BREAKING: construction works begin on multi-million naira Sulu-Gambari pavilion
Construction work has officially commenced on the highly anticipated Sulu-Gambari Pavilion, a 2,000-capacity multipurpose facility in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The project, valued at over N500 million, is being facilitated by Senator Saliu Mustapha, the lawmaker representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.
The pavilion, a landmark infrastructure for the Ilorin Emirate, was first announced during the last Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) National Conference by its former president, Alhaji Uthman Baba-Otta. The project is expected to serve as a permanent venue for major cultural and social gatherings in the Emirate, eliminating the need for costly makeshift structures.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, which is overseeing the execution of the project, awarded the contract to a reputable Abuja-based firm owned by an Ilorin-born contractor. This aligns with efforts to encourage local expertise and ensure that the project reflects the values and heritage of the Emirate.
Once completed, the Sulu-Gambari Pavilion will provide several benefits to the Ilorin Emirate and beyond, including, a permanent venue for the Ilorin Durbar, thereby eliminating the annual financial burden of renting and setting up temporary pavilions. Beyond the Durbar, the facility will serve as a venue for other Emirate-wide gatherings, such as IEDPU meetings, social functions, and academic or religious conferences.
The pavilion will also stand as a legacy project, reinforcing the Ilorin Emirate’s rich traditions and providing a physical space to celebrate its heritage.
The commencement of construction has been widely praised by stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community groups, and political figures.
The Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) recently commended Senator Saliu Mustapha and the Federal Government for their roles in bringing the project to life, describing it as a legacy initiative that will serve generations to come.
With construction already underway, the project is expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe, ushering in a new era for the Ilorin Emirate’s cultural and communal activities.
