For Dr. Bukola Saraki the season of honour is here. The youthful governor of Kwara State is being showered with awards across the nation, in recognition of his remarkable achievements with barely six months in office. The latest feather on his cap came on Saturday, November 29, 2003 at the New Patriots Achiever's Golden Awards where he bagged the Best Governor, North-Centre award.

Other Governors who were honoured at the event which held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos include Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos State, Dr. Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, Chief D.S.P Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano and Dr. Ali Modu Sherif of Borno State.

According to the organisers of the award, Dr. Saraki and others were honoured in recognition of the quality of services the rendered to their people. Described as transparent, visionary and dynamic, Saraki is rapidly transforming the hitherto socio-economically comatose state into a developed and prosperous state.

Represented by Kwara State Commissioner for Land and Housing, Alhaji Aubakar Kale Belgore, the youthful Governor is said to have a zero tolerance for corruption.

The giant strides he has made within six months in office which earned him the prestigious award, include the provision of drinkable water for the people, upon which he has sunk over 120 bore-holes across the state. On education, Governor Saraki organised an Education Summit, which examined critically the problems afflicting the state's Education development. It was the first of its kind in the history of the state.

On Agriculture which is the mainstay of the state's economy, the Governor launched a back-to-farm project which aim to boost food production, swell the state revenue earnings and provide employment. This scheme alone provided employment for over 1,000 people.

Due to his transparent administration and zero tolerance for corruption, Governor Saraki has saved the state some N2.8 billion which was being siphoned through the local government in the state. In the area of Health, Governor Saraki is putting in place an oxygen plant at Ministry of Health. The plant which is the first of its kind in the history of its state is meant for the state hospitals.

There is also a drug revolving scheme which has ensured availability of drugs in the state hospitals and medical centres; and cataract operation as well as free eyes glasses for those nursing eye problems.

In the area of commerce and industry, Governor Saraki has attracted a $10 million Dangote flour mills to the state. It was the first industry to be established in the state in the past 20 years.

The flour mills is expected to provide jobs for about 2,000 citizens. Also in the area of job creation, the Governor launched a Clean and Green project which aims at riding the state of filth. The scheme did not only provided jobs for about 1,500 people it has transformed the state capital into one of the cleanest cities in Nigeria. The government of Dr. Saraki is also pursuing an ambitious housing project which will provide decent accommodation for the citizens. Towards achievement this, about 1,000 housing unit are expected to be ready by May next year. Commending Governor Saraki on his laudable achievement, the special guest of honour at the ceremony and the D-G Voice of Nigeria (VON), Alhaji Taiwo Alimi urged other Governors in the country to emulate the Kwara State Governor. According to him, one thing that has been missing in our national life is governance.

Rather than governed, he said, our governors only busy themselves politicking.

"In Kwara State concentration has been on governance and not politicking. That's why the Governor has been able to achieve all he's been able to deliver on the mandate given to him six months ago. I congratulate him," he said.

By Austin Oniyokor
Oniyokor wrote in from Lagos.

27/07/2010