59th Annual Conference: Gov Abdulrazaq Promises To Complete IEDPU Tech, Seeks Support For Urban Renewal Efforts

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, has once again, showcased some major gains of his administration to the Ilorin community, commending 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’s palace 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. 

The governor specifically showed off the gains of the urban renewal initiative under which several roads have been upgraded within and outside Ilorin metropolis — as well as other major economic projects that he said are meant to spread prosperity among the people. 

He lauded the IEDPU and other stakeholders for their support for the initiative, pledging the support of his administration for the completion of the body’s innovation hub project to up skill young people and improve social mobility. 

‘My team and I commend Mai Martaba the Emir of Ilorin, IEDPU leadership, and all of you for the support so far given to our administration and to the government of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu. We do not take this for granted’ a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by Governor Abdulrazaq’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye quoted him as saying.

‘About three years ago, a guest lecturer at this august occasion mentioned how socioeconomic legacies of Ilorin people were going into extinction and how this should get the attention of all. 

Yes, we are proudly 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 rapidly upgrade 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 Ibrahim Taiwo Road.

Beyond this, we are reviving the economic legacies of our community. Massive work has commenced on the dada pottery, while we have mobilized contractors to the Patigi Motel to breathe life back to local economic activities in different parts of the 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. 

Furthermore, we have made provisions for the takeoff of the Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, in 2025. Along with other projects of the administration, this opens a new frontier for socioeconomic growth and collective prosperity. 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, 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 as we speak. 

Having said this, massive infrastructural development and reforms come with their own challenges and paradox. We urge you to bear with us. 

Again, I congratulate the IEDPU on this august occasion. I commend the leadership for your understanding and support for our programmes. I sincerely commend your focused advocacy for a greater, more prosperous, and peaceful Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State. I assure you of our support every step of the way’ he added.

At the event were national and state parliamentarians, Chairmen of lIlorin West, East, South and Asa local governments; senior government officials; Ilorin Emirate Chieftains; captains of industry, hundreds of great sons and daughters of Ilorin, including the four Baloguns and IEDPU President, Abdulmumin Ayo AbdulMalik. 

The Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu Adebayo stood in for the Emir, while Alhaji Yahya Seriki, who was the chief launcher, donated N100 million to IEDPU to support some of its ongoing projects. 

IEDPU President praised the urban renewal projects and other developmental programmes of the current administration in the state which, he noted, 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 in the state. 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 skill Acquisition Hub. 

He requested the government to further assist the union by equipping the center with computers, and providing for the interior and exterior fittings to have a befitting look. 

Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, who chaired the event, congratulated the people of the Emirate on the occasion which, he noted, reflects love, unity, and sense of patriotism.

He praised Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to peace, social protection, infrastructural development and progress of the state, urging him to do more on empowerment programmes for the downtrodden, especially the women-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you