The Kwara State Government has commenced the payment of compensation to communities affected by land acquisition for its proposed Smart City project, with the disbursement of over N569 million in the first phase.
At a cheque presentation ceremony held in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Services (KwGIS), ESV Suleiman Babatunde, said the initiative was part of the vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to drive infrastructural growth and urban renewal across the state.
Babatunde explained that the Smart City project covers 19,300 hectares of land, with the first phase beginning around Salem Farm in the Oke Ose/Alalubosa axis of Ilorin East Local Government Area. The development, he noted, would host landmark projects including the Kwara State University of Education, the Renewed Hope Federal Government Mass Housing Scheme, and the relocation of the GRA Flower Garden.
He commended host communities such as Alalubosa, Akodudu, Ajanaku, Ologede, Isamu, and others for their cooperation despite initial challenges. He also urged beneficiaries to use the funds for the collective benefit of their people while assuring that government would protect cultural heritage and integrate existing settlements into the new scheme.
“I implore the affected communities receiving compensation today to judiciously use the funds for the collective benefit of their people, and to ensure inclusivity,” Babatunde said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, stressed the importance of planned urban expansion to meet the demands of population growth.
“Population increase has come to stay, and it is important to create a new environment that is formal enough to meet the demands of modern life,” he noted.
Ogunsola described the project as a pace-setting model for other states and commended the patience of the affected communities. He assured them that they would be the first beneficiaries of infrastructural development in the area.
Community leaders also expressed gratitude to the government. Dr. Babatunde of Alalubosa community lauded the siting of the new University of Education in the area and pledged continuous support, while Mr. Labala of Agboge community described the initiative as a “great development” that would transform lives.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government, Hon. Nuhu Majeed; the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, represented by Alhaji Yusuf Kareem (Magaji Tanke, Iledu); the Federal Controller, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Kwara State, Architect Okiemute Joy; the Alangua of Isamu, Alhaji Salihu Idris; and the Alangua of Alalubosa, Zakariyahu Ashonibare, among others.
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