The governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, has stated that his administration is creating a new political system in the state.
Additionally, he believed that his administration mirrored the aspirations of the Kwara people.
The governor announced an award ceremony honouring Kwara's pioneers, heroes, and achievers on Saturday, according to a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
“Senior citizens, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this administration represents the collective aspirations of our people for progress, development, equitable governance, and respect for the dignity of the human person. This has guided our steps through the past three and half years. Our programmes, projects, and policies have been conceived to give everyone a fair shot.
“We are as focused on infrastructural and human capital development as we are on giving every segment of our state a fair share of what our resources can afford. We are also building a new political culture that respects self-reliance, industry, and healthy competition,” he was reported as saying.
He said the awards demonstrated the administration’s commitment to fostering an environment that encourages and rewards high achievement, dedication to the country, diversity in the workplace, and long-term planning.
“On behalf of the government and people of this state, I congratulate all our awardees. The award is our token of appreciation for what you have done and continue to do to make Kwara proud. This award is a strategy to promote excellence and patriotism in our state. It is also a dutiful effort to interrogate and put history in proper perspective,” he added.
“Kwara is a land of great people with impressive footprints, dead or alive, so the list of recipients of this award will widen in the next editions, God willing.
“Over the past three and half years, we have invested so much to refocus the developmental priorities of our state. This has been tough in the face of global economic challenges. Regardless, we are proud of our strides across sectors. Measured against where we are coming from, indices of human capital development have never been so bright, verifiable, and relatable across Kwara State. Even so, we acknowledge the existing gaps, and we are committed to beat our own records.
“We are not perfect. We, therefore, need you to continue engaging us in good faith so we can continue improving,” the governor said.
Former Nigerian Chief Justice Alfa Salihu Modibbo Belgore, former Nigerian head of the secret police General Abdullahi Adangba, Dr Amuda Aluko, the late Chief Josiah Olawoyin, the founder of Okin Biscuit and foremost educationist Emmanuel Adesoye, and former Senate Leader Olusola Saraki were all recipients of Lifetime Achievement or Posthumous awards.
Aside from those mentioned above, other recipients include the first lawyer in Northern Nigeria, AbdulGaniyu Folorunsho Abdul-Razaq, SAN; living music legend Jayegbade Alao; former Central Bank Governor and Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Sarah Alade; the late Ahman Patigi; and the late Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Mahmud Babatunde Belgore.
Former Minister of Health Alhaji Yahya Madawaki Orioko, former Governors Shaaba Lafiagi, Cornelius Adebayo, and Prof. Abdulrazaq Abdulmajeed Alaro, and former Governors Tunde Idiagbon, Abdulkareem Adisa, Lasisi Bamigboye, and Mosobalaje Oyawoye were also honoured.
Alhaji Kamoru Ibitoye Yusuf, founder of Kam Holdings; Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji, founder of Al-Hikmah University; Prof. Suleiman Adeyemi, Prof. David Babalola, former Minister Amina Ndalolo, Ambassador Zara Omar, and late football icon Rashidi Yekini also received the awards.