The ongoing urban renewal projects of Kwara State Government enjoy our full support as they are necessary for socioeconomic development and sustainable environment, Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari said on Thursday, calling on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to push through the massive infrastructural works.
“I am pleased with the foresight of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq with the ongoing expansion and reconstruction of roads across the state, particularly within the Ilorin metropolis. What the government is doing is necessary for the development of the capital city and the state at large,” the Emir told a government delegation led by the Commissioner for Works Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo and the Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah.
“I am aware of the massive road projects going on, and as a traditional institution, we will continue to support the administration with prayers to succeed. You are doing the right thing. As I said before, the performance of the Governor is res ipsa loquitur (self-evident). When one embarks on such projects, you don’t listen to the naysayers. They will later appreciate it once you do it. So, I urge you to continue with the good job.”
The team visited the Emir to seek further support for the road project from Works Roundabout to Post Office through Emir’s Road down to Isale Oja and other areas.
The Emir of Ilorin urged the government to continue with its expansion programme without further delay.
“It is good that you employ traditional approach for your advocacy and I want to assure you of maximum support to succeed. Don’t be distracted. It is normal for few individuals to say negative things about what you do. Your projects are visible for all to see. You should continue with your infrastructural renewal and expansion programmes without further delay,” the Emir said.
Jiddah, for his part, explained that the homage was to seek cooperation and support of the Emir and the larger community on the projects within the Ilorin metropolis.
“This advocacy visit tour becomes important for us in line with the urban renewal agenda of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The homage to the Emir is to seek more cooperation and support for all our projects, especially road expansion and urban renewal initiatives,” he said.
Speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the visit, Olododo also sought public support for the extensive construction works from the Ministry of Works Roundabout through Emir’s Road to Isale-Oja junction; Adifa to Gambari; and Balogun-Fulani back to the Emir’s Road.
“From Ministry of Works roundabout to Isale-Oja junction and from Adifa to Gambari and Balogun-Fulani back to Emir’s Road is about 5.8km. This will be completed within four months,” he said.
“The traditional approach remains the best approach because as the leader of the Emirate, we believe that once the Emir speaks to our people through the Alanguas, Daodus, and Magajis, effective communication would have been established and compliance will be a lot easier.
“We need the support and collaboration of the Emir on the setbacks that the projects will reclaim. This will affect the temporary structures built on the government’s setbacks along the routes. We also talked about the illegal refuse dump by some people, which endangers everyone.”
