For the first time, people of Kwara state, especially residents of Ilorin, the state capital shunned yesterday's Democracy Day celebration held at Metropolitan square, as only Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) supporters and chieftains were seen at the venue.

Our correspondent learnt that this could not be unconnected with public unhappiness over unaddressed issues such as scandals in the state House of Assembly, scarcity of water, inconsistency in education and rate of unemployment in the state.

Across Ilorin metropolis, people were busy with their normal businesses while civil servants used the public holiday to rest and attend to other matters.

At the venue of the celebration, only groups affiliated to PDP, political godfathers and chieftains were at the square showering encomiums on their leaders.

While addressing his supporters, the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, said he had done well in the last one year as the governor of the state.

"Exactly one year ago, when I took office as the sixth executive governor of Kwara state, I made a covenant with the people of Kwara that I will initiate programmes that will economically empower the people, especially our youth and generate growth for a secure future. I emphasized my determination to enhance workers' well-being and provide critical infrastructure. As we mark my administration's first anniversary, I make bold to state that we have made appreciable progress in our efforts to positively transform lives of our people.

"Under shared prosperity, we have strengthened healthcare delivery by supplying 13 general hospitals and 32 cottage hospitals with modern equipment. Furthermore, we have overhauled 15 primary health centers and embarked on a complete overhaul of the Ilorin, Offa, Omu-Aran, Share and Kaiama general hospitals."

Governor Ahmed also said that he had introduced free education with the abolishment of fees and levies at senior secondary schools across the state.

At the occasion, Senator Bukola Saraki and other party stewards were at the square where a new logo for Kwara state were unveiled before their party members who besieged the venue.