The governor also swore in two Persons Living With Disabilities as Permanent Secretaries.
The inauguration followed the announcement of Abdulkadir Mahe Aliyu, a prince of Ilorin Emirate and former permanent secretary, as the new Secretary to the State Government. Mahe was sworn in along with the commissioners.
The governor, similarly, swore in a former commissioner, Jamila Bake, as a permanent member of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission. She represents Kwara North at the statutory body.
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The governor, who later had a brief inaugural meeting with the new SSG and commissioners, charged them to work as a team and be responsive and mindful of the public good in their duties.
“We have to review our rates to reflect the current realities, attract Grade-A contractors, and greatly improve the quality of project delivery and value for money. For example, we have to start designing and building roads with stone bases to allow for better durability. This will of course affect the cost of our road projects, going forward,” he said.
Earlier at the inauguration, the governor said: “The last four years have seen us stabilising and repositioning different sectors of our society. Our achievements are boldly written in education, urban renewal projects, rural development, healthcare delivery, provision of potable water, gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment, and general welfare of the people especially through the safety net programmes and other interventions. The Kwara socio-economic climate has proven resilient against all odds.”
AbdulRazaq said their choice as cabinet members and public servants was a product of wide consultations, merit, and careful consideration for the public good.
He congratulated them for being part of his new team who are entrusted to work for the public good.
“With prudence and blockage of wastes, we have grown internally generated revenue to a height never seen before. Similarly, several projects of huge socioeconomic impacts have been initiated to bridge existing infrastructural gaps and make Kwara the go-to place in Nigeria amid improved access to basic amenities and better welfare for the public workforce,” he said.
“But we are now faced with a new set of challenges. With fuel subsidies gone and the government mobilising resources to stabilise the system amid the rising cost of living, we are committed to helping the people cope through empathy and creative solutions.
“As cabinet members and senior bureaucrats, you are to join the government to make life a lot better for the people through the design and implementation of various policies and programmes and exemplary conduct in public leadership. Neither waste, abuse, sabotage, nor intentional disregard for public good will be tolerated. Our appetite and public appearance must also reflect the current realities of our country.”
