Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commissioned the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Skills Acquisition Hub in Ilorin. The commissioning, which took place on Thursday, was a major highlight of the 60th Annual Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). The Governor, who also holds the traditional title of Sardauna of Ilorin, fully funded the multi-million naira facility located at the IEDPU Secretariat in the Garin Alimi area.

Represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, the Governor noted that Ilorin is steadily reclaiming its status as a premier capital city. He revealed that Ilorin was recently ranked among the top 10 Nigerian cities for technology and innovation, and it also debuted in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index as one of the top 1,000 startup cities worldwide.

The Governor highlighted the rapid growth of the state's digital economy, which has expanded from less than $1 million to over $20 million in under six years. He attributed this growth to strategic investments in technology, real estate, and the creative industries. The new hub is expected to train youths in various trades, including computer applications, solar installation, fashion design, and catering, further boosting the state's human capital.

"My dream as your son and governor of Kwara State is to make this city one of the first five in Nigeria in infrastructure, urban renewal, economic viability, innovation and technology, and sustainable living," the governor said.

He noted that while the Innovation Hub is now operational with impressive reviews nationwide, the administration hopes to deliver the International Conference Centre, Revenue House, remodelled Dada Pottery, Kwara Hotel, and several other projects in the new year.

"With our support also, the IEDPU Innovation Hub named as Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Complex is ready for unveiling, and this will go a long way to further reposition our economy.

"More projects are expected to begin in the new year. Despite these investments in capital projects, we have not neglected the welfare of the people. Various social welfare packages are being implemented, while new allowances are being approved for workers across cadres and professional lines. We have also commenced bulk payments of gratuities for some years, while pension payment is constant and up to date.

"But the infrastructural expansion, improved welfare, and general positive leap in the standing of Ilorin and Kwara State are not enough. It requires that we all serve as great marketers and cheerleaders of our community who will tell people outside the state how far our community has evolved, dispel unfounded rumours, focus on the positives, and invite people to invest and live in our communities," he added.

The governor also announced that close to 2,000 armed forest guards would be unveiled on Saturday to complement existing security efforts and curb the activities of hostile actors and terrorists in parts of the state.

Speaking on the IEDPU conference, AbdulRazaq said: "Beyond our personal relationships as brothers, sisters, cousins, and all, the annual IEDPU Conference is a unique platform for all Dahiri of Ilorin to reconnect for the good of our darling community. I thank the IEDPU for their leadership and congratulate everyone for again making it here."

Salahu was accompanied by the former non-executive director of NNPCL, Dr Muhammad Ghali Alaaya; the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Development Authority, Alhaji AbdulLateef Alakawa; the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah; the Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Bashir Adigun; the Special Assistant and Vocal Person on the School Feeding Programme, Dr Rabiat Alabere; the Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaigoro; the KWASSIP General Manager, Dr AbdulWasiu Tejidini; Engr. AbdulRahman Giwa; Amb. Tajudeen Olesin; and Dr Saadat Yusuf.

Earlier, the National President of IEDPU, AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for his numerous interventions in support of the union over the years.

"The Governor of Kwara State, true to his promise, has assisted the union to complete the physical structure of our Skills Acquisition Hub, which has been named Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Complex, in honour of our royal father, His Highness, the Emir of Ilorin," he said.

AbdulMalik stated that the primary trades for youth training at the centre would include computer applications, tie and dye, fashion designing, aluminium fittings, tiles laying, POP installation, catering, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical installations, solar fittings, photography, and printing.

He said the union would require substantial funds to procure equipment for the centre and appealed to the governor for further support.

The chief launcher, Dr AbdulHakeem Oyeniyi, announced a star donation of N50m.

Oyeniyi recalled how the mother of Governor AbdulRazaq rescued him from a state of hopelessness by providing him shelter when he first arrived in Abuja several years ago.