The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Sunday, disclosed that the Federal Government has approved a new diagnostic center which construction will soon begin in Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking at the 57th Annual National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union held at the Emir of Ilorin forecourt, Abdulrazaq urged community associations to embark on projects that will make the government achieve the set goals.
The governor while commending this year’s focus of IEDPU for embarking on the ICT centre, urged the people to support the union to ensure that the ICT project is completed on time.
He said, “Let us commend the Chief of Staff to President Prof Ibrahim Gambari. He hardly has time to come to Ilorin but he has been doing a yeoman’s job in Abuja. One of the projects, which has not been announced properly, is the protocol we signed which work will begin soon. It is a brand new diagnostic center worth $7million which will be located in Ilorin here. You have seen that during Maimartaba’s reign God is doing Ilorin favours. All Ilorin indigenes are progressing dutifully and rightfully.”
Abdulrazaq while commending the Emir for having a successful reign said, “The capital city Ilorin is wearing new looks following the government’s delivery of new roads and execution of many giant projects that the public could easily relate with Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The governor commended the traditional ruler and the IEDPU for keeping the flag flying and said a lot needs to be done to make the capital city the number one positive reference point in Nigeria.
“I especially commend the Emir and the leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union for keeping the flag flying every year. We thank you for keeping the legacy of Sheikh Alimi evergreen. Distinguished elders, brothers and sisters, our administration remains committed to inclusive growth. Our goal is to make Ilorin one of the most celebrated capital cities in Nigeria and beyond. This is what informs the focus of our projects,” he said.
“I was in Kwara South yesterday to launch a hospital project by Offa Metropolitan Club. Let’s also make Ilorin greater; we should take the lead. By this time next year, IEDPU should be launching another project. It is a challenge for all of us. We are all members of the IEDPU and we should support them to achieve the set goals.
“In terms of infrastructure, we are renovating different parts of the state stadium; and we are building a new Squash Court. The Ilorin International Conference Centre will be the best of its kind in northern Nigeria outside Abuja. In terms of industrialisation and employment, we have just awarded a contract for an industrial pack in Eiyenkorin. There will be another pack in Malete. And you know, the state is building its own Innovation Hub, which will run along with IEDPU’s Innovation Hub in order to empower our youths to achieve greater heights.
On his part, the Emir appealed to the descendants of the Emirate to remain peaceful and united, and be committed to the course of growth and progress of the Emirate.
He congratulated the leadership of IEDPU and the entire people of the Emirate for devoting their time and resources to the overall development of the city.
The monarch hailed AbdulRazaq for taking a lead in the projects that continue to change the face of the ancient city.