Traditional rulers in Kwara State have been called upon to complement government efforts to develop the state by soliciting investments in their various domains by their indigenes and residents.

The State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, made the call in Ilorin today during a meeting with traditional rulers at Government House, Ilorin. Governor Ahmed described traditional rulers as key to the state's economic development as they are uniquely positioned to create platforms for showcasing the investment opportunities available in their various communities to their subjects. Stressing that government alone cannot meet the people's needs, the governor said government will however provide sites and services to support such private initiatives which he said are also capable of providing critical youth jobs.

On the issue of security, Governor Ahmed said economic growth can only take place in an atmosphere of peace. He commended traditional rulers for their roles in ensuring peace and charged them to continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining stability in the state. In the same vein, Alhaji Ahmed said traditional rulers have critical roles to play in communities with boundary disputes as the fulcrum of peace and tranquillity and called on aggrieved parties to advantage of the executive, judicial and legislative bodies available in the state. He stressed that anyone who takes the law into their hands under any guise will be dealt with according to the dictates of the law.

Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, commended Governor Ahmed for organising the meeting which he described as the people's parliament. The Emir pledged the commitment of the traditional rulers to act on the areas identified by Alhaji Ahmed and assured him of their full support as the legitimately elected governor of the state adding that the traditional rulers are with him all the way.