As a born Kwara writer double as a prolific Blogger, permit me to introduce you to the Commissioners in Kwara State.
Engr Ayinla Yeketi - Commissioner for Education
The Asa born politician is arguably the most experienced amongst the 19 commissioners, he has traversed virtually all sectors of the state ranging from education, where he was the chairman, Kwara state polytechnic Board, a position where he
excelled to the admiration of all.
Yeketi came onboard when the school was faced with the twin problem of cultism and non-payment of staff salaries which led to an industrial action that grounded the school for months.
With some weeks in the saddle the board in conjuction with the school's management was able to settle the industrial dispute and to his credit also cultism was tackled head-on.
Yeketi afterwards appointed the pioneer Director General of the newly formed Kwara State Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA), where he also performed wonders. He helped gave the governor's directive of operation 'no pothole' a face, KWARMA under Yeketi not only patched roads across the nooks and crannies of the state, they also embarked on dualisation of new roads.
Yekiti was subsequently appointed the Director General of Mandate office, the campaign machinery of the Saraki political family, he was able to organise a hugely successful for the party in all elections it participated in.
With his level experience, analyst have posited that he may likely be one of the poster boy of this administration, Ministry of Education is however in dire need of an overhaul with the yearly poor performance of indigent students in the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC), the ministry must draw a marshal plan to turn the tide, while also the unavailability of teachers schools especially rural areas must be urgently addressed.
Ademola Banu - Commissioner for finance
The Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun local government area born politician was arguably the best commissioner in Governor Ahmed's first term cabinet, he was saddled with the responsibility of keeping the state solvent in the face of the sliding revenue accruable to the state from the federation account.
Through Banu's deft money management skills he was able to keep economy the afloat as the government was still able to pay salaries of its workers monthly, while most more weighty states were all owing backlog of salaries.
The reduced revenue accruable to the state however slowed down the state government, with Banu's financial know-how however, the state government was adjudged above
average by independent observers.
average by independent observers.
This said however, Banu's second coming will be a herculean task, as the state government's resources have further dwindled; salary payment is now an issue unlike before.
The ministry under Banu will have to as a matter of urgency block all loopholes in other to free resources for government's developmental projects, while also drawing a short, medium and long term plan which will lead the state to being independent of federation account by looking inward.
Ministry of finance under the second coming of Banu must move beyond the monthly JAAC meeting where revenue are shared to a daily routine of unearthing avenues of revenue generation for the state.
The ministry must also make sure contracts are properly monitored and executed before paying the contractors; the issue of abandoned projects must be a thing of the past in the state.
Barrister Kamaldeen Ajibade - Attorney General and commissioner for justice
Ajibade is a legal practitioner of repute, the Ilorin west born master litigant is highly revered and his opinion especially on legal matters carries weight in the political circles in the state and beyond.
If there was any commissioner assured of his place in the second term cabinet of Governor Ahmed, it is definitely Ajibade.
He has been able to stamp his authority in the state when it comes to legal matters, ranging from government businesses, litigations etc.
According to highly placed source, Ajibade is a core professional who never shies away from giving truthful legal position on issues, regardless of what the parties involved wants to be told.
The judicial system however needs an urgent upgrade especially in criminal judicial system, while some noble federal laws also need to be domesticated.
Prison congestion is also in need of serious attention as the state's prisons are filled to the brim, with majority of the inmates awaiting trials, with minor bail able offences.
Chief Jamiudeen Aro Yahaya - Commissioner for Works and Transport
The career banker turned politician is an indigene of Oke-Ode in Ifelodun local government area of the state, was born in 1961, in recognition of his Spartan lifestyle based on humility and community service, he was bestowed with a chieftaincy award of 'Aro of Oke-Ode', Aro can be loosely translated as 'the trustworthy', he also holds a chieftaincy award in the Diaspora.
The banking and finance graduate of University of Lagos also holds an MBA from the prestigious University of Ilorin. He is a member of numerous professional bodies amongst who is Nigerian Institute of Management, Member institute of Professional Managers of Nigeria.
Aro who traversed the banking industry before accepting the invitation of the state governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to serve as its Special Assistant inter-governmental (local), among the banks he worked with are First Bank, defunt Gamji/Institute Trade Bank, Societie Bank (merchant Bank), Universal Trust Bank and Broad Bank.
He was treasury manager and group business manager in all the banks, he left the banking industry to join the Kwara state government in 2011as a senior manager.
After 2 years of impressive service to the state, in appreciation of his dedication and achievements, he was elevated to Senior Special Assistant Security Matters, where he coordinated security issues and gave advice accordingly to the governor.
His appointment as commissioner of works and transport trailed with surprise as majority never expected it, however with his performance sterling performance in his last 2 assignments, one can be rest assured that the state is about to be turned into a huge construction site.
While the state's roads are in dire need of overhaul, especially the creation of alternative routes to decongest the major roads in Ilorin the state capital and other major cities, not forgetting the dualisation of rural roads (intra and Inter state), also the state's infrastructure needs a new lease of life.
The transport sector in the state also needs urgent government attention, a visit to most motor parks in the state shows absence of government presence, while most of the commuting buses are not befitting of transporting sane human beings.
Pharm. Bolakale Ayo Nuhu - Commissioner for Youth and Sports
The native of Ilorin west LGA, was born some 53years old, the Pharmacy graduate of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) also holds an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Ilorin.
The Pharmacist turned politician is a successful businessman with interest hospitality business and others.
He is a member of Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association, Certified Board of Administration of Nigeria, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Business Administration among other professional bodies.
Though he was widely touted to man another ministry, as a versatile politician with strong ties with the largest constituency (Youth), he was posted to man the direct interface of the youth and the government.
With the relegation of Kwara United from the Nation's elite league is major test will be how to pilot the assemblage of a crack team of players and technical crew members to help the team gain promotion as soon as possible.
While attention must also be given to other sports which have been relegated to the backburners over the years, also the Kwara football academy should be enlarged to accommodate other sports of core advantage and be rechristened Kwara state sport academy.
Also the commissioner must bring to bear his decades of experience in the private sector to enhance in sport administration in the state, he must devise a means of making the sector attractive to the private investors, in terms of facilities, sponsorship and partnership.
While also a comprehensive engagement plan for the teeming unemployed youth must be drafted in which the sole aim will be to help reduce drastically the alarming unemployment indices in the state.
Otunba Taiwo Joseph - Commissioner for Environment and Forestry
The Eruku born Oil and Gas expert turned politician is aged 53, the man popularly referred to as OTJ admirers was a House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last general election.
The Multi-millionaire politician is a philanthropist of note, within his shot foray into politics he has succeeded in touching lives of people across the length and breadth of the state and beyond.
He is an holder of chieftaincy of Otunba from different three different kingdoms, he is also a recipient of several awards in recognition of his contribution to the people.A very nice, eloquent fellow.The new commissioner for Environment and Forestry will with all intent bring to bear his private sector experience. The sector should in a couple of months be contributing substantially to the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
While the Environment angle of the ministry should made to be the poster boy of the government especially in its clean and green program, environmental hygiene must be prioritised and strictly adhered to.
The state should take a cue from lagos state by constructing a huge refuse recycle plant in the state, which will help reduce waste and also serve as an alternative source of revenue.
It is a known fact that a clean and green environment is a prelude to growth and development.
Alhaja Funmilayo Oniwa - Commissioner for Solid Minerals
She is the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kwara North Senatorial Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Oniwa, that is not however to take anything away from her capability and prowess.
The moro born Hajiafunmilayo before her appointment has served on Boards of various government agencies where she was reported to have performed creditably well, not many however expected her commissioner nomination.
The new commissioner of Solid Minerals however have a onerous cut-out task on her hands, to say the state's mineral extraction industry is comatose is an understatement.
With minerals resources like coal, limestone, iron-ore, granite, columbite, marble etc lying fallow both in the soil and waters of the state, turning around the industry for maximum derivable benefits to accrue to the state coffers and by extension its citizenry is with all intent a priority.
Barrister Sheu Akorede - Commissioner for Water Resources
Akorede has been president and member of several youth groups Ilorin Emirate Student Union, University Unions.
Babatunde Ajeigbe - Commissioner for Information
The Offa born politician is an expert in Agriculture, the agriculture graduate was the immediate past Special Adviser on Agriculture to the state governor, where he was said to have performed excellently.
Ajeigbe is a talented orator and very articulate, this trait stood him in good sted during the screening exercise at the House of Assembly, as he reeled out his point well articulated, no wonder he was adjudged the best performed during their screening.
It was not surprising that he was posted to the ministry of Information, though he doesn't have a journalistic background, but when the gist is about informing the populace about activities of the state executive council and projecting programs of the governor Abdulfatah Ahmed administration then Ajeigbe is a round peg in round hole.
With his wealth of experience in government circles and the private world, it is safe to say information dissemination by the state government will never be the same again. In easing his work however, the state owned media outfits must be made to undergo a complete turn-around, with the procurement of world class equipment, re-training and employment of staffs, improved welfare package for staffs and giving the management quasi independence in order to turn the organisation to a revenue generating establishment instead of its current state of revenue gulping enterprise without a commensurate output.
Hon. Wasiu Odewale - Commissioner of Planing and Economic Development
He born OmupoIfelodun local government area of the state some 52 years ago, an Economics graduate from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), is the immediate past Special Assistant to the governor on Development strategy, he doubles as the Secretary General of Kwara professionals in Lagos state.
The master degree holder in strategic management option from University of Ilorin, was a chairmanship aspirant in 2013, under the platform of the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
To Odewale's credit are some of the development plans of the state government during the governor's first term in office, he is however said to be a silent worker who prefers his work to talk for him.
His appointment as the commissioner in charge of planning and economic development is a very novel decision by the state governor, which his years of experience in the private sector as a key development player with flare for financing and analysis, the ministry should be able to unfold short, medium and long term plan for the state which each government organ and other sectors of the economy will key into.
This will go a long way in guaranteeing unity of purpose and also allow for independent appraisal of the administration.
Hon. Bamidele Adegoke - Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources
The computer science graduate of university of Ilorin, is a former chairmanship aspirant of Oke-Ero, he is the immediate past Youth Empowerment Coordinator in the local government. Bamidele who arguably is the youngest amongst all the commissioners is a tested grassroot politician.
His posting to the ministry of Agriculture and natural resources is definitely a huge call to responsibility, it is however doable with due dedication and diligence.
Adegoke who is an 'Agripreneur' surely knows the needs, requirements and challenges of the sector, the achievements of the BukolaSaraki administration in the agricultural sector is being challenged due to unavailability of the produce in local markets in the state.
Produce from Shonga farms is hardly seen in the markets in the state capital, while provision of fertilisers and other incentives to farmers must be prioritised, in other for the state to be self sufficient.
Also the ministry must liaise with other relevant ministry of works and transport, which will help dualise rural-urban roads for easy transportation of farm produce to the market.
Also ministry of finance, commerce and cooperatives, both ministries will be instrumental in making sure Agriculture is used as a tool to tackle youth unemployment and also serve as an avenue where farmers can get grants to expand their businesses.
Hon. Muideen Alalade - Commisioner
The Oyun born politician is a grassroot politician who has been around for awhile, he tried unsuccessfully to fly the then PDP's ticket for the Oyun LG chair, he is said to be a staunch loyalist of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim.
Alalade whose late Dad was a very strong and prominent politician in Oyun local government area is also reputed to be an undying loyalist of the late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Olusola Saraki.
The increasing population in the state capital occasioned by development and influx of people from the rural areas and other states in search of greener pastures, this has led to an increased demands for housing.
Alalade's posting to this ministry is therefore a call to duty, the ministry must take charge of housing and urban development needs of the populace, a situation where new settlements are left unmonitored leads to indiscriminate erection of buildings and extentions.
The ministry must in consonance with relevant government agencies take charge of new settlements by adhering strictly to the city's master plan and maintaining road networks.
Also the state government must embark on low cost housing for its staffs and other citizens, whereby a payment plan is stretched over a reasonable period of time.
Alhaji Haruna Tambiri, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
The SharagiEdu local government born politician is one politician who has been around for a while, according to report he is one of the most reliable and trusted allies of the powers that be in the state.
He is reputed to be a consistent politician with nose for details and excellence.
The commissioner for Local government and chieftaincy affairs is a long standing grassroot politician.
With the Local government's inability to pay its workers salaries in recent months, his work is clearly spelt out, the issue of over staffing is also another issue bedevilling the third tier of government.
The ministry in consonance with other relevant stakeholders quickly look into the sore relationship between the local government chairmen and councillors which has led to suspension of two LG chairs.
Also allegation of executing substandard products and embezzlement abound, all this and many more must be tackled headlong if the dividends of democracy must get to the grassroot
Hon. Iyabo Adewuyi - Commissioner for Social development and Culture
Edidi born grass root politician popular refers to as Iron-Lady , the face of women in Politics in Isin Local government, before her appointment she has served on Boards of various government agencies where she was reported to have performed creditably well, not many however expected her commissioner nomination.report have it that Mrs. Adewuyi is a grassroot politician who is very popular in the local government especially amongst the youth and women-folks. She holds a Degree in Accounting from Ekiti State university.
As someone who has spent most of her adult life in the rural area however social re-orientation should be upper most in her mind.
The packaging various diverse cultural heritage must be brought to the limelight, a situation whereby our children are not aware of some cultural traits and values is inimical to their culture orientations.
Hon. Ahmed Muhammed Rifun - Commissioner for commerce and cooperatives.
Ahmed is a patigi born politician who has been around for a while, he understands the enormity and expectations of Kwarans, especially with the economic crunch which has also left many artisans and small scale businessmen jobless.
Ministry of commerce and cooperatives was one poster ministries during governor Ahmed's first term in office. It coordinated distribution of taxis, buses and also facilitated loan grants and other programs.
These were some of the laudable projects of the administration that stood the administration out, however the coming onboard of Rifun at this particular time with the daily dwindling revenue accruable to the state, unlike what was obtainable before, his ingenuity will be needed handy in making success of the appointment.
Dr. Ayinke Saka - Commissioner for Women Affairs
Her name rings bell throughout the length and breadth of the state and beyond, the Nurse turned politician is coming onboard with a wealth of experience in the health sector spanning more than 2 decades.
She rose through the ranks where she reached the position of a permanent secretary in the ministry of Health, she was thereafter appointed commissioner for health.
Ayinke Saka the Ilorin-West born politician hails from Agbaji in Ajikobi ward acclaimed to be the largest and populous around.
Since she left office as the honourable commissioner for health, she has served on so many boards mostly health related, she is reputed to be one of the key drivers of the state's novel community insurance scheme.
Her posting to the ministry of women affairs cut many unawares; it is however a call to duty, Ayinke as mother must use her nursing skills to liaise with the women-folks.
As a veteran health practitioner she should in conjunction with relevant ministries and agencies make sure the issue of infant mortality, breast cancer, which is mainly feminine related are tackled head-on.
Dr. Aminat Ahmed - Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology.
The Academics turned politician hails from Kaima local government area of the state, she is in her 50s.
She has being in the educational sector for most of her adult life rising from the primary school, secondary and finally bating at the tertiary institution, She is a Phd holder, based in Niger state.
This appointment according to observers is the most apt in terms of core competence and technical know-how for the job.
She reeled our practical reforms during her screening on the floor of the house, discussing teacher, student and parent tripartite relationship, syllabus overhaul, availability of modern instructional materials, upgrading of the school facilities, and above all training and retraining of staffs and improved welfare package especially for teachers in the rural areas.
Her first baptism of fire however comes from the 6 months old industrial action embarked upon by the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), her managerial skills will be put to test in trying to find an amicable resolution to the lecturers plight.
Also the issue of cultism and anti-unionism stand of the tertiary institution's management must be curbed.
Atolagbe Alege - Commissioner for Health
The Ilorin South born Alege was born a politician, his late Dad was a very strong and close loyalist of the late patriarch of Kwara politics, he has risen meritoriously since his foray into active politicking.
The immediate past commissioner for commerce and cooperatives is a workaholic par excellence, she was adjudged one of the best performed commissioner in Governor Ahmed's first term cabinet.
Though not many envisaged his posting to head the ministry of health, his experience in the health sector as someone that rose within the ranks while working at the federal ministry of health will however come in handy.
Alege is a politician who give whatever appointment given to him utmost dedication and he'll have to double that coming into ministry of health, which is multi-sectorial and very wide.
The issue of lackadaisical attitude of health practitioners to work especially at government hospitals must be curbed, also the rivalry amongst various health practitioners is to say the least antithetical to the health agenda of the administration.
The community health insurance scheme must be given a life of its own and it must be ensured that rural dwellers in the remotest villages have access to quality affordable primary health care.
Hon. Garba Umar - Commissioner for Energy
The Baruten born prince is the immediate past commissioner for water resources, he is in his early 50s. He'll work in consonance with the immediate past commissioner for Energy who is now the Special Adviser on Energy.
The ministry has its work cut out, most communities are still left unconnected to the national grid, while in the city centres electricity supply is epileptic and in a blue-moon when light is given, it is always a low-current which is of no use to most artisans and households.
The ministry has its work cut out, most communities are still left unconnected to the national grid, while in the city centres electricity supply is epileptic and in a blue-moon when light is given, it is always a low-current which is of no use to most artisans and households.
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