Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has commended the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and other politicians in the state for their contribution towards the establishment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub in Ilorin.
The governor made the commendation during the 57th Annual National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), at the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin.
AbdulRazaq lauded thevfirst class traditional ruler and the IEDPU for keeping the flag flying, adding however that a lot needs to be done to make the capital city number one positive reference point in Nigeria.
“I commend the Emir and the leadership of the union for keeping the flag flying and keeping the legacy of Sheikh Alimi evergreen.
“Our administration remains committed to inclusive growth. Our goal is to make Ilorin one of the most celebrated capital cities in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
The governor also commended the focus of IEDPU, saying that the annual launching of calender year had changed, as the main focus for this year was the ICT centre.
“We must support the IEDPU to make sure that by this time next year the ICT project is completed.
“I was in Kwara South yesterday to launch a hospital project by Offa Metropolitan Club. Let’s also make Ilorin greater; by this time next year, IEDPU should be launching another project.
“It is a challenge for all of us. On our part, we are trying to change the face of Ilorin. You can see interlocking pavements 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.
“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 industrialisation and employment, we have just awarded a contract for industrial pack in Eiyenkorin.
“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, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari. He hardly has time to come to Ilorin but he has been doing a yeoman’s job in Abuja,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor donated N25 million for the IEDPU’s ICT hub and promised to ensure quick completion of the project.
Malam Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin and APC Kwara Central Senatorial Candidate, donated N20 million, while Hajia Bola Shagaya donated N10 million.
Some other dignitaries that graced the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore; Ilorin Emirate Council of Chiefs; Chief Imam of Ilorin and other Islamic scholars.
