Stakeholders of Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA), comprising ward and community leaders, convened in Share, the headquarters of Ifelodun LGA, on February 13, 2025, to deliberate on the Kwara State Government’s (KWSG) Smart City Project.
The initiative, aimed at accelerating development across Ilorin South, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun LGAs, received commendations from the attendees.
In a communiqué obtained by Just Event Online TV on Monday
The stakeholders praised the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his commitment to the project, recognizing its potential to drive socio-economic growth in the state.
They unanimously accepted the initiative in principle but suggested renaming it “Kwara Smart City” to promote inclusivity and statewide ownership while maintaining the boundaries of the affected LGAs.
During the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, and the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Abdulrasheed Olufemi Yusuf, provided detailed briefings on the project. Their presentations convinced stakeholders of the sincerity and developmental prospects of the initiative, reinforcing the belief that it would be implemented fairly and without bias.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for extensive consultations and engagements with key interest groups, including:
Affected communities
Traditional rulers
Omo Ibile Igbomina
Igbomina Youth Assembly
Council members of Ifelodun LGA
KW-GIS (Kwara Geographic Information Service)
Igbomina indigenes in Ifelodun LGA, both home and abroad
Encouragement of Diaspora Participation
Recognizing the enthusiasm of Ifelodun indigenes and other interested parties in the diaspora, the stakeholders encouraged their active involvement in the Smart City Project, highlighting the importance of their contributions to the initiative’s success.
While acknowledging concerns raised by Omo Ibile Igbomina in its communiqué of February 8, 2025, the stakeholders advised against an outright rejection of the project without thoroughly assessing its potential benefits. They stressed the need for continued engagement with Omo Ibile Igbomina to identify a pragmatic solution that benefits all parties involved.
Reaffirming their dedication to inclusive development, transparent dialogue, and constructive engagements, the stakeholders pledged to work towards ensuring that the Smart City Project aligns with the aspirations of Ifelodun LGA. Additionally, they welcomed assurances that indigenous communities in the affected areas would not face displacement as a result of the project’s execution.
