Ahmed promises robust economy in Kwara

• Kwankwaso’s projects not viable, says Ganduje

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, has promised that the state would transform the economy, such that it would be able to pay workers salaries as at when due.

He spoke yesterday in Ilorin in a chat with reporters on the socio, political and economic status of the state and its people, as part of activities marking this year’s ‘Democracy Day.’

The governor blamed the current ills on the poor state of the nation’s economy, especially as it affects the frequent reduction in the federal allocations to the states.

Ahmed, who described his becoming governor as divine, said the saddest thing in his life, is seeing workers being owed salaries and arrears.

In making the transformation, he identified three areas as the most important steps towards resuscitation of the crippled economy.

These are; increased drive for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), reduction in the overhead cost, via zero budgeting system and a cut in the personnel cost through effective staff auditing driven by Bank Verification Number (BVN) system.

Speaking on the activities of cattle rustlers in the state, Ahmed said a Federal Government-driven policy should be evolved to restore agriculture to its pride of place.

In Kano State, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, gave reasons why his administration was constrained in sustaining the “gigantic.” projects initiated by the immediate past government of Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing them as not economically viable.

The governor also attributed government incapacity to complete the abandoned projects, to dwelling income and economic crunch in the country.

Among the projects mentioned are; the abandoned 5 kilometer road projects across the 44 local government areas, multi-billion naira 1,577 Kwankwasiyya and Ammana housing schemes and 44 Technical schools, 44 Islamic schools, among other projects.