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The 2025 Ilorin Grand Durbar celebration held at the Kwara State Baseball Park in Adewole, has been described as the most remarkable event in the history of the State.
The event drew thousands of people from across Nigeria and beyond, making this year’s Durbar exceptional not only the cultural brilliance on display but also the sheer scale of attendance by visitors, families, dignitaries, and foreigners who came to experience Ilorin’s heritage.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Abolore Alabi, who stated this, attributed the success of the event to the purposeful leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq whose administration has transformed Ilorin and Kwara into a beacon of development, hospitality, and pride.
Dr Afeez Abolore noted that under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s investments in tourism and infrastructure, Kwara is fast becoming Nigeria’s model state for culture, commerce, and futuristic development.
He pointed out that the improved road infrastructure within and outside the state capital including the construction of two overhead bridges at the same time—pivotal in easing vehicular movement during the celebration.
The Commissioner explained that the Kwara Innovation Hub, which recently partnered with Paystack, the Kwara Garment Factory, replicated at the federal level, and the Sugar Factory Film Studio are redefining what local content and industrialization mean in the Nigerian context.
While stressing that the projects are economic catalysts that inspire confidence among investors, Dr Afeez Abolore hinted that the towering symbolic presence of the tallest Nigerian flag mast in West Africa, would also attracts curious tourists and visitors to the state.
According to him, the urban and tourism-driven investments—including the iconic International Conference Centre currently under construction along Ahmadu Bello Way, and the full-scale rehabilitation of Kwara Hotel to meet international standards are also repositioning Kwara as a tourism destination.
The Commissioner acknowledged the role of the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee for their tireless efforts in curating an event of such magnitude and dignity, saying that their coordination, planning, and dedication gave structure to the colour and cultural rhythm that defined the day as against distractions that surrounded the proposed pavilion at the Emir’s forecourt.
Dr Afeez Abolore Alabi praised the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, whom he said his leadership and royal wisdom remain central to the preservation of Ilorin’s cultural identity and unity.
He added that his reign continues to be a source of inspiration and cohesion, making the Emirate a cultural lighthouse not just for Kwarans, but for the world.
The Commissioner prayed Allah to continue to strengthen Kwara State, grant Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq greater wisdom and success, and bless the Emir of Ilorin with long life and divine guidance.
By Ameen Ayinla
