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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, says the ongoing Kwara Smart City project is designed to house no fewer than 540,000 residents of the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq stated this at the opening of Kwara Real Estate Conference (KWAREC) 2025 held at Banquet Hall, Opposite Government House, Ilorin.
He explained that the planned city, when operational, will factor in residential, commercial, industrial and recreational facilities, adding that it is poised to integrate social, economy and environment.
The conference, at the instance of the Chief Executive Officer of Jibzit Properties Limited, Dr Azeez Olayinka Adigun, in partnership with Kabad Nigeria Limited, was themed “Aspiring To Elevate.”
Speaking through the state Commissioner for Urban and Housing Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola, the Governor said the smart city is conceived to cater for the nation’s population explosion expected in the next two decades and a half.
He noted that the government, as part of its urban renewal project, has improved the state infrastructure with quality road network.
“It has been predicted that Nigeria, in the next 25 years, will become the third most populous country in the world. So, we have India, China and others. And the question lies. What are we doing preparatory for this demographic fact in all aspects of our lives; economy, agriculture, environment, housing, infrastructure.
The Governor, having looked at the challenges of accommodation in Ilorin and of course our towns in Kwara, brought about the idea of Kwara Smart City. A city for tomorrow.
A city that would house 540,000 people, well planned in the areas of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational. A city that is poised to integrate social, economy and environment.
Also speaking at the event, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN observed that it is herculean for the government to meet the accommodation need of the people owing to the limited resources at its disposal.
The Attorney General , who spoke through an Ilorin-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kehinde Kolawole Eleja, noted that shelter has remained a major issue around the globe, hence the imperative of private sector practitioners collaborating with the government to curb the ugly trend.
He urged the convener of the conference to take into account quality assurance and compliance with regulatory framework with a view to preventing any hurdle.
Also speaking, the convener of the event, Dr Azeez Olayinka Adigun, said the conference represents a crucial step forward in shaping the future of real estate not only in Kwara but as a model for sustainable and inclusive development across the country.
He stated that the event is also meant to explore the fundamental pillars of real estate including purpose, product, people, and process, adding that “We are here to challenge the status quo, to innovate, and to collaborate on solutions that will shape the future of Kwara’s urban landscape.”
The Chairman, Real Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Chief Kamar Abioye, in his remarks, described the conference as a clear testimony that Kwara is ready to take its place as a thriving hub for real estate growth and innovation.
He, however, said his association has remained committed to empowering developers, advocating enabling policies, and fostering collaborations that have opened doors of opportunity for many of its members.
The conference with traditional rulers in attendance, featured presentation of papers, panel discussion and presentation of awards to eminent Kwara industrialists.
By Abubakar Umar
