Activities for the 2008 Independence Anniversary Celebration of Nigeria was on Wednesday rounded off throughout the country with a call on Nigerians to renew their faith and be committed to the transformation of their fatherland.  

Nigeria’s President, Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’ardua made the call in a presidential address read on his behalf by the Kwara State Governor , Dr. Bukola Saraki to mark the country’s 48th Independence Anniversary Celebration in Ilorin , the State Capital .  

President Yar’adua specifically Charged Nigerians to demonstrate absolute love and commitment to the project –Nigeria with a view to taking the country to the promised.  

Nigeria economy, the President said is appreciating gradually with an average of 6.9% growth rate , a single digit inflation rated and external reserve of over 63billion dollars, adding that efforts have been intensified to sanitise financial budgetary process with the release of over 4billion by the Federal Government to Ministry and other agencies from unspent capital vote.  

As part of the 7 point agenda of the Federal Government, Alhaji, Yar’adua disclosed that the Infrastructure. Concession Regulatory Commission would undertake the concession of key infrastructure sector that are considered viable to further stimulate the economy.  

Federal Government, he disclosed would also use the Natural Resources Development account primarily to boost domestic goods production, which he noted , would go a long way in increasing agricultural activities and providing food for the citizens of the country.  

Speaking on the journey so far in the State Governor Saraki said his administration would continue to pursue policies and programmes that have direct impact on the lives of the citizenry to improve their living standard. 

The state Government, he explained, would not lose focus in its determination to fight unemployment, pointing out that empowerment programmes have been put in place to engage youths in productive ventures.  

Saraki disclosed that the urge to bring unemployment to zero level by the State Government led to the establishment of Skills Acquisition Centre for youths and artisans through public- private partnership initiative to fight the menace of unemployment .  

He also assured that farmers in the State would continue to reap the dividends of democracy through support in the area supply of agricultural inputs in order to make the State a truly food Basket of the Nation .  

Dr. Saraki , however announced that the Shonga Poultry Factory would start rolling out its chickens by February next year , assuring that all necessary encouragements would be given to farmers to boost food production in the State.  

While congratulating the people of the State on the occasion of this year’s independence anniversary celebration, Dr Saraki urged them to continue to demonstrate support and loyalty to their leaders and offer useful suggestions capable of moving the State forward.    

Mas’ud Adebimpe 

Chief Press Secretary, To Kwara State Governor.

1st of October, 2008