*hinge support on govt’s strides
*we’ll consolidate on our feats – AbdulRazaq
By; BILQIS OLAJUMOKE ONAOLAPO, Ilorin
Kwara State Entertainers in their hundreds on Monday, held a Mega Rally across the major streets of Ilorin, the state capital, for the second term bid of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, justifying such with the Governor’s record of performance.
The pro-government marchers, who appeared in customised t-shirt and FEZ CAPS, conveyed to the residents their message via chants, displayed banners and placards with varying inscriptions, such as Governor AbdulRazaq for 2nd Term; 4+4=8; and Muka For AA, among others.
They set out some minutes past 11 am from the premises of the State Council for Arts and Culture Geri Alimi Ilorin, navigating through the popular Ibrahim Taiwo road, Emir’s road; Post office–Challenge road; Ahmadu Bello Way; down to the Government House where they rounded up the procession.
It was organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism Hon Eyiwumi Muka Ray – a renowned Yoruba actor and film producer who hails from Irepodun LG of Kwara State.
Some of the artistes and APC support groups that peopled the street rally were the Association of Nigeria Theater Arts Practitioners (ANTP); Theater and Motion Picture Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN); Nigeria Hunters and Security Services; Indigenous Movie Maker of Nigeria (IMAN); Performing Musician Association of Nig. Kwara State chapter (PMAN); Yoruba Movie Association of Nigeria (YOFMAN); Professional Hunter Association of Nigeria (PHN); Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture; Egbe Akewi Yoruba Ipinle Kwara; Association of Professional Drummers of Nigeria (APDON); and Cultural Heritage, Social Development of Nig. (CHSDN), among other members of the Entertainment Industry in the State.
AbdulRazaq, while receiving the support groups at the Government House, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue to impact the lives of masses and make Kwara habitable for all, appreciating the artistes for supporting the APC government in the State.
The Governor, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy Mr. Kayode Alabi, urged the groups and all Kwara electorate to vote for all candidates of the APC party in the forthcoming polls.
He commended the SSA on Culture and Tourism Hon. Mukay Ray for such an initiative, and promised that the present administration will not relent in prioritizing the interest of Kwarans especially people in the Entertainment Industry.
The Governor received the Kwara based entertainers alongside the State House of Assembly member Hon. Abdulrasaq Owolabi; State Commissioners for Health and Social Development Dr. Raji Razaq and Mrs. Deborah Abosede Aremu; State Publicity Secretary for APC Alhaji Tajudeen Aro; and Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, among others.
Hon. Eyiwumi Muka Ray, in his remarks, said he organized the rally to reaffirm that the artistes and all members of the Entertainment Industry in the State are solidly behind the Governor, and are willing to work for his re-election come 2023.
“This rally is organized by my office to reassure the government of the unflinching support of my people – the professional artistes and other members of the Entertainment Industry. All entertainers in Kwara State have made up their minds to vote for APC candidates both in the State and at the federal level, because of their remarkable achievements in the last three and a half years in offices,” he said.
“They have leaderships and members that cut across the length and breadth of the State. We want to use this numerical strength to guarantee the victory of the second term bid of our amiable Governor.”
