Pan Ilorin youth group operating under the aegis of Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) has called on the government, stakeholders, and all concerned parties to restraint and embrace dialogue over the hullabaloo that broke out after the demolition of some properties in the metropolis in the name of urban renewal plan embarked on by the state government.
Recall that the state government had recently demolished a shopping complex (Crystal Place) located at Zulu-Gambari/Ahmadu Bello Way Ilorin, belonging to a title holder in Ilorin Emirate, ‘Wakilin Ngeri’ who is also a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon. Mashood Mustapha.
In a statement issued and signed by the duo of National Chairman and Secretary of IEYDA, Alh. Abdullahi Babatunde Salau and Tajudeen Akanbi Abdullahi Esq respectively call on the government to exercise restraint and deploy the power of dialogue to achieve its urban renewal agenda.
The statement reads:
“The Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) has been following the recent developments on the urban renewal projects by the Kwara State Government under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Kwara State and the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate, H.E Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, CON, which has led to the demolition of some shops and other properties within Ilorin metropolis.
“We acknowledge the commitment of the Kwara State Government to Urban Renewal and Enforcement of the Master Plan, and on the other hand, sympathize with the concerns and disappointment expressed by various quarters on this demolition of Shops and other properties such as Rotamedics and other Shops behind Ministry of Youth; Shops along Ile-Film, Oloje Shops, Shops Opposite Kwara Hotel and of course the recent demolition of Crystal Place Complex and those that will feel the same subsequently in the ongoing Urban renewal Master Plan by the Kwara State Government.
“We want to urge and appeal to all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution, in the interest of the Ilorin Emirate. While we truly opined that the Master Plan is all about the development of our dear state, community dialogue will make it easier for people to embrace the development beyond expression, and going forward, it will be appreciative if the Kwara State Government can adopt progressive dialogue on the current level of this project.
“We commiserate with all and sundry that are affected by this demolition in one way or the other and we acknowledge the significant investment and personal economic loss you are facing at the moment.
“As an association committed to promoting the well-being and development of Ilorin Emirate, we are not against the implementation of the Master Plan; as it is meant for the development of our State, but that notwithstanding, we believe it is necessary to prioritize peace through a progressive dialogue for the sake of our bond that is far beyond politics.
On the foregoing,
1. We appeal to the Kwara State Government to engage in constructive dialogue with property owners to resolve all issues regarding the demolished Shops and other Properties in compliance with the provision of the Land Use Act and other extant laws of the State. It is expected that government policies should be of human value and that they should follow the engagement of people and stakeholders.
2. Also, residents must welcome government actions for development; hence the need for the government and gladiators to also embrace understanding before and after actions, for the future of Ilorin Emirate and Kwaran Youths, as we need peace for development and not development without peace.
3. We enjoin the Youths to play active roles in sustaining the peace of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara at large regardless of differences.
4. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the interest of Ilorin Emirate and its people, upholding the values of peace, love, and harmony that our community is known for.
5. We request the key stakeholders and community leaders to weigh in and find a lasting and just resolution to the issue at hand for a better tomorrow. IEYDA shall continue to stand against any policy that is capable of bringing inconveniences to our people no matter how good it is.
6. We will not take it lightly that individuals or groups trying to drag, blackmail, and insult our Traditional Rulers, Traditional institutions, and reputable Scholars from the Emirate for whatever reason. We hold the custodian of our heritage in the highest esteem and we implore all and sundry to desist from taking advantage of the current situation to insult them.
“At IEYDA, we remain committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and development in the Ilorin Emirate and we shall continue to engage with the Government and stakeholders to foster a conducive environment for growth and progress.”
