Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara says his administration still has a lot of grounds to cover, charging his commissioners to buckle up.
The governor said this at the inauguration of three newly appointed commissioners on Wednesday in Ilorin.
He however said that the administration had achieved a lot in the area of basic infrastructure and bringing governance closer to the people.
AbdulRazaq said the administration had delivered basic amenities and social infrastructure that were lacking, adding that it was no time for full blown politics.
The governor tasked the cabinet members on prudence, team work, and sacrifice to achieve a greater state.
“We must keep our eyes on the ball, which is service to the people of Kwara, who have entrusted us with their mandate.
“You are coming on board at a crucial time in the life of this administration and our state. Kwara state is undergoing a rebuilding process. Prudence, discipline, team work and sacrifice have been our watchwords.
“Revenue is drying up. Yet our administration is confronted with huge challenges of human capital and infrastructural development, and an urgent need to lift as many people as possible out of poverty.
“Every penny is being channeled towards tackling this. The administration has a duty to chart a sustainable course for our state. That is why we cannot afford to be flamboyant or wasteful,” he said.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mamman Jubril, said: “I urge the honourable commissioners to be dedicated to their duties. They should be tolerant and completely loyal to the government.
“We acknowledge the honour for the swearing in ceremony. May God continue to honour you to serve the state.”
Hajia Saadatu Modibbo-Kawu, who respinded on behalf of others, assured that they would join other stakeholders to succeed in the task before them.
“This moment means a lot to us. So, on behalf of my colleagues, I will like to express our appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor.
“We know this is a trying period for the state. The resources we have cannot do a lot of things we intend to do. We will think outside the box and be innovative as much as possible to manage the little that we have to do the much we can in our different ministries.
“We shall work with other critical stakeholders to achieve the goals of this administration,” she said.
The National Daily reports that the appointees are Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu as Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development; Mrs Bosede Olaitan, Commissioner for Communications; and Sabbah Gideon, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.
The swearing in was attended by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Salihu Yakubu-Danladi; Chief Judge Suleiman Kawu; Grand Khadi Ola AbdulKadir; Head of Service, Mrs Modupe Oluwole; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Salman Jawondo; Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy Sa’adu Salau; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Communication, Bashiru Adigun.