By most accounts, infrastructure projects are veritable drivers of economic growth in any state.
Such projects are crucial in improving quality of life and fostering development across the state.
In Kwara, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is making giant strides; he has embarked on different infrastructure projects across the state, aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating commerce, and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Some of the infrastructures include road projects, remodelling of the long abandoned flower garden, construction of the sugar film industry, provision of education facilities and improved healthcare delivery.
The road initiative aligns with the governor’s Urban Renewal Agenda, which seeks to transform Kwara into a modern, business-friendly state.
Residents and traders have commended the ongoing projects, describing them as life-changing.
At Oja Oba Market, Hajia Rianat Abdullah, a trader, expressed relief that the reconstructed roads had eased congestion and restored order.
“Before, roadside traders blocked visibility to our shops, and customers couldn’t reach us.
“Now, with the new road and proper parking, business has improved,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Hassan Jaiye, a civil servant, said traffic had reduced significantly along the Oja Oba route, while Mrs. Tolulope Emmanuel at Ipata Market noted that customers had started enjoying easier access and parking spaces.
Among the completed and ongoing projects are the Wahab Folawiyo (Unity Road), Ajase Ipo–Oke Oya Road, Ita Kudimoh–Korokan–Isale Aluko link road, Gaa-Imam Adisco, Ita Amoh–Gaa Sakamadi Road, and the Osere–Cemetery–Yidi Road.
Other rehabilitated routes include the road to Al-Hikmah University, PRNigeria Centre, Oloje Federal Housing Estate, and the 4.7km Yebumot–Adeta–Oloje Road.
Residents of Gaa-Imam Adisco described the repaired road as a relief from years of accidents and flooding.
“That road used to be a death trap, especially during the rainy season,” Mrs Taiwo Ogunleye said.
On his part, Mr Abbas Abdulmajeed thanked the government for fixing it and begged for the consideration of erosion control.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquawiy Olododo, disclosed that between April and September 2025, the administration delivered 84 road projects, with 48 kilometers currently under construction and another 52 kilometers recently approved.
“More than 384 kilometers of roads have been completed or are ongoing since the start of this administration.
“These investments are driving commerce, improving mobility, and strengthening economic resilience,” he said.
More so, the infrastructural transformation has drawn praise from both residents and visitors.
Mr Innocent Ohagwa, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), said the state had a “smart city look,” commending the government for using taxpayers’ money judiciously.
Also, Mr Abdullateef Ahmed, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara Council, noted that the improved road network had enhanced Ilorin’s aesthetics, boosted business activity, and restored public confidence in governance.
Similarly, the remodelling of Ilorin Flower Garden has excited environmentalists.
While residents see it as a response to their worry of the place being used as a criminal’s den, environmentalists saw it as a move to preserve nature and preserve biodiversity in the state.
The flower garden located in the GRA of the city after long years of abandonment by the previous administrations turned the place into a shadow of itself and den of criminals and refuge for hoodlums.
Observers say the remodelling by Abdulrazaq has not only created new jobs but serves as a top relaxation/tourist destination, improving the aesthetics and revenue of the state and serving as an attraction site for economic development.
A furniture maker adjacent to the place, who has spent about 20 years in the area, Francis Nwana, who hails from Cross Rivers, was full of delight.
“It is unbelievable that this place can be transformed like this because the overgrown bushes were a serious security threat and we were all very afraid.
“There have been several cases of attack on passersby and customers of hotels around the area,” Nwana said.
A fruit seller, Mohammed Haruna, also sounded appreciative.
“We can see and appreciate the beauty of this place, unlike before when it was bushy and we didn’t know what was going on inside.
“We used to close around 5:30pm, but now, we stay till 8pm; the remodelling of the place has revolutionised business here, because we now make steady sales due to the visitors to the flower garden,” he said.
The Director of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Mrs Mary Mustapha, said the aim of the remodelling was “to decongest other areas of public functions and recreational activities that used to cause overcrowding in the town.
“The efforts will also make the Flower Garden a first class recreational centre for people, picnics, and for students’ educational research activities, unlike at a time when people used to hide there to do evil things,” she said.
Another infrastructure is the sugar factory film studio which residents see as a major driver for economic growth, with the potential to create jobs for a wide range of people, including fashion designers, caterers, and transporters.
Mrs Bukola Abdullateef, a stakeholder, said the project was a good investment to better the lives of the residents as it would create more employment opportunities and boost the economy of the state.
She said it would further develop a robust creative ecosystem in the state, which could attract international and local film production.
Another resident, Mr Henry Itoan said the industry would provide a platform for young creatives to develop their talents and become part of the movie making industry and produce content that promotes Kwara’s culture and values.
The commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, said the factory was established to generate talent, explore the business side of entertainment and culture, and serve as a training institute for upcoming entertainers.
“Our huge investment in the creative industry is to expand the economic base of the state and deepen the creative industry; everyone sees our state as a civil service state, and we want to change that.
“The factory is part of the state’s effort to tap into the revenue generated by Nollywood movies, which are becoming increasingly popular and we want to make this state a destination for high-quality movie production,” she said.
Expectedly, just as no development takes place without sacrifices, the intensification of the urban renewal projects has led to the demolition of shops and eviction of roadside traders in Ilorin, including areas like Oja-Oba-Idiape, Ipata market, GRA and others.
The traders expressed anger over loss of livelihoods and the short notice, with some defying the government’s order to relocate.
For Hajia Balikis Bello, one of the displaced road side traders in Oja Oba, said she had been struggling to survive because she did not have money to get a shop, so she loitered around to sell her goods, instead of displaying it for buyers to see.
She said she understood the intention of the government, but it was taking a toll on her means of survival.
Another resident, Mr Toyin Jaiye, said the projects though commendable, was wrongly timed considering the economic challenges the people in the state were going through.
Jaiye said the timing and expense of building multi-billion naira projects would have been diverted to address other needs of the people.
In another divergent view, the Chairman of the Kwara Central Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Advisory Council, Malam Olaitan Obalowu, said the infrastructural developments which had claimed people’s homes and shops would have been warmly welcomed if there were compensations.
Obalowu said the lack of compensations would rather deepen poverty and lead to insecurity in the state.
For many residents, these projects are more than just bricks and asphalt, they represent renewed hope, safety, and opportunity, although with a price.
With each new road, garden, and innovation hub, observers say the state inches closer to a future where development is not just seen, but truly lived by the people. (NANFeatures)
