Residents Protest Stalled N200m FG Healthcare Project in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Residents of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday embarked on a peaceful protest over the alleged stalled renovation of the N200 million federal government healthcare project facilitated by the Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha.

The protesters, who were mainly from various communities across Ilorin East Local Government Area, converged on the Awodi Primary Healthcare Centre, the proposed site of the project, before marching through major roads to express their concerns on the issue.

The protest, it was gathered, might not be unconnected to the recent comment of the Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Mr. AbdulWasiu Agbelere, on the stoppage of the renovation work on the healthcare facility, a federal government project facilitated by Senator Mustapha.

In a widely circulated video, the council boss was seen addressing a gathering declaring that the renovation was disapproved because of the alleged crisis between Senator Mustapha and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq .

The comment of the council boss has drawn criticism from residents, traditional leaders, and civil society groups in the town.

However, the protesters yesterday took to the streets of Ilorin to express their dissatisfaction with the purported stoppage of the renovation of health facility on the order of the council Chairman, Mr. Agbelere, with placards with various inscriptions like ‘Development is not a crime’; ‘Don’t play politics with our health’; ‘Turaki is working, let him work’; and  ‘Kwara deserves better’, among others.

However, speaking with journalists on the protest,  a protester, Alhaji Iyanda Itaadu, decried the deteriorating state of healthcare in the area, urging public officials to put aside personal and political differences in favour of the people’s welfare.

Also, Mrs. Toyin Aminat, in her comment, echoed the frustration of many, saying: “Our children, mothers, and the elderly need access to good healthcare. It is unjust to deny us a hospital project because of political rivalry.”

Community elders also participated in the protest, warning that further delays could have severe consequences. They stressed that the hospital project could save lives, and must not be hindered by political disputes.

The residents concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu to personally ensure that the healthcare facility receives immediate approval and that work begins without further obstruction.