Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday that the Kwara government would extend soft loans to commercial drivers in the state.
A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, quoted AbdulRazaq as saying this in Ilorin.
Those to benefit from the soft loans are motorcycle riders, tricycle riders and taxi drivers who have been seriously affected by the shutdown to flatten the curve of transmission of COVID-19
Ajakaye said the state executive council held a teleconference to drive home its call for social distancing at this time of global Coronavirus pandemic .
He said the teleconference was attended by all members of the cabinet from their various locations.
The governor, according to the statement, said such loans would be repaid in trickles after the COVID crisis was over.
AbdulRazaq said that the loan would come under the state’s social investment programme to help the drivers cope with the shutdowns.
The governor said that such non-physical interaction offered a glimpse into what would happen in the future.
“We need to keep our eyes on the ball and not be distracted.
“Very shortly, we are having a committee to review the 2020 budget in the face of our current economic realities.
“We have to cut down on recurrent expenditure. Whatever happens, projects that directly impact on the live of our people will be prioritised,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor said the national economic outlook was bleak and necessitated urgent budget review to align available resources with priority projects to serve the public.
AbdulRazaq, however, said that at least 20 of the 26 ongoing urban renewal road projects and 70 percent of the schools being rehabilitated would be ready by May 29.
He said that the administration’s various water and energy projects had made tremendous impacts on the people across the state.
“We will have a lot to deliver to our people (on our first anniversary).
“But this is the time to keep our eyes on the ball and not be distracted by some noise on the social media.
“We know where such noise is coming from. We have been elected to serve the people. It is not time for politics.
“Despite the mischief from some quarters, the people of Kwara State appreciate the fact that we truly care for them.
“This is the spirit we must keep in our continuous engagement with the people.
“Let us also support our people at our own individual level,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq commended the Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19 for the good work they had been doing for the people.
He urged all cabinet members to also join community advocacy to deepen public enlightenment without compromising public safety.
AbdulRazaq said Kwara may soon receive donations from Abuja which would strengthen the palliatives for the masses and expand it beyond the categories currently receiving.
Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Technical Committee, Kayode Alabi said Kwara had emerged as one of the most prepared states in Nigeria for the pandemic.
He cited the facilities put in place by the state government, the readiness and commitment of its manpower, and the steady distribution of palliatives to the poor to lessen the impact of the development.
Alabi said the recent refurbishment of the oxygen plant which could serve other states and the multi-million naira machines recently purchased for the isolation centre underline the commitment of the administration to serve the people.
Ajakaye said the teleconference came ahead of the official launch of a new website which had been designed by the government.
He said the website would be interactive, bring government closer to the people, and strengthen Kwara’s ranking in the national ease of doing business chat
