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Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday visited President Muhammadu Buhari over the recent flood and rainstorm that wreaked havoc in several parts of the state, calling for urgent interventions of the federal government for victims of the incidents.
This is contained in a statement made available to news men by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
According to the statement, the Governor commended the president for the quality leadership he has offered in Nigeria’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and for the recent approval of the Economic Sustainability Plan to mitigate the effect of the crisis on the country and its people.
AbdulRazaq appealed to the President to continue to support his administration with a view to delivering socio-economic development to the people of Kwara State.
He specifically called for the president’s support for over 15,000 households and 357 communities affected by the recent flooding and rainstorm in Kwara State, and his intervention for the revival of moribund industries in the state to generate jobs and drive economic growth.
“We wished for Kwara State to be part of the first beneficiaries of road construction and rehabilitation, support to MSMEs, land development for agricultural purpose, mass housing and rural electrification; which are approved initiatives under the COVID-19 intervention programmes,” he said.
“More urgently, I informed Mr. President about the recent flooding and rainstorms in many parts of the state. Without doubt, the State has been affected by disasters including fire outbreaks, floods and destruction caused by heavy rainstorms. The latest disaster happened following last Saturday’s heavy downpour which affected Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Patigi, Edu, Moro, Kaiama, Ifelodun, Baruten, Asa, Isin and Irepodun LGAs, amongst others.”
Governor AbdulRazaq stated that, from the first assessment, over 15,000 households across 357 communities were affected, 13 deaths as well as 10 billion Naira in losses to farmers and damage of buildings were recorded. He beseeched Mr. President that it would be highly appreciated if relief materials could be provided. Specifically, he said Kwara would appreciate food items as well as housing materials such as bundles of zinc, packs of roofing nails, mattresses and beddings for the people as the number of IDPs is expected to rise.
“I also solicited for His Excellency’s intervention on the matter of the sale of Bacita Sugar Company. I reminded His Excellency that AMCON sold the company over a year ago. However, the buyer only paid 10% of the total amount which leaves the sale uncompleted. This has resulted in 100 thousand people, mostly out grower farmers, losing their jobs. His Excellency may kindly consider directing AMCON to put the company back for sale in order to quickly conclude the process.” The statement added.
