Courtesies,

About five months ago, this administration commenced various empowerment interventions under the Shared Prosperity intervention program to sustain the material well being of the good people of Kwara State. These initiatives include the disbursement of N4 billion in car loans to our Civil Servants, inauguration of Operation Harmony Security Outfit, and provision of N100m revolving loan to Artisans among others.

It is therefore with great satisfaction that I flag-off our N150m Empowerment For Transporters in Kwara State, starting with the launch of 100 Taxis procured at the cost of N50 million in revolving micro credit. In the coming months, we intend to extend the empowerment to other operators in the dynamic transport sector.

This N50 million intervention brings to a cumulative N674m the amount of revolving credit disbursed to beneficiaries under the Kwara State Entrepreneurship scheme from 2012 to date. Let me therefore congratulate the beneficiaries of these taxicabs for joining the growing list of those empowered by this administration under the scheme.

Indeed, the choice of Taxi Drivers is due their importance to efficient intra and inter-city transport services. As we all know, taxi drivers are crucial to mobility of people and their goods as well as to enhanced socio-economic activities across the length and breadth of Kwara State.

Let me however state that the revolving loan scheme for Taxi Drivers is not part of Government largesse. I therefore call on the beneficiaries to work hard and repay the loans promptly so that others can benefit. Indeed, this is why funds for the purchase of these Taxis were disbursed to the transporters through micro finance banks.

Indeed, I am pleased to report that our previous revolving loan schemes have recorded more than 70 per cent repayment rate.

An added benefit of disbursing funds through micro finance banks is that it has improved banking inclusion by bringing more people into the system as those who were previously unable to access the services now enjoy the service.

Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me that one of the challenges of our transport system in Nigeria is lack of maintenance. This negative attitude often puts the lives of innocent road users in needless jeopardy and contributes to early deterioration of road infrastructure.

I therefore urge you to maintain your vehicles regularly, obey traffic regulations, and cooperate fully with security agencies to make our roads accident free and safe in the interest of your successful business.

At this point, I wish to acknowledge the rapport and cooperation existing among the different Transport Unions in Kwara State. I therefore implore you to sustain this relationship for the good of all. Specifically, I admonish you to shun the rancour and acrimony that often lead to crises. I hope I can continue to count on your cooperation and support for a more progressive and prosperous future for you as individuals and for the State as a whole.

Let me restate here for the avoidance of doubt that our decision to move to the APC was based not on mere political brinkmanship but on the need for a platform that will ensure that our people's voices are heard and that their well-being is assured.

I invite those who continue to cling to the notion that our move does not enjoy the support of the good people of Kwara State to wake up to the reality. The people of Kwara State are enthused by our determination to uphold their interest and are firmly behind our leadership.

In the coming months, this administration will provide further demonstration of this renewed determination to expand opportunities for our people through unprecedented socio-economic capital projects and programs that cut across the state including the provision of 8200 youth jobs through Quickwin. In line with our commitment to inclusiveness, these interventions will be implemented through an equitable process devoid of political considerations.

Finally, I want to use this occasion to specially thank you the people of Kwara State for supporting this Administration since inception. Over the years, we have been guided by a determination to exceed your expectations for good governance, particularly the need to do all that we pledged to do when we started this journey almost three years ago. I particularly appreciate all our transporters for the cooperation we have received from you thus far.

As the nation moves towards general elections in 2015, I implore you all to utilize your votes judiciously. I have often said that good governance and respect for the rule of law should be the guiding principles of our democratic experience.

I urge you to also be guided by these values as you make your choices in the forthcoming elections of 2015.

I thank you for your attention and wish you the best in all your endeavours.

Thanks and God bless.