National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Taiwo Niyi
Kwara State, on May 29, 2024, celebrated the fifth anniversary of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration with the launch of several impactful projects.
The day began with the inauguration of the 4.7km Yebumot-Adeta Roundabout and Adeta-Oloje roads, named after Major General Mohammed Abdullahi Adangba and Sheikh Yahya Murtadha Agodi, two respected figures from Ilorin.
After the commissioning, Governor,
AbdulRazaq, accompanied by dignitaries, including the First Lady, Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq and NEPZA Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, toured the newly developed Flower Garden, which is now the largest green space in Kwara, designed for outdoor activities and environmental conservation.
Simultaneously, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi inaugurated the Jebba waterworks in the northern senatorial district, providing a long-awaited clean water source for the community.
At a banquet hall in Ilorin, prominent figures from within and outside Kwara were present as Governor AbdulRazaq unveiled the Ilorin City Master Plan and the ambitious 20,000-hectare Ilorin Smart City project.
The master plan aims to guide sustainable living for the next 40 years, while the Smart City project addresses urban challenges like congestion.
The Governor highlighted the importance of these projects in making Ilorin eco-friendly and compliant with urban planning standards.
He noted Ilorin’s significant population growth, which underscores the need for careful city planning.
The Smart City, designed for 540,000 residents, will be developed over 11,000 hectares in its first phase, with an estimated N1.72 trillion in funding from public-private partnerships by 2027.
Additionally, Governor AbdulRazaq launched a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station, the first in the region, reflecting a shift towards cleaner energy following the removal of fuel subsidies.
This initiative will see 20 state vehicles converted to CNG engines as a pilot project.
Prominent attendees at the day’s events included national and state lawmakers, religious leaders led by the Chief Imam Ilorin Sheikh Muhammad Bashir, and business community leaders.
Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, assured the public that the master plan would address key areas like tourism, healthcare, and flood control.
Engr Lanre Sagaya, Chairman of Yolas Consultancy, praised the Governor’s efforts to modernise Ilorin, while Abdulmutalib Shittu, SSA to the Governor on Geographic Information Service, highlighted the thorough planning behind the master plan.
At the CNG station launch, Programme Director, Engr Michael Oluwagbemiga, lauded the Governor’s support for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative.
Governor AbdulRazaq also began the distribution of 16,000 textbooks across basic schools, highlighting the administration’s commitment to education.
He noted the government’s efforts in clearing the UBEC backlog, renovating classrooms, recruiting teachers, and implementing technology-based programmes to enhance learning outcomes.
