Illegal structures cleared as Kwara govt reclaims road setbacks
The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming all government road setbacks, following Federal Government directives aimed at enhancing the state’s aesthetics and serenity.
Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS), ESV Abdulkareem Babatunde Sulyman, made this statement during the ongoing reclamation of road setbacks at Zulu Gambari Road in Ilorin, the state capital.
Speaking through TPL Abdulhakeem Abdulsalam, Acting Director of Physical Planning and Development Control, Sulyman emphasized that the exercise was impartial and conducted in good faith.
Sulyman noted that the exercise was overdue, as similar initiatives had been undertaken by other states in line with the Federal Government’s “Safe Schools Initiative.”
He stressed the importance of reclaiming government setbacks for public benefit, particularly highlighting the iconic status of Ahmadu Bello Way, the seat of power in Kwara.
He appealed to those negatively affected by the policy to bear it in good faith, emphasizing that the initiative aims to improve the area’s aesthetics and enhance security.
Sulyman urged residents to refrain from encroaching on government setbacks for commercial purposes and to comply with removal notices issued within the seven-day period before demolition, as stipulated by law.
Despite the disruptions, some residents understand the necessity of the exercise.
Mr. Bayo Olusi, a shop owner at Ahmadu Bello Way, acknowledged that he could not blame the government for demolishing his shop, which was located on a setback.
The areas affected by this reclamation exercise include Ahmadu Bello Way, Tanke Junction, Zulu Gambari Road, the State Library, and Mount Camel School, all in Ilorin.
