By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
In a significant step towards realizing the Kwara Smart City project, aimed at development and industrialisation, the Kwara State Government has presented cheques worth over N569 million to landowners and host communities as part of the first phase of compensation for the 19,300 hectares of land acquired for the mega project.
The Executive Chairman, Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), ESV. Sulyman Babatunde Abdulkareem, stated this in Ilorin during the presentation of cheques to the communities and landowners, saying the smart city project, proposed by the Governor two years ago, is aimed at driving strategic developmental strides across the State.
Abdulkareem explained that the first phase of the project, which starts around Salem Farm at Oke Ose/Alalubosa Communities, Ilorin East Local Government, is designed to accommodate key components of the project, including the Kwara State University of Education, Renewed Hope Federal Government Mass Housing Project, and the relocation of the GRA Flower Garden.
He expressed gratitude to the host communities for their cooperation and dedication and assured that the State government would protect the historic and cultural heritage of the communities while incorporating them into the project.
“On this note, I want to urge the affected communities being compensated to judiciously make use of the fund for the overall benefit of their entire communities and ensure that everyone is well carried along,” he said.
Also, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, highlighted the need for the Smart City project in addressing population growth and infrastructural development.
He emphasised that the project would be properly planned, featuring residential, recreational, and industrial areas.
Ogunsola lauded the State government’s stakeholder engagement efforts, noting that host communities would benefit from the infrastructural extensions and be integral to the success of the project.
Earlier, the Director of Land Service, Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), ESV. Mashood Kayode Hassan, expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the compensation process is carried out in line with legal frameworks and in consultation with the landowners.
He acknowledged the cultural and historical significance of the land to its custodians, assuring them that their rights and interests would be considered.
Hassan said the Kwara Smart City project is designed to bring progress, opportunities, and sustainable growth to the communities.
He commended the presence of the landowners and acknowledged the invaluable role they have played in the progress of the project.
