Peace, essential for growth – Ahmed

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has stressed the importance of peace to the actualisation of the socio-economic growth of any society.
Ahmed said this on Sunday when the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, paid him the traditional Eid-el-Kabir homage at the Government House, Ilorin, the state capital.
Ahmed noted that despite the huge investment on infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads and social services like education, nothing could be achieved in a state of rancour.
According to him: “Though governments have the clear responsibility of ensuring that people have access to the dividends of democracy, this will be a mirage without peace and tranquility in the polity.”
The governor, who was appreciative of traditional rulers support in the state by ensuring peace and religious harmony among the people, emphasised that local government councils in the state have been primed to be more responsive to service delivery, adding: “Local governments are allowed to run according to the law without interference.”
He emphasised that the era of salary arrears at the local government level in the state had become a thing of the past as modalities have been put in place to forestall unnecessary accumulation of salary arrears.
Ahmed commended Sulu-Gambari for his fatherly role as a peace vanguard in the state.
Ahmed assured the people of the state that despite the enormous challenges and huge developmental needs, his administration remains committed to qualitative and efficient service delivery for the good of the state.
He also commended security agencies in the state for the maintenance of law and order, stressing that every Nigerian is a stakeholder in the security project of the country and everybody must play critical role in that regard.
Earlier, Sulu-Gambari had assured the governor that the traditional institution in the state remains steadfast in partnering the state government in sustaining peace in the state.
Sulu-Gambari commended Ahmed for effectively piloting the affairs of the state, adding: “We are steadfast; we want you to succeed. I certify that you are doing greatly. It takes time for good works to show.”
The Emir, who spoke on the efficacy of prayers, said traditional rulers would not only continue to pray for peace but work for peace in the country.
He urged the rich in the society to aid the poor through economic empowerment.