Mr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State, has called for a partnership between the public and private sectors to boost the socio-economic development of Ilorin and other areas in Kwara State.
AbdukRazaq announced over the weekend at the 57th Annual National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) that the state government will assist the IEDPU in achieving its stated objectives.
He said: “I was in Kwara South yesterday (Saturday) to launch a hospital project by Offa Metropolitan Club.
Read Also: 2022 Boxing Day: Governor Obaseki urges Nigerians to reflect on the virtues of giving
“Let’s also make Ilorin greater; we should take the lead. By this time next year, IEDPU should be launching another project. It is a challenge for all of us.
“We need to commend the focus of the IEDPU. We used to come annually for the launch of calendar. But this year has changed and we are proud of that.
“The main focus for this year is the ICT center. I dare say that we must support the IEDPU to make sure that by this time next year the ICT project is completed.”
He described how Ilorin, the capital city of the state, is sporting a new appearance as a result of the government’s delivery of new roads and execution of other massive projects that the population could readily relate to.
Aside from commending the traditional ruler and the IEDPU for keeping the flag flying, the governor stated that much work has to be done to make the capital city the most positive reference point in Nigeria.
“Our administration remains committed to inclusive growth. Our goal is to make Ilorin one of the most celebrated capital cities in Nigeria and beyond. This is what informs the focus of our projects.
“I, especially, commend the Emir and the leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union for keeping the flag flying every year. We thank you for keeping the legacy of Sheikh Alimi evergreen.
“By now we should be pointing to numerous community-sponsored projects in Ilorin. I am glad this has started already.
“On our part, we are trying to change the face of Ilorin. You can see interlocking pavements taking place all over the town under our urban renewal programme.
“We are dualising the Yebumot/Oloje road; we are fixing Adeta/Pakata Road; and Pakata/Oja-Oba Road project; Old and New Yidi Road. We will keep doing our best to make sure we transform Ilorin,” he added.
AbdulRazaq noted that “in terms of infrastructure, we are renovating different parts of the state stadium; and we are building a new Squash Court.
“The Ilorin International Conference Centre will be the best of its kind in northern Nigeria outside Abuja. In terms of industrialization and employment, we have just awarded a contract for industrial pack in Eiyenkorin.
“There will be another pack in Malete. And you know, the state is building its own Innovation Hub, which will run along with IEDPU’s Innovation Hub in order to empower our youths to achieve greater heights.
“Let us commend the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari. He hardly has time to come to Ilorin but he has been doing a yeoman’s job in Abuja.
“One of the projects, which has not been announced properly, is the protocol we signed which work will begin soon. It is a brand new diagnostic center worth $7million which will be located in Ilorin here.
“You have seen that during Maimartaba’s reign God is doing Ilorin favors. All Ilorin indigenes are progressing dutifully and rightfully.”
The governor also gave N25 million to boost the IEDPU’s ICT hub and pledged to expedite the project’s completion.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, urged the descendants of the Emirate to remain peaceful, united and devoted to the Emirate’s path of prosperity and development.
He commended the leadership of IEDPU and the entire population of the Emirate for contributing time and resources to the city’s overall growth.
Mr. Aliyu Otta Uthman, national president of IEDPU, stated that the purpose of the cultural event was to discuss, consult, and collect ideas on local, national, and worldwide issues for the benefit of the Ilorin community and the nation as a whole.
Uthman, who underlined that the union is apolitical, urged political parties in the state to conduct issue-based, nonviolent campaigns.
