• You made it possible, IEDPU hails AbdulRazaq
• School project attests to Gov’s visionary leadership: Police

Kwara state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has handed over the Police Secondary School Ballah to the Nigeria Police Force Kwara State Command after completing a comprehensive renovation and remodelling, calling it another fulfilment of his campaign promise to the people of the state.

The Governor spoke in Ballah, Asa local government of the state, at a brief hand-over ceremony which heralded the official start of the academic activities of the school and a shift of maintenance responsibility to the Police.

“Our gathering here today is another testimony of how far Kwara has come between 2019 and now. The people of Kwara State, particularly the Ilorin Descendant Progressive Union (IEDPU), have long been yearning for the establishment of a Police Secondary School which many other states have. We are glad to have made that dream a reality,” the Governor said.

“This is another feat in the education sector. It is another fulfilment of our electoral campaign to make education a top priority. It is important to mention that the Police Secondary School is just one out of our many interventions in the education sector. We have also revitalised the Kwara State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB). It is no longer the carcass of its old self. “This administration started from the rock bottom as far as basic education is concerned. The rotten state of infrastructure, among other things, attested to that.”

AbduRazaq said a fair measure of his administration’s achievements can only be done from the depth the administration has risen in resetting Kwara on the path of sustainable growth.

“For instance, the Police Secondary School, Ballah had been approved for Kwara State since 2017. But nothing was done about it until we came. I trust the Nigeria Police Force to nurture the school for the interest of the education of our children.”

At the event were the Chairman House Committee on Education Hon. Baba Salihu Boriya; Hon. Ambali Olatunji Ibrahim representing Owode/Onire Constituency (Asa); Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Saadatu Modibbo-Kawu; representative of the Inspector General of Police, DC Paul Omata; Ballah District Head Alhaji Salman Olarongbe AbdulKadir; Commandant Ballah Police school, CSP Durojaye; Chairman Teaching Service Commission Bello Taoheed; Former Commissioner for Education Hajia Fatimah Bisola Ahmed.

Others are Special Adviser Strategy Saadu Salaudeen; Special Adviser Political Abdullateef Alakawa; Senior Special Assistant on Security Aliyu Muyideen; President Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) Alhaji Aliyu Uthman Ottan; TIC Chairman Asa Abdulganiyi Saadu; Alhaji Ghali Alaya; and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah; among other dignitaries.

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman State Traditional Council, Dr. Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari (CFR), was represented at the occasion by Magaji Are Alhaji Aremu Zubairu.

Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo-Kawu said the Governor did not hesitate in approving the establishment of the police college following his careful study of the proposal and consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The Education Commissioner, while highlighting some of the achievements of the administration in education sector, said the completed school facility further explains that “the mandate given to His Excellency was not compromised”.

Omata lauded AbdulRazaq for his government’s passion and sincere commitment to meeting the education needs of Kwarans, saying the project offers great benefits to the host community and the state at large.

Omata pledged that the facility will be put into good use towards achieving the set objectives.

Ballah district head, Alhaji Salman Olarongbe Abdulkadir thanked the Governor for his unrelenting efforts that culminated in the final take off of the school. He called on the Police Authority to upgrade Ballah Police post to a divisional headquarters and deploy more personnel to strengthen security of life and properties of the residents, staff and students of the school.

“We are indeed grateful to Your Excellency for your wonderful support so far. It is on record that without your personal interest, the school would have remained a mere dream,” he said.

Ottan, the IEDPU chief, said the completion of the project confirms efficient partnership between the government and the people of the community.

“Before your administration was inaugurated the Union was in a fix because all the previous efforts made were not fruitful,” he recalled.

“I must confess that the takeoff of this institution was made possible by the decision of your administration to invest greatly in this school. We are happy that the Police Secondary School has taken off in a great manner.”

Noting that the school is another investment to serve the people of Asa local government and beyond, Otta tasked all sons and daughters of the community to support the school at all times.