Kwara State to get new N1.1bn secretariat

Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara on Monday flagged off the construction of a new N1.1billion new secretariat complex for civil servants.

Speaking at the occasion, the governor said the new secretariat became necessary in view of the fact that office accommodation had become inadequate to cater for the increasing number of workers in the civil service.

Ahmed said the project was being funded through the State Infrastructural Development Fund (IFK) which pools funds for critical infrastructure projects.

“The new secretariat complex was recommended by the need to open a new vista of modernised and motivated civil service in Kwara State.

“My government is aware that our Ministries, Department and Agencies have had to cope with acute shortage of office accommodation due to our expanding civil service,” he said.

He added that the government was funding several critical on-going and new projects through the funding window of IFK.

These projects, Ahmed said, included the Geri Alimi Diamond Underpass, the dualisation of Kulende-UITH road and Kwara State University Campuses in Osi-Ekiti and Ilesha Baruba.

According to the governor, no state could achieve real development without infrastructure, especially those that enhance human capital development.

He stated that his administration had succeeded in maintaining the delicate balance between infrastructure development and workers’ welfare.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs Zahra Omar, said the provision of new office accommodation for civil servants had become imperative due to the continued expansion in the service.