From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
As Nigerians journeyed across states for the Christmas celebration, visitors to Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, have been impressed by the city’s urban renewal efforts under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration. They’ve praised the improved road network and the city’s cleanliness.
However, many visitors have expressed concerns about the high cost of living in Ilorin. They’ve noted that food, transportation, and other essential services have become expensive.
Faith Awofadeju, a visitor from Kano, summed up the sentiment: “Ilorin is improving, but everything is costly. The government should reduce the prices of things.”
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Other visitors, like Engr. Onoja Olushola, have echoed this concern, calling on the government to address the issue of affordability and make life easier for residents and visitors alike.
Abiodun Babatunde, a visitor from Ibadan, praised the city’s transformation but noted the need for sustained efforts.
“The governor is trying; he has done a lot of work. However, I believe these new developments will bring rules, like no parking, which residents should follow. The governor should do more because people still expect more from him,” he added.
Mr. Adebisi Sunday, from Lagos, highlighted the economic challenges but appreciated the state’s ongoing developments. “We thank God for the development taking place in Kwara State. Despite the economic challenges, there are visible improvements that benefit citizens,” he said, urging the government to continue its efforts.
In his remarks, Femi Raphael from Abuja commended the urban renewal projects for their potential economic benefits. “The governor’s efforts in infrastructure are commendable and will positively impact the citizens’ lives,” he stated.
Responding to the public’s concerns, the Kwara State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, assured residents of the government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructural development.
Speaking during a recent radio interview, Olododo noted that ongoing projects across the state aim to establish Kwara as a hub for industrialization and economic growth.
“We can’t fix all roads at once, but the commitment is there, and step by step, every community will see progress,” Olododo said.
He highlighted the administration’s achievements, including the launch of 221.87 km of rural roads and ongoing work on an additional 280 km of road projects through federal collaboration.
During a media interaction organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kwara State Council, Olododo, revealed that the state government has embarked on 190 projects across the three senatorial districts since 2023. Projects include road construction and rehabilitation in Esie, Ajase-Ipo, Omu-Aran, Oro-Ago, and Ilesha Baruba, with most already completed or nearing completion.
Olododo emphasised that the government’s vision extends beyond road construction, focusing on fostering business activities and economic development. “With Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision, we are not just fixing roads; we are paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for every Kwara citizen,” he stated.
