Kwara Smart City to host over half a million residents— AbdulRazaq
…Unveils transformative urban vision at 2025 Kwara Real Estate Conference
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has revealed that the ambitious Kwara Smart City project currently underway in Ilorin is designed to accommodate no fewer than 540,000 residents, making it one of the largest planned urban developments in Nigeria.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, at the 2025 Kwara Real Estate Conference (KWAREC), Governor AbdulRazaq said the futuristic city will integrate residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational zones while prioritizing sustainable development in line with Nigeria’s projected population growth.
Held at the Banquet Hall opposite the Government House in Ilorin, the conference was convened by the Chief Executive Officer of Jibzit Properties Ltd., Dr. Azeez Olayinka Adigun, in partnership with Kabad Nigeria Ltd., and themed “Aspiring to Elevate.”
“It has been projected that Nigeria will become the third most populous country in the world within the next 25 years after India and China. The country’s population will be more than that of United States of America. My vision for Kwara is not just reactive, but proactive, ensuring we are ready for this demographic explosion by investing in urban planning that is inclusive, modern, and sustainable”, the Governor said.
According to him, the Smart City initiative is part of the administration’s broader urban renewal agenda, which includes significant investments in infrastructure such as quality road networks and utility systems across the state.
“Kwara Smart City is not just a plan; it is a bold step toward redefining how we live, work, and thrive. A city that integrates social cohesion, economic opportunity, and environmental responsibility, one that reflects the state government’s commitment to a sustainable tomorrow,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), harped on the pressing need for public-private partnerships in tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit.
Represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kehinde Kolawole Eleja, Fagbemi emphasized that governments alone cannot shoulder the burden of housing the nation.
“Globally, housing is a persistent challenge. The private sector must continue to collaborate with government to ensure access to decent and affordable housing,” he said.
He urged real estate developers to uphold high standards in quality assurance and adhere strictly to regulatory frameworks to avoid structural and legal pitfalls.
In his keynote address, the convener of KWAREC 2025, Dr. Azeez Olayinka Adigun, described the event as a pivotal moment in shaping the trajectory of real estate development in Kwara State and beyond.
“This conference is about reimagining the future, how purpose, product, people, and process can come together to drive innovation and inclusivity in real estate,” he said.
“We are here to challenge the status quo and build a stronger, smarter urban future”, he added.
In his remarks, the Onijagbo of Ijagbo Land, HRM Oba Sharafadeen Adeniyi Buhari Babalola I, who is also a seasoned real estate developer, urged Nigerians to explore opportunities in the property sector.
He described real estate as a pathway to both economic empowerment and national development.
“There are growing funding windows through mortgage banks and financial institutions. With the right partnerships, anyone can start small and grow steadily,” he said.
The monarch called on governments to support the sector with more accessible financing and simplified land acquisition processes.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Chief Kamar Abioye, hailed the conference as evidence of Kwara’s readiness to become a leading hub for real estate innovation in Nigeria.
“REDAN remains committed to advocating for developer-friendly policies and creating platforms that empower our members and strengthen the industry,” he said.
The event was well-attended by traditional rulers from Kwara South, members of academia, real estate developers, retired Permanent Secretaries in Kwara State led by their Chairman, Prince Sulaiman Ayo Fagbemi, government representatives, and other key stakeholders from across the housing and infrastructure sectors.
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