N200m hospital project: Ilorin East chairman Agbelere clarifies position, says renovation already underway
The council chairman of the Ilorin East Local Government Area, Mallam Garba Olayinka Lukman Agbelere, has given reason for the rejection of the N200 million renovation project facilitated by the Kwara Central Senator Mallam Saliu Mustapha.
Agbelere, in a statement issued by his spokesperson Bawa Haruna Ibrahim, said the reports were not only inaccurate but also misinterpretation of facts to cause needless tension among stakeholders.
It would be recalled that the chairman, in a now viral video circulated online, claimed he rejected Senator Saliu’s facilitated project due to the rift between the Senator and governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emanate from political power.
However, the chairman in the statement said, “The attention of the Ilorin East Local Government has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in the media, particularly suggesting that the Executive Chairman, Mallam Garba Olayinka Lukman Agbelere, rejected a N200 million renovation project facilitated by Senator Saliu Mustapha. These reports are not only inaccurate but appear calculated to misrepresent facts and cause needless tension among stakeholders.
“To clarify, on May 19, 2025, the office of the Chairman received a letter from the Gambari 1 Progressive Forum. The letter referenced a previous appeal made to Senator Saliu Mustapha during a familiarization visit in July 2023, requesting his intervention in upgrading the Awodi Primary Healthcare Centre. It cited a classroom block project delivered in 2024 as motivation for the appeal. However, the letter mentions events in a way that doesn’t align with the actual timeline of activities, raising concerns about the accuracy of their account.
“The local government received another letter dated July 16, 2025, stating that Senator Mustapha had approved the renovation of the facility. However, it is important to clarify, at this point, that the Council had already approved the comprehensive renovation of the healthcare centre, as it was included in the official list of facilities earmarked for renovation in the Council’s 2025 budget, as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade healthcare infrastructure in the area.
“It must be stressed that at no time did the office of the Chairman receive any formal communication from Senator Saliu Mustapha or his office regarding the alleged N200 million project. The only correspondence received was from the Gambari 1 Progressive Forum, which did not mention any specific financial figure. No documentation has been presented to substantiate the claim that N200 million was allocated or budgeted for this renovation. Given the size and scope of the facility, the claim raises legitimate questions, as such a figure may be more suited for building an entirely new primary healthcare centre.”
“Contrary to insinuations that the Chairman is working against development or opposing federal interventions, the facts show that he has consistently welcomed meaningful partnerships. What the Chairman insists on, however, is that proper procedures be followed. Coordination between federal representatives and local authorities is essential to avoid duplication, ensure transparency, and deliver sustainable results. A good example remains the approach of former Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, who engaged both the state and local governments in all health-related projects during his tenure. His efforts, including the facilitation of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Budo-Egba and the establishment of the National Health Insurance Authority office in Ilorin, reflect what structured collaboration can achieve.
Commenting on the report that Governor AbdulRahman installed him as the Chairman, Agbelere said, “It is also important to correct a misrepresentation of the Chairman’s recent comment regarding political loyalty. His remarks, when taken in context, were not aimed at undermining any individual’s contributions but simply acknowledged the reality that all elected office holders, including Senator Saliu Mustapha, benefited from the party structure led by His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON. The Chairman’s reaffirmation of his undiluted loyalty to the performing Governor, who has remarkably transformed the state through numerous developmental projects delivered at a pace never witnessed in past dispensations, is not only morally right but also reflects his deep commitment to the progress and well-being of the people.
“In line with his commitment to inclusive governance, the Chairman consults regularly with the twelve elected Councillors before executing capital projects. Each Councillor is tasked with submitting project needs for their wards. The Awodi Healthcare Centre project was one of those approved earlier in the year, prior to any letter from the Gambari 1 Progressive Forum. If the community had consulted their ward Councillor, they would have been aware of this development.
“Mallam Agbelere remains committed to the development of Ilorin East and welcomes collaboration with all stakeholders, including lawmakers, community groups, and development partners. However, such efforts must follow appropriate channels to ensure clarity, coordination, and alignment with the Council’s development goals.
“We urge the public to remain focused on the facts, disregard misleading narratives, and continue to support sincere efforts aimed at improving lives and building a better future for the people of Ilorin East.”
