By Matthew Denis
The installation of streetlights in parts of Ilorin, Kwara State capital has boost night trading within the metropolis in recent time, Pilot Business can report.
The Light-Up Kwara (LUK), a solar-powered streetlight by the state government, which has entered its third phase has captured more areas within the state capital.
A night visit by our reporter to areas like Sango, Oja-Oba, Ipata, Surulere, Ibrahim Taiwo road, Unity road, Challenge axis, showed that traders have extended time for close of their daily business activities.
Some of the traders who spoke to this medium, lauded Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for the project.
At Sango, a cloth seller, Nasiru Maikano said he records more sales now that he trades at night.
“The streetlights aside lighting up the area also gives us sense of security because criminals who operate under the covers of darkness can no longer carry out their criminal activities,” he added.
An electronic seller at Surulere area, Mr. Elechi Obinna disclosed that he has extended his operating business hours to 9pm daily.
According to him, before the installation of the streetlight, he closed shop by 6pm, adding that he makes more sales at night.
Speaking on the project, the Administrative Officer of Rubitec Power, Mr. Tijani Abolaji confirmed that aside the primary role of providing light at night, it has help boost trading activities within Ilorin metropolis.
Abolaji in a chat with our reporter at the weekend said the company is one of the two contractors executing the project.
He revealed that the company has been given a ten-year contract for the reinstalling of faulty streetlights and extension of the project to some local governments on like Offa, Irepodun, Edu, Patigi and Baruten among others.
He, however, called on various host communities to take full responsibility by ensuring that the equipment are not vandalised by miscreants.
Abolaji debunked the allegations that the project is concentrated in certain areas within Ilorin metropolis, adding that some indigenous parts have benefited.
He noted that the LUK has reduced criminal activities within the metropolis as some locations used as hideouts of hoodlums have been exposed with the installation of the streetlights.
