…Five Other Cities Underway
By Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
The masterplan of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has been unveiled by the state governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; coming after the one designed in 1976 and expected to last the end of the 20th Century.
The master plan, which is the second since the creation of Kwara State in 1967, was presented at a Town Hall meeting attended by major stakeholders in the state. It is 2024 Ilorin Masterplan Project.
The presentation, according to the governor, was an opportunity to harvest more views and ideas for an all-inclusive document.
The gathering afforded the participants the opportunity to understand the in-depth benefits the physical development plan would offer, when implemented.
According to the governor, the exeecise was to express the government’s genuine concern for planned growth and future of the children, promising that a similar gesture was underway for other major cities in Kwara State.
AbdulRazaq said, “Today represents another milestone in the history of Ilorin and our state. For one, the capital city is getting a master plan for the second time since the creation of Kwara State in 1967.
“The first one had been designed in 1976 and it was meant to lapse at the close of the 20th century. We are glad to be offering the state its second-ever, master plan.
“This speaks to our genuine concern for planned growth and the future of our children. It is a testament to the great vision and commitment we have for this state. I want to state that designing master plans for other major cities is also a top priority as we build a sustainable future for Kwara State.”
Represented by his Deputy; Mr. Kayode Alabi, the governor said that the project started in 2020, and has taken the efforts of many professionals and patriots to get the process this far, thanking every individual for his or her rich contributions.”
He noted that the role of a master plan in sustainable development could not be overemphasized, pointing out that such plan dictates the pattern of physical development in any society, with serious consequences for sustainable living.
He added, “Ilorin, which is one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria, will continue to record huge growth into the future. This master plan therefore provides ‘A-grade’ professional insights into how the city will be organized in the areas of transportation and utilities.
“Also, it will provide insights into waste management, water and drainage system, education, health, climate change management and green areas, job opportunities, agriculture, and future expansion of the city, among others.
“While this master plan has enjoyed serious inputs from various stakeholders and experts from across Kwara State and beyond, today’s presentation of its draft offers another opportunity for everyone to have the final say in how to organize our capital city and make it the best planned and the most resilient in the country.”
The event was well-attended by prominent indigenes of Ilorin Emirate; government officials; traditional chiefs; market women; and some technocrats, including: state Head of Service, HoS, Mrs. Suzan Modupe Oluwole; Special Adviser on Strategy, Saad Salau; his counterparts on Political Communication, and Women Empowerment, Bashir Adigun and Bolanle Ismail (Iya Lamule) respectively.
Also, Chairman the Ilorin Masterplan Working Committee; AbdulMutalib Shittu; and Chairman state Arabic Education Board, Prof. Moshood Mahmud Jimba, among other dignitaries were in attendance.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari was represented at the occassion by the Galadima Geri of Ilorin, Alhaji Umar Adelodun.
