Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State on Wednesday said a total of N1.7 billion mobilisation fees has been paid to contractors engaged by his administration as part of efforts to cushion effects of the economic recession through enhanced infrastructure development.

Speaking in Ilorin, the state capital, while receiving the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, he attributed the increased tempo of project executions to a 40 per cent reduction in the cost of governance.

He assured that his administration would create more jobs and not sack workers, because: “I feel more pain than you feel because I’m supposed to make you happy and comfortable, even if it means making myself uncomfortable.”

Governor Ahmed assured the people that the newly introduced Kwara Infrastructure Fund would ensure that contractors who key into the programme are paid quarterly upon certification of the quality of their works.

He explained that the newly procured asphalt plants by the government would soon be commissioned, following which “all bad roads across the state would soon be fixed while new ones constructed.”

The governor said Kwara would access a N700 million World Bank facility for primary healthcare to carter for mothers and children, while 12 luxury buses are being procured to ply major roads across the state.

Earlier, Alhaji Gambari called on Nigerians to “pray for the success of our leaders as their actions or in actions will impact on the general well being of the citizenry,” urging government to pay more attention to agriculture to ensure sustainable food security in the country. (Independent)

•Photo shows Governor Ahmed.