Saraki directs council chairmen to submit action plans
KWARA State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has asked all 16 council chairmen in the state to submit their action plans to the state within a month.
Saraki gave the directive after a meeting yesterday with the council chiefs in Ilorin.
"We have waited long enough trying to carry everyone along, by September the state government will go ahead with its electrification projects," Saraki said.
Specifically, he directed the chairmen to submit their plans on rural electrification, provision of water in all villages, and assistance to farmers at the grassroots. They are to submit them before August ending.
Saraki disclosed plans to establish agro-processing cottage industries for cashew, cassava and tomatoes. He urged the chairmen to seize the opportunity to provide employment for farmers and youths in their areas.
Saraki's deputy, Chief Afolabi Ogundeji, decried the non-challant attitude of chairmen who failed to submit information on their cocoa-producing status and asked them to act promptly.
He tasked the council chairmen to see themselves as catalysts for development at the grassroots, which he said, comprises majority of Nigerians.
The council chairmen also presented their score cards in office and highlighted problem areas where state government's assistance are required.
Baruten Council Chairman, Suleiman Alfa Seko, bemoaned the neglect suffered by the area in the past and the shortage of basic amenities such as water and electricity.
"I am in total support of joint financing of projects by state and local governments," Alfa Seko said arguing that his council can never source enough funds to construct its roads except through such co-operation.
Edu and Irepodun Council Chairmen, Alhaji Mohammed Dubba and Alhaji Abdukareem Adewumi respectively, urged the state government to tackle erosion in their councils.
Asa Council Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Sheu, expressed concern on the wage bill borne by the council and disclosed that the council has no fewer than a thousand workers on its payroll.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Bisi Oloruntoba and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim attended the meeting.
