Remarks by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Annual Igbomina Day in Omupo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, on November 6, 2021
Protocols
I bring you good tidings from the people and government of Kwara State. I am always proud to sit in a gathering like this. This is because it represents the whole of our people from across social stratas. This makes it the ideal gathering to discuss all and every issue that affects everyone, and to celebrate one another. I congratulate the Omo Ibile Igbomina for this event.
The three main features of this gathering again underline what the Igbomina hold very dear. These features are the installation of the Asiwaju Igbomina land; launching of N250m development fund; and conferment of merit awards.
For me, these three items typify the culture of Igbomina to celebrate good example, come together to drive community development, and to encourage one another to be the best they could always be. I congratulate the Asiwaju Igbomina on his deserving installation. Baba Oladimeji is a complete story in courage, hard work, and uncommon drive to success against all odds. He is therefore an example for the young generation. The launching of a development fund only reaffirms the culture of self-reliance and community efforts for which the Igbominas are long known. We have seen that again and again. Early this year, I personally visited two communities in Irepodun, Onila and Agidingbi, to celebrate some women who took it upon themselves to build temporary schools for their children. I was impressed. We have since built a new school and boreholes for them, among other things. I saw in those women the time-tested Igbomina culture of self-reliance, unity, and passion for development.
Let me add that we took responsibility for that institutional failure that led to those poor women having to put money together to build schools. However, that is the neglect and total collapse of basic education and primary healthcare infrastructure that we inherited. We are now fixing this huge deficit one after the other. Today, we have various school renovation, rehabilitation and remodelling projects in over 600 locations across Kwara State. I also congratulate recipients of merit awards. This is honour well deserved, and I hope that this will inspire others to do more to get such recognition in the future.
Your Royal Highnesses, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our administration favours development and institutional growth over any other things. I have repeatedly travelled to every part of this state and I appreciate the depth of infrastructural deficits on ground. This is why our administration is so passionate about infrastructural development, especially access roads and basic amenities in the hinterlands. Barring any delay from our World Bank partners, we are soon flagging off construction of over 1,000 kilometres of rural roads and river crossings. Igbomina land, like every other part of the state will benefit hugely from these interventions. Roads like Ajasse-Ipo to Igbonla, Idofian-Igbowu-Igbaja, Oke-Ode-Alabe are a few of the rural roads to be fixed from Igbomina axis.
Already, we have constructed a number of state roads, bridges, and fixed dilapidated schools and health facilities in Igbomina axis. The Osi-Obbo Road has been awarded for construction, though we are battling with issues of inflations in our fresh negotiations with the contractor. We will also start work on the Osi campus of Kwara State University in the first quarter of 2022 to drive local economy and give everyone a fair sense of belonging. We have awarded the contract for total renovation of the Oro General Hospital. This is the first time such is happening since it was established over four decades ago.
A lot more of developmental initiatives are on our plate for Igbomina land — and for other parts of the state. Having said this, I urge you to continue to support our administration to do more. We deeply appreciate your understanding and patience as we manage the herders-farmers’ crisis. I have paid personal visits to various communities in Kwara South and North — sometimes discreetly — to encourage dialogue and pursue peace.
My profound appreciation goes to our royal fathers for their priceless contributions to peace building. Only God can reward you, Your Royal Highnesses. On our part, we are speeding up our involvement in the National Livestock Transformation Plan and the Special Agroprocessing Zone in Lata to tackle the crisis associated with transhumance.
Finally, I congratulate all Igbomina sons and daughters on this day. I am aware that many of you have come from far and near, including from across the Atlantic, to attend this memorable event. I wish you all journey mercies back to your destinations.
Thank you.
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