As part the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s campaign efforts ahead of the 2023 general election, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has begun a new round of direct interface with the people of the state.
The interface took place at a TownHall meeting held in Offa where the Governor and top administration’s officials spoke of the specific strides of the government.
They also seized the opportunity to explain various programmes, projects and polices, and took questions and observations from the people.
The Governor said there are solid footprints of his administration in every part of the state — whether in education, road infrastructure, water, health, employments, gender inclusion and youth engagement, safety nets for the poor, and economic projects designed to grow the state.
The Governor reassured the people of Offa and Oyun local government areas that the administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of the people, including residents of the area.
“I have listened carefully to the presentations of our team and the requests from the Offa community. We will certainly do more to continue to serve you. From day one, Offa people stood and continue to stand with this government. I thank you for your vote in the last elections. We pray and encourage you to sustain that support for us,” he said.
AbdulRazaq, who reiterated the level of decay the administration inherited, and the extent it has gone in fixing the sectoral problems, urged the populace to be patient with the government as it improves their access to basic infrastructure.
He said the government has made provision in the next year’s budget to broaden investment in local industry, especially on cashew processing where the Offa community has a comparative advantage.
“The challenges are great but they are not insurmountable. We have come a long way to steadily transform Kwara. When we came on board in 2019, there was a total collapse of systems in the State, whether in Education, basic health, water, and many others. But you will bear with us as we gradually tackle these problems, because long time neglect cannot just be covered under three and a half years,” he said.
“We will continue to invest in local industries especially where we have comparative advantages.
“In terms of infrastructure, we are truly gradually opening up Kwara South with road projects and we will continue to expand them and even do more especially with the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).”
The Governor promised to fast-track work on the Offa/Ikotun road project; commence the upgrade of Offa township stadium; and intervene in the challenge of waste management system.
“Offa township stadium, we are serious about that. We will make sure work commences as soon as possible. It is a gradual step. We will also see how we can accommodate volleyball, for which Offa is globally known for.
AbdulRazaq assured marketers in Owode Market of the government’s assistance in resolving their challenges, and commended the complementary efforts of the House of Rep member (Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun), Ismail Tijani in the Market.
Senator Lola Ashiru, for his part, said Offa/Oyun people are conversant with the good works of the Governor in the town, and are willing to repay such with their overwhelming vote in the 2023 poll.
TIC Chairman, Offa, Hon. Jare Oladotun, said the people of Offa are extremely happy with the number of capital projects across Offa township, saying AbdulRazaq is commendably pursuing growth and development in the state.
State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Femi Agbaje, recalled that Offa last had access to public water at least eight years before the Governor was elected, saying the administration has now restored access to public water in the town, while approving upgrade of the water facilities in in Ojoku, Erin-Ile, and Ira.
Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Raheem Sheu Adaramaja, said not less than 286 indigenes of Offa benefitted from the teaching appointments of the state government in 2021, while several schools have been renovated in the town along with the KwaraLearn initiative.
State Commissioner for Communications Bode Towoju said 1724 aged people in Offa and 544 traders benefitted from Owo Arugbo and Owo Isowo under the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), while at least four persons benefited from the recently disbursed Kwapreneur 2.0 grants in the state.
Representative of the Olofa of Offa, Chief Yinusa Oyeyemi said they were happy to host the Governor and acknowledged his outstanding performance in office, calling him an action Governor.
While thanking AbdulRazaq for prioritising the welfare of the people of Offa, Oyeyemi requested the government to help to expedite actions on the payment of compensation to residents who are affected by the construction of Offa bypass road, which is under construction by the Federal Government.
The Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muhyideen Hussein commended the Governor for his humanness, his support for the weak, his many good works, adding: “We are here to honour your good works because we truly feel you are genuine in your kindness, humility, and support for everyone, especially our community.”
Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Vice President Alhaji Tajudeen Bello commended the administration for its many strides but called for deployment of road traffic officers and waste disposal facilities to Offa.
Iyaloja of Offa, Alhaja Idiat Yusuf Ige, acknowledged that the Owode market the town have benefited from the administration and said AbdulRazaq deserves some commendations for appointing many young Offa people into his administration.
Occupied by royalties, academics, community leaders, marketers, artisans, and the hoi polloi alike, the town hall was attended by thousands of people as the Offa Descendants Union Hall and its precincts were filled to the brim.
Some of dignitaries at the event included the Kwara South Senator, Lola Ashiru; House of Assembly members , Gbenga Yusuf and Razaq Owolabi; cabinet members; former State High Court Judge, Justice Raheem Orilonise; TIC Chairmen Offa and Oyun LGs Thomas Jare Oladotun and Dr. Waheed Olaitan Ibrahim; representative of Olofa of Offa, Chief Yinusa Oyeyemi; National Vice Chairman Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Alhaji Lateef Bello; Chief Imam Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Hussein; Offa CAN Chairman, Apostle S.A Akinremi; APC leaders and stalwarts.
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