The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulfatah Ahmed has stressed the importance of peace to the actualization of socio-economic growth in any society.

Governor Ahmed said this Sunday when the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari paid him the traditional Eid-el-Kabir homage.He noted that despite the huge investment on infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads and social services like education, nothing could be achieved in a state of rancour.

According to a statement by Abdulwahab Oba, Chief Press Secretary, to the Kwara State Governor, he said, "though governments have the clear responsibility of ensuring that people have access to the dividends of democracy, this will be a mirage without peace and tranquility in the polity".

The Governor, who was appreciative that the traditional rulers in the state have been very supportive in ensuring peace and religious harmony among the people, emphasized that local government councils in the State have been primed to be more responsive to service delivery, adding that "local governments are allowed to run according to the law without interference".

He emphasized that the era of salary arrears at the local government level in the State has become a thing of the past as modalities have been put in place to forestall unnecessary accumulation of salary arrears.

Dr. Ahmed commended the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari for his fatherly role as a peace vanguard in the State.

Governor Ahmed who assured the people that despite the enormous challenges and huge developmental needs, his administration remains committed to qualitative and efficient service delivery for the good of the State, also commended security agencies in the State for the maintenance of law and order, stressing that every Nigerian is a stakeholder in the security project of the country and everybody must play critical role in that regard.

Earlier, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari had assured the Governor that the traditional institution in the State remains steadfast in partnering the State Government in sustaining peace in the State.

Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari commended Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for effectively piloting the affairs of the State, adding that "we are steadfast; we want you to succeed. I certify that you are doing greatly. It takes time for good work to show".

The Emir, who spoke on the efficacy of prayers, said traditional rulers would not only continue to pray for peace but work for peace in the country. He urged the rich in the society to aid the poor through economic empowerment.