By ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has sympathised with Pututa and other agrarian communities in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area, that were ravaged by flood.
Other four communities affected are Tswako, Likpata, Godangi, and Ekko, all within Lafiagi Ward (4).
The Governor during his visit to the Palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammed Kudu Kawu, described the recurring incident as unfortunate.
He identified dredging of the River Niger as a lasting solution to flooding in the area, and promised to continue to push for a lasting solution.
“It is a bad situation, we are glad that no life was lost, though a lot of properties were destroyed. The dredging of River Niger is beyond the State but we will continue to engage federal agencies like the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Inland Waterways, HYPADEC and other federal agencies for their support.”
AbdulRazaq directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to visit the place and take inventory of their losses for adequate government’s support.
He also gave them a sum of N10 million to provide for their immediate needs, including medical, food, and drinking water.
The Governor thanked the people of Kwara North, including the Lafiagi Emirate, for supporting his government.
AbdulRazaq also visited the College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi and Lafiagi Stadium under reconstruction, with the promise to intensify efforts for the upgrade of the former to Federal University of Education.
He said the government will look into the reopening of the Gbugbu International Market, Lafiagi, which was earlier closed for security reasons.
The Governor also justified the zoning of the governorship ticket to Kwara North, saying the motive was to expedite development in the region.
“On a final note, the push of this administration is that wherever a leader comes from, it brings more development to that area. It is a natural thing,” he said at the Emir’s Palace.
“For Kwara North to feel greater impacts, our administration has decided to make sure that the next Governor of Kwara State comes from Kwara North.”
Speaking on behalf of the Emir, the Somasun of Lafiagi, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, appreciated the Governor for the visit and for the developmental projects by his government.
He specifically thanked the government for donating a Coaster Bus to the College of Education (Technical) Lafiagi to ease the mobility of staff.
He appealed for the reopening of the Gbugbu International Market to improve commercial activities and grow their economy.
On his part, the Lashan Pututa, Alhaji Ibrahim, said the Governor’s visit further demonstrates his leadership qualities and a commitment to the well-being of people of the community.
He commended AbdulRazaq for providing them good leadership and appealed to his government to assist in putting an end to their challenge.
“There have been no governors in Kwara state, both military and elected ones like Your Excellency.
“What we have witnessed during your time is unique. We have not had it so good as you have done for us.
“This is Lafiagi ward 4, we have about thirty-one villages within the ward, all in the riverine area. We are just one single ward, but our votes count even more than some local governments in the State.
“Since we have been practicing politics along with other people, we have not had a governor who would be stepping into our ward like you. You have been coming to this ward as if you were born here. Your contributions to our community are very enormous. We will reciprocate this kind gesture with our vote come 2027.” he concluded.
Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
