Kwara state is leveraging the peaceful co-existence, diverse cultures, hospitality and other variables to make the state the best investment destination in Nigeria, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said on Thursday.
Speaking at the official opening of the Federation of the Public Service Games in Ilorin, the Governor expressed hope that the coming years will offer Kwara a ticket to become the Nigerian capital for digital economy, tourism and agribusiness along key value chains
“Kwara State has over the years been a peaceful State. We are blessed with rich human and natural resources. And we are a very diverse, hospitable and peace-loving people. We are therefore leveraging these variables to make the state the best investment destination in Nigeria,” he said.
“In the coming years, we want to become the Nigerian capital for digital economy, tourism and agribusiness along key value chains.
“We are making this happen through our strategic investments in the innovation hub, Dolby studio-fitted visual arts centre, garment factory, largest squash court in the country, international conference centre, roads linking our major agricultural and mining hubs, and manpower training and welfare for our civil servants. On top of that is our deliberate steps to further ease the business climate through necessary legal frameworks.”
The Governor said the Games — the first of it to hold in Kwara since it began in 1980 — offered a platform to strengthen national unity, promote team spirit, and excellent physical and mental health among public servants.
“It also serves as an avenue to appraise your contributions to nation building, and plan for a sustainable future,” the Governor added.
AbdulRazaq, expressing his delight at the glamour and turnout of compatriots at the venue, said his administration has invested heavily in renovation of many facilities in the state Stadium complex.
He assured the sports enthusiasts of their safety throughput their stay in the state.
The opening ceremony featured march-past by officials of various federal establishments, including Federal Ministry of Health, National Emergency Maintenance Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, and Federal Ministry of Finance, among others
Comrade Aloku Amaebi, National President for FEPSGA, said Kwara won the hosting lisence on the basis of the Governor’s exceptional commitment and investment in sports in the state.
“We singled you out as Governor that has performed well in this country, most especially in sports sector. We considered the state as choice to host the games this year because of the existing peace here. Peace and security being enjoyed in Kwara State is unparalleled compared to other states,” he affirmed.
He commended AbdulRazaq for giving them enabling environment to have the sporting activities hitch-free and colourful.