The Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islamic Matters) to the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Zubair Ibrahim Dan Maigoro, has stated that Ilorin, the state capital, is not yet a city by standard.
Alhaji Dan Maigoro made this remark during the 75th anniversary lecture of the late revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh AbdulRaheem Oniwasi-Agbaye, held at the Anifowoshe area of Ilorin.
According to him, Ilorin lacks several key attributes typically found in cities. “People are still building houses and shops at the setbacks of roads, and many are occupying government-designated setbacks, which is uncommon in most cities across Nigeria and beyond,” he noted.
He emphasized that the current administration, led by Governor Mallam AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, is working hard to transform Ilorin through a project called urban renewal.
This initiative, he explained, is aimed at modernizing the city’s infrastructure and not intended to target or harass any individuals Properties
“The urban renewal program of this government is designed to elevate Ilorin to the status of its contemporaries,” Dan Maigoro said.
He also praised the governor’s focus on infrastructural development, stating that when proper infrastructure is in place, Ilorin will attract investors and tourists from across the globe.
He mentioned Garment Factory, Sugar Film Factory Studio, Innovation Hub , Visual Arts Centre, Unity Fly over , Industrial Park at Lasoju, KWiRS storey building , Kwara Hotels, ICC , Kwara State University of Education, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital among others
When these projects are completed, Kwarans will be able to proudly call Ilorin a city,” he concluded.