AUDIO: Approving The Sulu-Gambari Pavilion would affect KWSG IGR Drive, Says Governor’s Aide
The Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Kwara State Governor, Abubakar Suleiman, has expressed concerns that the construction of the proposed Sulu-Gambari Pavilion being facilitated by Senator Saliu Mustapha may negatively impact the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) drive.
Mr Suleiman, popularly known as “Sai Kai”, made the statement on Saturday while speaking on a live call-in programme on Sobi FM in Ilorin.
Responding to a caller who feared that the erection of a permanent pavilion at the Ilorin Emir’s Palace could stifle small-scale rental businesse, particularly those providing tents, chairs, and related services for the annual Durbar festivities, Mr Suleiman said he shared the same concern.
“If there is a permanent pavilion, it will affect those who make a living from rentals during the Durbar. Those businesses will naturally die, and that will reduce the income they generate and what comes to the state as IGR,” he said.
The Governor’s aide, however, acknowledged that the idea of a permanent pavilion remains “desirable,” despite the potential economic trade-offs.
He did not confirm whether the state government would endorse or support the project.
The proposed Sulu-Gambari Pavilion, named after the current Emir of Ilorin, is an initiative of the Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha. The project has generated public debate in recent weeks, with supporters arguing that it would enhance the cultural and architectural landscape of the Emir’s Palace and cut down on the recurring cost of hiring temporary structures for the annual Durbar celebrations.
Advocates also say the structure would serve as a cultural monument and reduce logistical burdens on the Durbar committee, which reportedly spends millions of naira annually on makeshift arrangements.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Senator Mustapha nor the Durbar committee has issued an official response to Mr Suleiman’s remarks.
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