By Billy Adedamola
There is a new dawn in Kwara State. People from this State of harmony can today walk tall and proud. They have a State which boasts of the most stable power supply in the country; a state that has set the pace in infrastructural development, security, agricultural revolution, education reform, healthcare delivery, good governance, fiscal responsibility and accountability.

For a very long time, Kwara State's voice and her glory were lost in the nation's scheme of things. Today, the State has found her voice and her glory has been restored. With sons and daughters of the state occupying important positions in the country, Kwara today can be said to have bounced back to national reckoning.

All these have brought about a renewal of hope and optimism to the people of Kwara. And this precisely was the message the Kwara State Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki took to the Kwarans living in America as they converged in Seattle, Washington last week for their biennial national convention.

Kwarans in America under the aegis of Kwara State Association of Nigeria (KSANG), North America held their 5th National Convention, in Washington State hosted.

According to the KSANG National President, Alhaji Lateef Amolegbe, the Association was founded to cater for the welfare of Kwarans in the Diaspora and to play a vital role in facilitating the development of the people and government of Kwara state.

The theme of this year's convention is, "Building Unlimited Capacity for Socio-Economic Development in Kwara State. Through Emerging Information Technology-based Education, In partnership with members of the Diaspora".

The convention was also designed to honour Governor Saraki for the leadership role he is playing in the state. According to Amolegbe, Governor Saraki had from the beginning identified with the Association, providing support for the members and encouraging them to come back home and join him in developing the State. This he said has encouraged many members to go back home and establish cottage industries, hotels, etc.

Amolegbe further disclosed that Gov. Saraki has approved plots of land for KSANG members to build their own homes in Kwara. Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of the 5th Convention, Mr. Abiodun Aina commended Saraki for creating "the most business friendly state in Nigeria".

This year's convention attracted eminent Kwarans across the globe. It was one of the most attended according to the organisers. Leading the attendees was Governor Saraki accompanied by his wife Toyin, Deputy Governor; Chief Afolabi Ogundeji, Nigeria's Ambassador to Netherland; Dr (Mrs.) Nimota Akanbi, PDP National Secretary; Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, House of Reps member; Hon.Gbenga Makanjuola among others.

The venue of the event was the Hilton Airport Hotel. The convention kicked off with Business Roundtable Discussion. This was followed by a tour of important places in Seattle by the invited guests. Among the places visited were the Headquarters of Boeing; the world's leading aircraft manufacturer and the Microsoft headquarters.

The Governor's Ball and Dinner was held on Friday evening with Governor Saraki and his wife in attendance. Also, there was the Lt. Governor of Washington State, Mr Bradly Owen was present. In his speech, Owen noted that there has been an improvement in the trade between Nigeria and Washington State. He stated further that Nigeria is an emerging market and strong business partner of the US.

"Most Americans are not aware of this, so there is need to enlighten the people that Nigeria is a growing economy and a safe place to invest. There is a need to raise the awareness that there are great trade opportunities in Nigeria," he said.

In his remarks, Saraki commended the KSANG for the supportive role it's playing for Kwarans in Diaspora and at home. He told the audience of his efforts to transform Kwara: "I came here to share with you the journey so far. I'm sure that with the report card, Kwara is now a state to be proud of by all Kwarans."

He urged Kwarans living in the US to be good ambassadors, even though he would prefer they were back home, contributing their quota to the development of their fatherland. On the second day, an open forum was held with the governor who took his time to explain in details what he has done with the mandate given to him by Kwarans in the past seven years.

He pointed out the infrastructural development he has put in place, which is unprecedented in the history of the State. He talked about energy into which his administration has committed enormous financial resources. He also mentioned the completion of the Ganmo power station, which today has guaranteed the state the most stable power supply in the country.

"There is nowhere in Nigeria, where there is more power supply than Kwara," he said.

On security, he recalled that security was an issue when he assumed office about seven years ago. The government had since made the state a secured place for the people. He mentioned the installation of CCTV camera in strategic areas in the metropolis, which has reduced crime rate to the barest minimum. He also noted that Kwara is the only State apart from Lagos to boast of such crime bursting technology.

Gov. Saraki also told his audience that Kwara today is indisputably the fastest growing economy in Nigeria, with commerce and trade growing in leap and bounds. He did not fail to mention the agric revolution which he introduced through the invitation of white farmers from Zimbabwe and which has placed the state as the next food basket of the nation.

Saraki also talked about healthcare, education reforms, setting up of International Aviation College, etc. "Today in Nigeria, you can say you are Kwaran and walk tall. You have a state where things are working. If that is what we have been able to achieve in seven years, then we have done something," he said.

The convention ended with a Gala Nite during which Saraki was presented with a Merit Of Honour Award. The Gala was attended by Nigeria's Ambassador to the US; Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, the Mayor of Seattle; Mrs. Terry Anderson and the Secretary to the Osun State Government; Mr. Kazeem Adio who represented Gov Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Thanking the organisers for the award, Saraki said he was very proud to be the governor of remarkable people like the Kwarans. He expressed the desire to attend the next convention as ex-governor and pledged his support for the noble cause KSANG is pursuing.

"I have received many awards, but I cherish none than this because it is from my own people. I also cherish this award because it is not politically motivated. It was awarded with no strings attached."

He reiterated the call on Kwarans to come back home and contribute to the development of their State and the Nation, adding that his administration is prepared to work with KSANG to facilitate their home coming.

In his own speech, Prof. Adefuye commended KSANG for giving Saraki the Merit award. According to him, it is not everyday a country is blessed with a focused, visionary and responsible leader like Bukola Saraki. He said Saraki's achievements in Kwara were no fluke.

Ambassador Adefuye also enjoined Nigerians living in the US to be good ambassadors and live within the laws of their host country, assuring that the embassy is working hard to improve its services to the Nigeria citizens.

Billy Adedamola is Special Assistant, on Media to Kwara State Governor