As Nigeria marked her 53rd independence anniversary yesterday, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State called on Kwarans to resist those who seek to rupture the fabric that holds the state together.

He also urged them to shun divisiveness and thanked them for  remaining steadfast, peace-loving and supportive of his administration.

Governor Ahmed whose anniversary address was delivered on his behalf by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, assured Kwarans of his administration's strong determination to build a state where collective and individual prosperity is assured, where people can be assured of jobs, good roads, functional hospitals, quality schools, reliable infrastructure and viable enterprise.

The governor reiterated his administration's resolve to continue to do everything within its power to keep the state peaceful, stable and prosperous.

"We'll continue to empower the people economically for the much needed socio-economic transformation in all sectors of our lives", the governor said, and urged Kwarans to reciprocate the gesture by showing more understanding and support for the government.

Speaking on the state of the nation, Governor Ahmed said the country has the capacity to transform into a nation in which all could achieve their maximum potentials.

On the forthcoming local government election in the state, the governor appealed to Kwarans to play the game according to the rules.

He implored the electorate to shun thuggery, election malpractice and other vices capable of truncating the political process.

Ahmed assured the people of the state of a level playing ground just as he urged all contestants to pursue their political ambitions with decorum and fear of God.