Kwara Stakeholders Set Agenda For Economic Growth, Political Relevance

The Third Estate of the Ilorin Emirate has held its 2026 Annual Dinner, bringing together the emirate’s intellectual, political, traditional and business elite in what has been described as one of the most strategic gatherings of stakeholders in recent times.

The event, held in Ilorin as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, centred on the theme: “Repositioning Ilorin Emirate for Economic Growth, Social Cohesion and Political Relevance in the 21st Century: Pathways and Priorities.”

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who attended the event, commended the Third Estate for its sustained contributions to development initiatives and its role in complementing government efforts in key sectors.

He described the theme as timely and relevant, noting that the Ilorin Emirate continues to play a pivotal role in the political and socio-economic advancement of Kwara State.

The governor pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to preserve the cultural heritage of the emirate while advancing policies that promote economic growth and social stability.

President of the Third Estate of the Ilorin Emirate, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to unity, development, and cultural preservation.

Gobir said the Annual Dinner serves not only as a social engagement but also as a platform for critical reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing the emirate.

He highlighted the organisation’s interventions over the past year, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and community development.

According to him, the group recently conducted a medical outreach at the Aisha Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in Eiyenkorin, where residents benefited from free eye treatment and distribution of eyeglasses.

He also noted that scholarships and educational support were extended to indigent students of the Ilorin Emirate studying at the University of Ilorin.

Gobir expressed appreciation to members, partners and stakeholders for their continued support, adding that the association would scale up its impact-driven programmes in the coming year.

The event also featured policy discussions led by Professor Lambe Kayode Mustapha and Professor Hassan Saliu, who examined issues bordering on youth unemployment, entrepreneurship, education, governance, cultural identity, inter-ethnic relations and political inclusion.

Participants observed that the deliberations reflected growing concerns about economic opportunities and the need to strengthen the political and developmental relevance of the Ilorin Emirate within Kwara State and Nigeria at large.

The gathering comes at a politically significant period, with major parties in the state preparing for the 2027 elections amid heightened discussions on zoning, representation and regional influence.

The Third Estate of the Ilorin Emirate remains a key socio-intellectual platform that brings together professionals, academics, business leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the emirate and contribute to broader development discourse.