…As Gov Re-Appoints Ajakaiye As Spokesman
By Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
Nursing mothers in Kwara State are to begin to enjoy six months’ maternity leave as against the usual three months, Governor AbdulRahman AvdulRazaq has announced.
The governor announced the good news in his speech at his inauguration for a second term in office in Ilorin on Monday, promising that he would remain a responsible and responsive leader that he had always been for the people of the state.
Outlining his priorities for the second term to include focusing on consolidating the achievements of the previous four years and initiating new socio-economic developmental projects, the governor also promised to comple ongoing projects, such as the Ilorin International Conference Centre, Revenue House, Innovation Hub, Visual Arts Centre, Sugar Film Factory, and the various campuses of the Kwara State University.
He also said that he would ensure provision of affordable housing, which he said was indeed a priority while the government is planning to form partnerships with private and federal agencies to develop satellite towns and provide decent living conditions.
The governor also mentioned initiatives to support entrepreneurship and human capital development through the Kwapreneur Initiative and a multi-disciplinary scholarship scheme for postgraduate students.
AbdulRazaq said, “The government aims to involve communities in decision-making processes by establishing a Bureau of Integrated Rural Development, allowing them to prioritize their needs and allocate resources accordingly.
“The administration also plans to strengthen relationships with the private sector to create jobs and improve the business climate.”
Furthermore, he reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, education, and the environment saying that “the state’s investments in primary education and healthcare delivery have received national recognition, and there are upcoming international projects in basic education.”
The governor, while announcing the optional six-month maternal leave for female civil servants, said that it would promote exclusive breastfeeding and maternal health for nursing mothers.
Governor AbdulRazaq and his deputy, Kayode Alabi, were sworn-in for their second term of another four years in the presence of a mamoth crowd, which included dignitaries, their family members, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives from various sectors of the state.
Meanwhile, the governor, while making his first appointment, picked again his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaiye, to sail with him in the journey of the next four years.
In his appointment letter conveyed to him by the Head of Service, HoS; Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole, Ajakaiye was told that “the executive governor of Kwara State, His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has approved the reappointment of Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye as the Chief Press Secretary, CPS.”
The HoS congratulated Ajakaye for his reappointment and admonished him to rededicate himself to his responsibility as the governor’s spokesperson.
