Kwara Govt To Announce Position On Eid Friday As Gov . AbdulRazaq Commiserates With NTA Ilorin Over Fire Incident

The Kwara State Government on Wednesday ,met with a delegation of the Council of Ulamah (Muslim leaders) in the state, with discussions focusing on the spike in COVID-19 cases, the need for enforcement of rules, and the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha — the Islamic feast in which animals are slaughtered.

According to a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor ,the meeting harvested the views of the Ulamah Council under the leadership of the Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. The Muslim delegation, led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin Sheikh Abdullah AbdulHameed, comprised Chief Imam of Offa Sheikh Muhyideen Husayn; retired Justice Salihu Mohammed; Justice Abdul Mutallib Ahmad Ambali; Prof Badmas Yusuf; Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroon; and Dr Abdulrazaq Amuda.

“The government deeply appreciates the rich contributions of the eminent scholars, their support and appreciation of the government’s efforts, and will on Friday July 24th make a pronouncement on the Eid-ul-Adha prayer after due consultations,” according to a statement by the Spokesman of the Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19 Rafiu Ajakaye.

The committee, meanwhile, is scheduled to hold various consultative meetings with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), market associations, transport unions, and bankers between Thursday and Friday to strengthen compliance with safety protocols amid rising cases.

The meeting with the Ulamah Council was chaired by Deputy Governor/Chairman of the Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19 Kayode Alabi.

It was attended by Commissioner for Health Dr Raji Razaq; Commissioner for Communication Adenike Afolabi-Oshatimehin; Special Adviser on Political Matters Saadu Salahu; Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs Danmaigoro Ibrahim; Director of Public Health Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode; Dr Ghali Mohammed; Prof Shehu Adaramaja; and State Director of the National Orientation Agency Olusegun Adeyemi.

Meanwhile the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commiserated with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) over the fire incident that gutted some sections of its Ilorin Area Office late Tuesday night.

The Governor, who was among the first responders around 1a.m. on Wednesday, lamented the fire incident which could have destroyed the entire facility but for the combined interventions of the Federal and the State fire services.

“We commiserate with the NTA over this unfortunate incident. But the bright side is that no life was lost. Also, the quick intervention of the fire services helped to save not just the facilities but the adjoining estate which could have been affected,” according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye.

“This incident again underscores the need for everyone to do more to prevent such in the future. We commend the alertness of those who quickly called the fire services and our firemen for their prompt response and professionalism. We will continue to do more to support not just the fire service but also all other emergency responders.

“Everybody must be more alert. Our fire service will continue to be proactive by not only putting out the fire but also educating the people. However, we urge citizens to also take serious interest in how to curtail fire incidents which are becoming rampant.”

The Governor however commended the NTA staff for their professionalism and the balanced coverage of his administration’s activities.

“As an administration, we will also be willing to offer whatever support we can within the confines allowed under the ethics of the trade (journalism),” the statement added.