The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has sponsored five bills within six months in office.
This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the Senator, Alhaji Suleiman Tunji Buhari, during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, capital of Kwara State.
The interview designed to give an account of the Senator’s stewardship to his constituents revealed that the sponsored bills were meant to strengthen the financial sector as well as advance the use of technology in agriculture to enhance food productivity and security in the country.
The bills include the National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill which seeks to develop the agricultural sector by ensuring national food security and income through marketing and storage services; the Donkey Slaughter Regulation and Export Certificate Bill and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (Amendment) Bill.
Others are the Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) Bill which seeks to provide a legal and regulatory framework for the mandatory inclusion of cassava flour into edible flour production in Nigeria and the Electronics Transaction Bill 2023, which aims at offering a legal and regulatory framework for conducting transactions using electronic or related media.
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Buhari explained that the Senator, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, was passionate about the agriculture sector with its contribution of 23 per cent to the GDP of the country in the third quarter of 2023.
The politician noted that the sector could become the backbone of the nation’s economy if it is adequately harnessed with the right technology.
Solar panel installation
Buhari also disclosed that over 2000 solar power street lights were installed across the 52 wards of Kwara Central senatorial district, while two solar-powered motorized boreholes were provided at Kankatu, Ibagun ward of Ilorin East and Jato Community in Ifesowapo of Ilorin South Local Government.
“Over 2000 solar power street lights have been distributed across the 52 wards of the senatorial district. There is no ward of the four LGAs that don’t have the solar panels. The essence is to enhance security in the respective localities. Others were distributed to major assemblies to enhance social interactions.
“Two 3-1 solar-powered boreholes were distributed, especially in Ilorin East and South Local Government Areas, while others are ongoing”, he added.
Palliative measures
As part of measures to cushion the hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy from fuel, Buhari said Senator Mustapha rolled out palliatives to complement the Kwara State Government’s efforts to reduce the hardship amongst residents of the state with the provision of 10,000 bags of rice and 2,800 live chickens for Christian brethren, less privileged in the society, party faithful and communities for them to have a joyous celebration during the festive period.
“Having realized the tough times the people are facing as a result of subsidy removal from PMS, the distinguished Senator decided to support the efforts of Governor AbdulAbdulRazaq-led administration by providing multimillion naira palliative support, which comprises thousands of bags of rice, chickens and other food items for the constituents.
“Apart from these items, he also provided cash donations to some individuals and less privileged individuals to enable them to have a joyous festive period” Buhari said.
The Senator’s aide noted that Senator Mustapha had approved the procurement and distribution of 1000 JAMB forms and 500 WAEC and NECO forms to orphans and indigenes in preparation for granting scholarships to the best-performing students among them.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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