Over a year ago, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, flagged off a gigantic urban renewal project in the Ilorin metropolis—a development that raised eyebrows among the populace, especially those whose properties were affected. These properties, many of which were built in contravention of environmental laws, had been ignored by past administrations, hence an unbridled urban sprawl ensued. But this administration was resolved to redevelop the city and went ahead, signaling an end to business as usual.
The urban renewal programme has since transformed areas like the Post Office, once a chaotic hub of hawkers, into a model of neatness and infrastructure. There have been major upgrades in the Challenge area, Ajase-Ipo road, and Taiwo road, including a new overhead bridge that has eased traffic congestion. The beautification and reconstruction of the inner roads have equally left the residents and visitors in awe of the metamorphosis of Ilorin, with many expressing amazement at visible changes during the festive season.
Citizens and Visitors Laud Ilorin’s Transformation
Visitors and residents have alike lauded the impressive infrastructure developments. Faith Awofadeju from Kano commended the improved road networks; Abiodun Babatunde from Ibadan expressed his amazement at the transformation of the Post Office area, saying new rules must be put in place to keep things in order; Engr. Onoja Olushola acknowledged the progress but urged the completion of the ongoing projects. Adebisi Sunday from Lagos also commended the government’s efforts despite economic challenges, appealing to motorists to be safety-conscious on the roads and the administration to continue the development drive.
Other visitors, like Femi Raphael from Abuja, noted the economic potential of the transformation and how it has changed the lives of citizens positively. Oyinloye Alex, from Port Harcourt, lauded the construction of new roads and flyovers but emphasized the need for their maintenance to ensure the sustenance of modernization in the city. The State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, assured the people that the government is committed to inclusive development, with so many road projects going on in different parts of the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s Vision for Kwara’s Future
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reiterated his administration’s determination to transform Kwara at the 59th National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, saying such projects as Ilorin Smart City and State University of Education did not only show an intention to build but also an intent to develop economically. He said with those monumental projects, Ilorin is now in the league of major capital cities in Nigeria.
The president of IEDPU, Dr. Alagbonsi, also praised the administration and called for more expansion to benefit Ilorin and the state at large. In line with this, from 2023, more than 190 projects were flagged off and are ongoing; the trend is that of long-term development by the administration. Citizens and visitors in the city, seeing its magnanimous transformation, hope that these steps will continue to attract another dimension of growth and development for Kwara State.
