Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has highlighted the strides made by his administration in urban renewal and economic development, commending the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) for its role in fostering unity and peace.
Addressing attendees at the 59th national conference of the IEDPU, held at the Emir’s forecourt in Ilorin, the Governor detailed ongoing infrastructure projects and emphasised his administration’s commitment to transforming the state. He extended gratitude to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and other stakeholders for their support.
“Our administration is reshaping Ilorin and beyond, upgrading roads and restoring law and order. Projects such as Sulu-Gambari Road, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, and Omoda-Idi Ape are making Ilorin comparable to other leading state capitals in Nigeria,” he said.
Governor Abdulrazaq noted that the urban renewal efforts are also extending to other parts of the state. He mentioned the reconstruction of Ibrahim Taiwo Road in Offa and the mobilisation of contractors for projects like the Dada Pottery revitalisation and the Patigi Motel upgrade.
“The Ilorin Smart City project, which I announced last year, has begun. Compensation for affected individuals is ongoing. In 2025, we will commence construction of 250 mass housing units and access roads for the smart city,” the Governor added.
He assured attendees of the administration’s commitment to completing the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the state’s socioeconomic growth.
Governor Abdulrazaq pledged support for the IEDPU’s ongoing projects, including the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Skills Acquisition Hub. He encouraged the union to continue its advocacy for development and pledged government assistance in equipping the hub with the necessary resources.
The Governor also appealed for patience, acknowledging the challenges that accompany infrastructural development.
The IEDPU President, Abdulmumin Ayo AbdulMalik, lauded the administration’s initiatives, describing the completed and ongoing projects as transformative for the state capital and beyond. He called for additional investments in infrastructure, particularly in new and expanding communities.
“The ongoing developments are laudable and will significantly enhance the face of Kwara State upon completion,” Abdulmalik said.
The event’s chairman, Prof. Oba, commended Governor Abdulrazaq’s dedication to peace and development. He called for more empowerment initiatives, especially for women and disadvantaged groups, to complement the infrastructural gains.
The conference drew national and state parliamentarians, local government chairmen, business leaders, and traditional chiefs, including the Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, Mohammed Aliyu Adebayo, who represented the Emir. Ambassador Yahya Seriki, the chief launcher, donated ₦100 million to support IEDPU projects.
Governor Abdulrazaq concluded his address with a call for continued cooperation and unity to sustain the state’s developmental momentum, pledging that his administration will remain committed to delivering impactful projects for all.
