Ilorin youths ask Gov AbdulRazaq to take over Emir’s Palace Pavilion project
The Ilorin Emirate Integrity Youth Vanguard (IEIYV) under the umbrella of His royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR) has called on the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON , to take over and complete the ongoing Ilorin Emir’s Palace Pavilion project, which has reportedly stalled for months.
In a statement signed by its National President, Mallam Sheriff Alaburo, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Thursday, the group expressed disappointment over the stagnated work on the project site and urged the state government to assume full responsibility for its completion in the interest of the Ilorin Emirate and the state at large.
According to Alaburo, the pavilion project, initially facilitated by the Senator representing Kwara Central, Senator Saliu Mustapha, holds enormous cultural and tourism potential for the ancient city, especially during the annual Ilorin Durbar festival.
“The project cannot be allowed to remain fallow forever. Its present state is disheartening and cannot be justified by any standard,” the statement read.
“If the Senator is unable to meet up with the statutory requirements as demand by the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KW-GIS) as an Agency, he should, in good faith, relinquish the project and allow the state government to complete it.”
The youth leader noted that the pavilion, when completed, will serve as a befitting edifice for royal, cultural, and tourism activities, enhance the global visibility of the Ilorin Durbar, and provide socio-economic benefits to the local community through job creation and tourism revenue.
“The project’s potential is enormous,” Alaburo said.
“Beyond serving as a permanent venue for the Durbar, it will attract visitors from within and outside Nigeria, boost local commerce, and strengthen Ilorin’s status as a cultural destination.”
Eng. Abdulazeez Jawondo, the National Secretary of the association commended the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, and the Ilorin Durbar Committee for their patience and commitment despite the challenges facing the project’s execution.
He also emphasized that this will be one of the significant gift to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, who clocks 30 years on the throne in few days.
“We are sure the Emir, as well as the sons and daughters of ilorin would be thrilled if Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq CON can complete the project,” the statement said.
The IEIYV urged all stakeholders to approach the matter devoid of sentiment and politics, emphasizing that the project is a collective heritage of the Ilorin people.
“We must drop emotions and approach this issue in good faith. The pavilion belongs to the entire Ilorin Emirate, and completing it should be a shared responsibility,” Alaburo concluded.
