Ilorin now fastest growing economic hub in North Central — Abdulrazaq
By SAKA Laaro, Ilorin
Kwara state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the weekend said Ilorin is clearly the fastest growing state capital in the central region, a feat he linked to the peaceful atmosphere in the town.
The Governor said the capital city now records no less than eight flights on a daily basis as the state’s economic base grows at a fast pace.
He was speaking at the 56th Annual National Conference of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Fundraising for the completion of its Skills Acquisition Hub and Launching of the 2022 Calendar.
“As an administration, we have continued to partner with the IEDPU to ensure that the capital city Iives up to the billing. Today, Ilorin is clearly the fastest growing economic centre in the north central region (after Abuja) with more than eight daily flights in and out of it. This attests to the increasing viability of the town and the level of peace and harmony it enjoys. I thank the security agencies, the Emir and the entire traditional council for their support.
“We are putting many things in place to secure the place of Ilorin as a major hub in Nigeria. The Ilorin International Conference Centre, the Oncology Centre, the eight-wing squash court, the garment factory, the Ilorin Innovation Hub, and the Visual Arts Centre are all major signature projects that will drive huge economic traffic to Ilorin and Kwara State as a whole.
“As Ilorin grows in population and economic size, we are confronted with a challenge of managing the environment. This is why we have awarded the design of another master plan for Ilorin. In the next few days, we are bringing in new waste management firms to improve timely evacuation of increasing human waste within the metropolis.”
He said the government’s commitment to human capital development is evident, recalling how not less than 1,668 competent indigenes of Ilorin Emirate were recently recruited for teaching through a process he described as the most transparent in the recent history of the state.
“In January 2022, we are deploying the latest technology to support our teachers, ensure a regime of accountability in public schools, and improve learning outcomes for our children,” he added.
The Governor, whose arrival to the ceremony drew wide applause from the audience, commended the exceptional leadership of the Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and the IEDPU in fostering peace and development in the community.
He commended the union’s ongoing construction of Skill Acquisition centre, pledging to support the initiative as he has always done.
“As a son of Ilorin, I am immensely grateful for your support to this administration. I do not take it for granted. I also urge you to continue to support us,” he added.
Chaired by the Senator representing Kwara Central Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, the annual event attracted prominent sons and daughters of the Emirate from across the country.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman State Traditional Council Dr. Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari (CFR) said AbduRazaq’s performance is impressive, and prayed God to strengthen him more to continue to deliver on his good missions for the people of the state.
He charged all indigenes of the Emirate to not deviate from promotion of peace, unity and development of the locality.
Senator Oloriegbe, in his remarks, said the rising case of the Emirate’s youth indulging in drug abuse is worrisome, and requested all parents and community leaders to help check the menace and prepare their children against various challenges of the 21st century.
IEDPU President Alhaji Aliyu Otta, for his part, said the annual conference is a platform that brings together all sons and daughters of the Emirate to exchange ideas about issues that affect them collectively.
