Stakeholders of Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA), including ward and community leaders, convened in Share, the headquarters of Ifelodun LGA, on February 13, 2025, to discuss the Kwara State Government’s (KWSG) Smart City Project.
The initiative, designed to accelerate development across Ilorin South, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs, received commendations from attendees.
In a communiqué signed by the stakeholders, they commended the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his commitment to the project and recognized its potential to drive socio-economic growth in the state.
They unanimously accepted the initiative in principle but proposed renaming it “Kwara Smart City” to foster inclusivity and statewide ownership while maintaining the boundaries of the affected LGAs.
During the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, and the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Abdulrasheed Olufemi Yusuf, provided detailed briefings on the project. Their presentations assured stakeholders of the sincerity and developmental prospects of the initiative, reinforcing confidence that it would be implemented fairly and without bias.
The stakeholders underscored the need for extensive consultations and engagements with key interest groups, including affected communities, traditional rulers, Omo Ibile Igbomina, Igbomina Youth Assembly, council members of Ifelodun LGA, KW-GIS (Kwara Geographic Information Service), and Igbomina indigenes in Ifelodun LGA, both home and abroad. Recognizing the enthusiasm of Ifelodun indigenes and other interested parties in the diaspora, they encouraged their active involvement in the Smart City Project, emphasizing the value of their contributions to its success.
While acknowledging concerns raised by Omo Ibile Igbomina in its communiqué of February 8, 2025, the stakeholders advised against outright rejection of the project without a thorough assessment of its potential benefits. They called for continued engagement with Omo Ibile Igbomina to identify a pragmatic solution that serves all interests.
Reaffirming their commitment to inclusive development, transparent dialogue, and constructive engagements, the stakeholders pledged to ensure that the Smart City Project aligns with the aspirations of Ifelodun LGA. They also welcomed assurances that indigenous communities in the affected areas would not face displacement as a result of the project’s execution.