In a significant move, the Kwara State Government has secured a vast expanse of 20,065 hectares across Ilorin East and Ilorin South Local Government Areas for the development of the New Ilorin SmartCity Estate.
Acquisition of this land followed a constructive meeting between the state government and the landowners, as detailed in a statement obtained by Arewa PUNCH.
Arewa PUNCH reports that the Ilorin Smart City Project stands out as a prominent feature in the 2024 Budget Estimate of the Kwara State government.
Earlier, during the budget presentation to the state House of Assembly on December 14, 2023, Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “The Ilorin Capital City Master Plan will officially unveil the Ilorin Smart City Satellite Town, covering an estimated 18,000 hectares. This city is inspired by sustainable, green cities worldwide, such as Washington DC.
“The groundbreaking for this monumental project is scheduled for next year, God willing.”
In a related statement signed by Abdulrazaq Yusuf, press secretary at the state Geographic Information Service, it was affirmed that the land acquisition serves the best interests of the state’s populace and the nation at large.
During a recent courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari, the Executive Chairman of Kwara State Geographic Information Service, Abdulkareem Sulyman lauded the monarch for his leadership in Ilorin’s development.
“This visit aims to inform the Emir about Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s plan to acquire approximately 20,065 hectares in Ilorin for the New Ilorin SmartCity Estate,” the statement conveyed.
The SmartCity project envisions modern amenities including schools, hospitals, markets, police stations, fire services, a stadium, and more.
Furthermore, the estate will incorporate the Federal Renewed Hope housing estates and the phase two Industrial Park along with other infrastructural developments,” Sulyman emphasized.
Sulyman also highlighted the project’s potential to generate employment opportunities for the state’s youth once fully operational.
Representing 23 villages within the Ilorin Emirate council area, the landowners are set to be compensated promptly upon submission of their claims to the Executive Chairman’s office at KW-GIS, Commissioner’s Lodge Way, GRA, Ilorin.
Sulyman sought the Emir’s cooperation in raising awareness about the project among the public through the traditional leaders, Magajis, and Allanguas, urging their support for the state’s development initiative led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
In response, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulu-Gambari, expressed full support and pledged to engage with the Magajis to bolster the project, aiming for another milestone under Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration.