COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 56TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ILORIN EMIRATE DESCENDANTS PROGRESSIVE UNION (IEDPU) HELD ON 25TH AND 26TH DECEMBER 2021

Date: December 2021

PREAMBLE

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) held its 56th Annual National Conference at the forecourt of the Emir's palace, Ilorin between 25th and 26th December,2021. The Conference as usual, attracted indigenes of the Emirate from far and near, including delegates from branches across the country and the diaspora. The opening ceremony was attended by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh. (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe and other dignitaries.

In his remarks, the Governor commended the Union for its developmental efforts, particularly the establishment of the skills acquisition hub which he noted, will facilitate youths empowerment and minimize unemployment.

The business session of the Conference held at the National Secretariat and Òkè-oyi, Headquarters of Ilorin East Local Government on the first and second days during which reports from various committees were presented and adopted.

RESOLUTIONS

At the end of the sessions, the following resolutions were adopted:

The Union commends the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasak for the monumental development he has brought to the education sector particularly with the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across the sixteen Local Government Areas of the State.

The Union especially appreciates the governor for his full support for the successful establishment of the Police Secondary School,Ballah.

We appreciate the Federal Government for making our dream on the Police College a reality and implore them to ensure its adequate funding to enable it stand the test of time.

In the same vein, we appeal to the Federal Government to heed our call for the establishment of a Federal College of Education (FCE) in Kwara State since we are one of the few States without that federal institution, having lost the former one in Okene to the present Kogi State.

We note with concern, the deplorable condition of some major roads within the Emirate, most especially those being plied regularly by articulated vehicles. The Union hereby appeals to the state government to promptly intervene in order to reduce the human and economic losses occasioned by the poor road network within the State.

The Union expresses its disappointment with the recalcitrant attitude of some of our indigenes to the persistent appeals against the indiscriminate sale of our ancestral lands and homes. We therefore implore our people to lease, rather than sell land and properties within the Emirate. This is with a view to sustaining and preserving our collective heritage.

On the issue of Hijab, the Union commends the state government for enforcing the constitutional and fundamental human rights of willing female Muslim students in secondary schools. We however appeal to individuals to maintain the spirit of fairness, equity and justice in their dealings, irrespective of religious affiliations.

The Union notes with appreciation, the commendable efforts of the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe toward the citing of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital at Budo- Egba in Asa Local Government Area of the State. While anticipating prompt take off of the project, we are particularly grateful because the hospital will not only treat Neuro psychiatric problems but also open a floodgate of opportunities to the teeming population as well as boost the economic fortunes of the Emirate.

On the low level of industrialisation in the state, the Union urges the State Government to revolutionise the industrial climate in the Emirate through the revitalisation of our indigenous industries such as weaving and pottery as well as introduce other industries which would assist in job creation to improve our economic status.

Finally, the Union thanks all those who contributed to the success of the 56th National Annual Conference, particularly the Ilorin East Local Government that hosted the second business session of the Conference.

Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman,fsi,
National President,
Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union,
Ilorin.