The proposed Sulu-Gambari Pavilion, reportedly facilitated by the Senator representing Kwara Central, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, was envisioned as a symbol of development and cultural pride in the heart of Ilorin. However, its abrupt stoppage by the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS) over approval issues has left many residents concerned.
Over two months have passed since work was halted, with no clear resolution or communication from the relevant authorities. This delay is not just about bricks and mortar; it reflects a deeper issue of bureaucratic bottlenecks and a potential lack of synergy between federal and state stakeholders.
While it is essential that all construction projects, regardless of their initiator, adhere to due process and receive proper approvals, it is equally important that such processes do not become tools for political rivalry or unnecessary red tape.
The people of Ilorin deserve clarity: Is the stoppage purely administrative, or are there deeper political undertones?
Senator Saliu Mustapha, known for his developmental strides and grassroots engagement, took the initiative to facilitate a project that could uplift the aesthetics and cultural relevance of the community.
If the project lacked approval, shouldn’t there be a collaborative effort between his office and KWGIS to regularize it instead of allowing it to stall indefinitely?
At a time when youth unemployment is high and infrastructure development is critical, projects like the Sulu-Gambari Pavilion should be fast-tracked, not frustrated. The site’s inactivity sends the wrong signal — that public good can be sacrificed on the altar of protocol or politics.
The government must strike a balance between enforcing regulations and enabling development. Transparency, dialogue, and cooperation are essential. The people are watching — and waiting.
Muhammad Jamiu is a human rights activist and writes from Ilorin South LG
