Abdulfatah Ahmed

**Abdulfatah Ahmed** (born December 29, 1963) is a Nigerian economist and politician who served as the Governor of Kwara State from 2011 to 2019. He succeeded Bukola Saraki and was a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape during his two terms.Early Life and Education Abdulfatah Ahmed was born in Babanloma, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. His educational journey began at the Government Secondary School in Ilorin, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1978. He continued his studies at the Federal School of Arts and Science in Ondo State. Ahmed went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Ilorin in 1986. He furthered his academic pursuits at the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1992.Career Progression Ahmed began his professional career in the banking sector, gaining experience in various financial institutions. Before entering politics, he held positions at establishments such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he worked in the department of banking supervision. His political career gained momentum when he served in various capacities under the administration of his predecessor, Bukola Saraki. He was appointed as the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development for Kwara State, a position he held from 2003 to 2009. During this period, he played a crucial role in managing the state’s finances and implementing economic policies. He later served as the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development until he resigned to pursue his gubernatorial ambitions.Governorship and Major Achievements In 2011, Abdulfatah Ahmed was elected Governor of Kwara State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was sworn in on May 29, 2011. He was re-elected for a second term in 2015, this time under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, completing his tenure in 2019. His administration focused on infrastructural development, healthcare reform, and youth empowerment. Key achievements include: * **Infrastructure:** Extensive road construction projects, particularly in rural areas, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting commerce. * **Healthcare:** Implementation of the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme (KW-HIS), which aimed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to citizens. * **Youth Empowerment:** Initiation of various entrepreneurship and skill acquisition programs, such as the Kwara Youth Farm Centre (Shonga Farms), designed to create employment opportunities and drive agricultural development. * **Economic Reform:** Efforts were made to improve the state's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and ensure fiscal prudence.Current Status Following the completion of his second term as governor in 2019, Abdulfatah Ahmed has maintained a relatively low profile in active politics but remains a respected elder statesman within Kwara State and Nigerian politics. He continues to engage in public discourse, particularly on issues concerning economic policy and good governance.