We Have Delivered 145 Roads From 2023 Till Date in Kwara, Says AbdulRazaq

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has disclosed that between 2023 and now, his administration has delivered 145 roads of different specifications across the state, while 50 are currently ongoing.

Abdulrazaq disclosed this in Ilorin on Tuesday during the 59th national conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) held at the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin.

He said this flowed from the commitment of the administration to boost the infrastructural development of the state.

The governor also said the administration has embarked on the urban renewal programme to give Ilorin, the state capital, a new lift and other parts of the state.

He stressed 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, are meant to spread prosperity among the people.

His words: “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.

“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 the Ibrahim Taiwo Road.”

Abdulrazaq noted further: “Beyond this, we are reviving the economic legacies of our community.

“Massive work has commenced on the dada pottery, just as we have mobilised 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.

“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 I speak to you”.

The governor however used the event to commend the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and all stakeholders for their support and understanding.

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

In his remarks at the event, the IEDPU President Abdulmumin Ayo AbdulMalik praised 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 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 skills 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.

Also speaking, the chairman of the event and former vice chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, congratulated the people of the Emirate on the occasion which he noted reflects love, unity, and sense of patriotism.

Prof. Oba praised Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to peace, social protection, and infrastructural development in the state and urged him to do more on empowerment programmes for the downtrodden, particularly women.