threat of this COVID-19 is zero; and
6) avoiding crowded area and minimising any gathering to a maximum of 25.
As a community, we must do everything possible to prevent any transmission of COVID-19 by embracing the concept of social distancing and self-isolation. These measures are to prevent anyone that may be infected with COVID-19 from spreading the disease to others.
An exponential spread of COVID-19 in our community might be catastrophic because we could have thousands of our citizens sick at the same time.
Given the aforementioned and the global health emergency situation, our administration has taken the following difficult but important decisions to protect Kwarans:
1) Closure of all public and private nurseries, primary, secondary and state-owned Tertiary institutions.
2) Aside from Ministry of health and essential workers, all civil servants are to work from home.
3) All gatherings of more than 25 people are hereby discouraged until further notice.

Chief Press Secretary to Kwara Governor, Rafiu Ajakaiye announced the decision Friday, December 27th saying the land was originally meant for Government Secretariat and parking space of the Civil Service Clinic, but was unlawfully allocated to a private firm, Asa Investments Limited, without any record of payment to the state government.

The revocation order read: “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999 and Section 1 and 28 of the Land Use Act Cap. L.5 of 2004 and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara State of Nigeria, give the following notice: The Notice may be cited as the Land Use (Revocation of Right of Occupancy and withdrawal of allocation) Notice, 2019. Allocation of plots of land 1, 3 and 5 TPS/MISC 129 to Asa Investment (Nig) Ltd. which is meant for the Kwara State Secretariat. The land, specifically and more described in survey No. KwSH 927 and Land/G1071 situated and lying beside Civil Service Clinic on Ilofa Road Ilorin, Kwara State, is hereby revoked and withdrawn for overriding public interest for use of the purpose it is originally meant for:  The construction of Kwara State Secretariat; parking space for civil service clinic and the Kwara State Secretariat and annex to the Civil Service when upgraded to a hospital. That the plots allocated are hereby declared void. Notice is therefore given to you, Asa Investments Nigeria Limited, that the plots of land 1, 3 and 5 TPS/MISC 129 allocated to you and any title on the land whatsoever are hereby revoked and the allocation is withdrawn for overriding public interest”.

The 17 students died in an auto accident when their Toyota Haice bus had head-on collision with a DAF Articulated Truck. The accident occurred at about 12.35 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 at Bacita junction in Kwara.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor also commiserated with the parents and families of the students and prayed God to avert such calamity in future.

The statement reads “We, however, believe that we can avoid this calamity in the future. We reiterate our calls on the drivers to always check their speed, respect other road users, and put their vehicles in the best condition. Most accidents occur because our drivers often fail these three basic tests of safe driving. Besides, we call on our tertiary institutions, which still require students to travel long distance for their post-UTME examination to please consider holding such test online to avert the necessity of travelling. This will not only reduce travelling and attendant risks, but also encourage students to embrace and excel in computer literacy, a sine-qua-non for success in the 21st century”.