From Shola Baraye, llorin
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has showcased gains of his administration to the Ilorin community, lauded the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and all the stakeholders for their support and understanding.
Addressing the 59th national conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) at the forecourt of the Emir on Wednesday, the Governor congratulated the organization for its successes over the years and its roles in maintaining peace and harmony within and outside of the Emirate.
AbdulRazaq lauded the IEDPU and other stakeholders for their support for the initiative, pledging the support of the administration for the completion of the union’s innovation hub project to upskill young people and improve social mobility.
“About three years ago, a guest lecturer at this occasion mentioned how socioeconomic legacies of Ilorin people were going into extinction and how this should get the attention of all.
“ We are currently transforming the landscape of Ilorin. From Sulu-Gambari Road to Oja Oba, Balogun Fulani to Gambari, Ibrahim Taiwo Road to General Roundabout, Unity to A- Division, Omoda to Idi Ape, Challenge to Ahmadu Bello Way, Tanke Junction to Tipper Garage, and many others, Ilorin now stands shoulder to shoulder with leading capital cities in our country as we upgrading the infrastructure and restore law and order for the good of all.
“This urban renewal initiative is moving to other parts of the state, including Offa, with the massive reconstruction work on the Ibrahim Taiwo Road., adding that “We are reviving the economic legacies of our communities, As massive work has commenced on the dada pottery, and mobilized contractors to the Patigi Motel to breathe life back to local economic activities in different parts of Kwara State.
“The Ilorin Smart City project, which I announced here last year, has now commenced. We did not hijack land from anyone. All families and private individuals affected have been notified and compensated. For some, the compensation process is still ongoing.
“In 2025, we are constructing 250 units of mass housing in the first phase, while access and inner roads for the smart city will begin. We invite all of you to be part of this historic development. while provisions for the takeoff of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, in 2025. Along with other projects of the administration, to open- up a new frontier for socioeconomic growth and collective prosperity.
“We have long yearned for massive infrastructural turnarounds of our state and the capital city. This is happening already. Between 2023 and now, we have delivered 145 roads of different specifications across the state, while 50 are ongoing.
The Balogun Gambari of Ilorin Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu Adebayo stood in for the Emir, while Amb. Yahya Seriki was the chief launcher who donated N100m for some ongoing projects of the body.
Earlier, the National President of IEDPU Alhaji Mumini Abdulmalik ACG rtd. lauded the urban renewal projects and other developmental programmes of the administration which he said are crucial for beautification and physical development of the capital city.
He said Ilorin is increasingly expanding with many new communities, and called on the government to further expand the infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare centres.
“The Union is delighted with the rate of ongoing developments The completed and the numerous ongoing projects which the state government is executing are laudable. When completed, the projects will completely change the face of not only Ilorin, the state capital, but also the entirety of Kwara state,” he said.
Abdulmalik highlighted some of the projects the union is currently executing including the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari skills Acquisition Hub and requested the government to further assist the union by equipping the center with computers, and providing for the interior and exterior.
