Kwara Senator, Saliu Mustapha Sponsored Five Bills In Six Months

Ilorin, Kwara State– Senator  Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has sponsored five bills within six months in efforts to strengthen the nation’s financial sector and advance the use of technology in agriculture to enhance food productivity and security in the country.

The bills included National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 which seeks to develop the agricultural sector by ensuring national food security and income through marketing and storage services; National Agricultural Land Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Others are Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) Bill, 2023 which seeks to provide a legal and regulatory framework for the mandatory inclusion of cassava flour into edible flour production in Nigeria and Electronics Transaction Bill 2023, which aims at offering legal and regulatory framework for conducting transactions using electronic or related media, and Donkey Slaughter Regulation and Export Certificate Bill, 2023.

The Chief of Staff to the Senator, Alhaji Suleiman Tunji Buhari, disclosed this on Monday while featuring on a radio programme (what’s the name of the program) which was monitored in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

He explained that the Senator, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, is passionate about the agricultural sector with its contribution of 23 percent to the GDP of the country in the third quarter of 2023.

The politician noted that the sector could become the backbone of the nation’s economy if it is adequately harnessed with the right technology.

In the same vein, Buhari also disclosed that over 1000 solar powered street lights were installed across the 52 wards of Kwara Central senatorial district, while two solar powered motorized boreholes were provided at Kankatu, Ibagun Ward of Ilorin East and Jato Community in Ifesowapo of Ilorin South Local Government.

“Over 1000 solar power street lights have been distributed across the 52 wards of the senatorial district. There is no ward of the four LGAs that doe not have the solar panels facilitated by the Distinguished Senator. The essence is to enhance security in the respective localities. Others were distributed to major assemblies to enhance social interactions.

“Two 3-1 solar-powered boreholes were distributed, especially in Ilorin East and South Local Government Areas, while others are ongoing”, he added.

As part of measures to cushion the hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy from fuel, Buhari said Senator Saliu Mustapha rolled out palliatives to complement the efforts of the Kwara State Government in reducing hardship amongst residents of the state.

“Having realized the tough times the people are facing as a result of subsidy removal from PMS, the distinguished Senator decided to support the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration by providing multimillion Naira palliative support, which comprises several thousands of bags of rice, chickens and other food items for the constituents.

“Apart from these items, he also provided cash donation to some individuals and less privileged individuals to enable them have joyous festive period”, Buhari said.

Mr Buhari, however, noted that Senator Mustapha had approved the procurement and distribution of over 2000 application forms of JAMB, WAEC and NECO for orphans and the indigents preparatory to further grant of scholarships to the best performing students among them.