Earlier yesterday, dated the 6 of May 2022. The Prudent Watch Media was present at a press conference organized by the Ilorin City Master Plan working committee.
The Executive Chairman, Kwara Geographic Information service, Abdulmutalib A shittu gave the press statement which started by proclaiming to the general public that the presentation of the Draft New Ilorin City Urban Masterplan is part of fulfilment of the campaign promise made by the Executive Governor of kwara state, H. E. Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
“This is an exciting development for both the people and the Government of Kwara State. The new master plan looks ahead to repositioning the city for the next 20 years. With deliberate coverage of trade and investment, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, housing, tourism, education, and infrastructure among other sectors. It sufficiently outlines the challenges and prospects. Including action plans for sustainable development of the state”, he said in his address.
He made known in his statement that the master plan being carried out is historically the second since the creation of Kwara State. The first was designed in 1976 during the regime of David bamgboye and expired 21 years ago. It was long overdue to address the issues of a growing population in Ilorin, plans for road expansion, wastage disposal/management, and other aspects that make the city safe and decent for human living.
“To design it according to reality and global standards, the state government appointed the services of Dar Al-Handasah consultant ltd in February 2021, they set out immediately by In-Field data collection and stakeholders Engagement, Population estimates and projections, Urban and Rural conditions, Institutional Framework and Social Infrastructure as well as Economic baseline and emerging prospects for the capital city”, he furthered in his address. He said this is inclusive and encompassing. That definitely, the master plan will be handy for development partners, and local and foreign investors, putting Kwara as the go-to place in North Central for investments and partnerships.
Revealing further what their programmes entailed, ” we had mapped out strategies through which the new Master Plan will be pursued. This included Satellite Development, Urban Consolidation, Concentric Expansion, and Asymmetric Development. We also identified objectives such as planning, feature growth, Environment, Economy, Community, Culture, Connectivity, and Infrastructure to guide the implementations”, he stated.
He affirmed how convinced they are that the Ilorin Urban Master Plan does not only lay the foundation for future major residential and economic developments in the city. It also seeks to position the state as the most appealing in Nigeria to live and do business. It is a bold vision of providing the best quality of life for all.
The Chairman on behalf of the Ilorin Urban Master Plan working committee thanked the Kwara State Governor for this laudable initiative and his tireless support for its achievement.
“We also wish to appreciate the traditional leaders, ministries, local governments authorities, artisans, community, professional groups, traders, associations, institutions, and all other stakeholders for their diligence, and service in making this come to reality”, he enjoyed.
Towards the conclusion of his address, he shows how excited the team is to invite the general public to the official presentation of the draft Ilorin Urban Masterplan on Wednesday, 11 May 2022 at Kwara State Banquet Hall.
“It is a new dawn in Kwara State and we are glad to have you all as partners on this journey”, he concluded.