Ilorin

{{Short description|Capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria}}
{{other uses}}
{{more citations needed|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Nigerian English|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox Settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->| name                     = Ilorin
| official_name            = 
| other_name               = 
| native_name              = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
| nickname                 = Il-City
| settlement_type          = Metropolis
| motto                    = <!-- images and maps  ----------->
| image_skyline            = Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin6.jpg
| imagesize                = 
| image_caption            = Ahmadu Bello Way in Ilorin
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| pushpin_mapsize          = 300
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location in Nigeria
<!-- Location ---------North Central --------->| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|Nigeria}}
| subdivision_type1        = [[States of Nigeria|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Kwara]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[Local Government Areas of Nigeria|LGA(s)]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Ilorin East]] <br /> [[Ilorin South]] <br /> [[Ilorin West]]
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| area_footnotes           = <ref name="citypopulation">{{cite web | url=http://www.citypopulation.de/php/nigeria-admin.php?adm1id=NGA024 | title=Kwara (state) | publisher=City Population | access-date=26 November 2015}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 765
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<!-- Population   ----------------------->| population_as_of         = 2006 census
| pop_est_as_of            = 2011
| population_est           = 908,490<ref name="citypopulation"/>
| population_footnotes     = 
| population_note          = 
| population_total         = 777,667
| population_density_km2   = 1188
| population_rank          = [[List of Nigerian cities by population|7th]]
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| population_metro         = 1.5 million (estimate)
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| population_blank1_title  = Ethnicities
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| population_density_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- General information  --------------->
| timezone                 = [[West Africa Time|WAT]]
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| coordinates              = {{coord|8|30|N|4|33|E|region:NG|display=inline}}
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| postal_code_type         = <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... -->
| postal_code              = 240001
| area_code                = 
| blank_name               = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank_info               = [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw]]
| blank1_name              = 
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| website                  = 
| footnotes                = 
|blank_name_sec1= National language
|blank_info_sec1= [[Yoruba language|Yorùbá]]
}}
 
'''Ilorin''' is the [[List of capitals of states of Nigeria|capital city]] of [[Kwara State]] located in the Western region of <!--Do not change from Western to North central without discussion. This is a geographical description, geopolitical zoning has been stated in the infobox and in the article.--> [[Nigeria]].<ref name="gazetteer">{{cite web|url=http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?men=gpro&des=gamelan&geo=354618453 |title=The World Gazetteer-Ilorin, Nigeria |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209162439/http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?men=gpro&des=gamelan&geo=354618453 |archive-date=9 February 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}. Retrieved 18 February 2007</ref> As of the 2006 census, it had a population of 777,667, making it the [[List of Nigerian cities by population|7th largest city by population]] in Nigeria.<ref name="census">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf |title=FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA : 2006 Population Census |access-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305101910/http://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nbsapps/Connections/Pop2006.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2012 }}</ref>  

==History==
{{Moresources | section|date=March 2024}}
{{Main|Ilorin Emirate}}
[[File:Ilorin 1929.png|thumb|Aerial view of Ilorin in 1929]]
Ilorin was founded by the [[Yoruba people|Yoruba]], one of the three largest [[Demographics of Nigeria|ethnic groups in Nigeria]], in 1450.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ilorin {{!}} Location, History, Facts, & Population {{!}} Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ilorin|access-date=2022-02-16|website=www.britannica.com|language=en}}</ref> It became a provincial military headquarters of the ancient [[Oyo Empire]], and later became a [[Northern Nigeria Protectorate|Northern Nigeria protectorate]] when [[Shehu Alimi]], an [[Itinerant preacher|itinerant]] [[Ulama|Islamic preacher]] and teacher, took control of the city through the spread of [[Islam in Nigeria|Islam]]. The capital was occupied by the [[Royal Niger Company]] in 1897 and its lands were incorporated into the [[British Empire|British]] colony of [[Northern Nigeria]] in 1900, although the emirate continued to perform ceremonial functions.<ref name=EB>{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Illorin |volume=14 |page=312}}</ref> The city retains a strong [[Islamic]] influence, although [[Christianity in Nigeria|Christianity]] is now widely practised in the [[Cosmopolitanism|cosmopolitan]] part of the city due to the significant [[immigration]] of people from other parts of [[Kwara State]] and the rest of [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Unveiling Nigeria|url=https://www.unveilingnigeria.ng/index.php/geopolitical-zone/kwara-state|access-date=2022-02-15|website=unveilingnigeria.ng}}</ref> 

Ilorin, city, [[Emirate|traditional emirate]], and capital of Kwara state, western [[Nigeria]]. It is located on the Awun River, a minor tributary of the Niger. Founded in the late 18th century by Yoruba people, it became the capital of a kingdom that was a vassal state of the [[Oyo Empire|Oyo empire.]] Oyo’s commander at Ilorin, [https://www.thehistoryville.com/aare-ona-kakanfo-afonja-oyo-empire/ Kakanfo] (Field Marshal) [[Afonja]], led a rebellion in 1817 that destroyed the unity of the empire. He was aided by Mallam Alimi (a Fulani from Sokoto), by Fulani warriors and slaves, and by Hausa slaves. Afonja was increasingly dominated by the Muslim Fulani, and, upon his assassination, Alimi’s son, Abd al-Salam (Abdul Salami), became emir of Ilorin and pledged allegiance (''c.'' 1829) to the Sokoto caliphate. As a Muslim emirate, Ilorin subjugated several towns in Yorubaland and destroyed the Oyo capital, Oyo Ile (Old Oyo, or Katunga), 40 miles (64&nbsp;km) northwest, in 1837. Abd al-Salam conducted a jihad toward the sea and was only stopped by the [[Ibadan]] victory over his cavalrymen at [[Osogbo|Oshogbo]] in 1840.

Throughout the 19th century, Ilorin served as a major trade centre between the Hausa of the north and the Yoruba of the south.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ilorin {{!}} Nigeria, Map, Facts, & Population {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Ilorin |access-date=2024-02-11 |website=britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> It strongly resisted British rule, and not until 1897, when the army of the Royal Niger Company arrived after conquering Bida (106 miles east-northeast), did Ilorin recognize British supremacy. In 1900 Ilorin emirate was the only part of Yorubaland to be included in the [[Northern Nigeria]] Protectorate, which, later in the colonial period, developed into the Northern Province and then the Northern Region. With the subdivision of the country’s administrative regions in 1967, Ilorin became part of West Central (later Kwara) state.

== Demographics ==
Modern Ilorin is mainly inhabited by the Yoruba people, although its traditional ruler has a fulani heritage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Voice |first=Muslim |date=2022-09-15 |title=Khalifa Sanusi II visits Emir of Ilorin {{!}} The Muslim Voice, Nigeria |url=https://muslimvoice.com.ng/2022/09/15/khalifa-sanusi-ii-visits-emir-of-ilorin/ |access-date=2023-08-28 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Sports ==
Ilorin has an 18,000-capacity stadium and two professional [[football team]]s; [[Kwara United F.C.]] playing in the top-tier league of [[Nigeria Professional Football League]] (N.P.F.L) which is run by the League Management Company; and [[ABS FC]] in the second division which is [[Bet9ja]] [https://nnl.com.ng/ Nigeria National league].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigeria - Kwara United F.C, NPFL Club Kwara United|url=https://npfl.ng/team/kwara-united/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=Nigeria Professional Football League|language=en-US}}</ref>

The city has the only standard [[baseball field]] in [[West Africa]]. It has also hosted several national [[handball]] competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilorin.info/fullnews.php?id=26280|title=Handball: Kwara To Host Nat'l U-18, U-21 Championships|date=17 January 2020}}</ref>

==Commerce==
[[File:Shoprite, Ilorin.JPG|thumb|ShopRite Ilorin]]
The [[political economy]] of [[Kwara State]] can be traced to 1967 when it was created.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kwara {{!}} state, Nigeria {{!}} Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kwara|access-date=2022-02-16|website=www.britannica.com|language=en}}</ref> Since then the state has undergone various developmental efforts, mostly initiated by the [[Federal government of Nigeria|federal government]] given the nature of the Nigerian state, a centralized federal system where development policies and programmes originate from the centre.<ref name=BPI />

The state has a large area of rich [[agricultural land]]. The [[limestone]] and [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]] of Oreke, [[Kaolinite|kaolin]] and [[clay]] at Idofian near Ilorin and other parts of the state, pure gold in [[Kaiama]] and the [[Pategi|Patigi]] area, and the highly exportable rich [[tantalite]] deposit of Iporin make Kwara State rich in [[Natural resource|primary resources]].

Initially, Kwara State had only a few major industrial companies, Global Soap (not more in operation), Detergent Industries Nigeria Limited and the International Tobacco Company. Successive administrations have attempted to attract industrialists to the state.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DOYIN GROUP OF COMPANIES OUR COMPANY|url=http://www.doyingroup.com/ourcompanies.htm|access-date=2021-05-29|website=doyingroup.com}}</ref>

With such efforts, Ilorin has become the hub for [[cashew]] processing in Nigeria and [[Olam International]] has set up Africa's biggest cashew processing plant. The plant processes 100 [[tonne|MT]] of cashews every day and provides employment to over 2000 workers.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-07-31|title=TechnoServe, Olam train 6,000 cashew farmers|url=https://archive.businessday.ng/agriculture/article/technoserve-olam-train-6000-cashew-farmers/|access-date=2021-05-29|website=BusinessDay NG, TV, and Podcast|language=en-US}}</ref>

Recently established industries include [[Dangote Group|Dangote Flour Mills]], Tuyil Pharmaceutical company,<ref name=BPI>{{cite web |title=better place international |url=https://www.betterplaceinternational.org/nigeria/projects/zoslu-ilorin}}</ref> KAMWIL, [http://patecgroup.com/golden-food/ Golden Confectionate Food Industries], Chellaram Motor-Cycle Assembly plants, and [http://www.biorajng.com/company-profile/ Rajrab Pharmaceuticals].<ref>{{Cite web|title=TUYIL PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED Nigeria company profile - address, contacts, owners|url=https://ng-check.com/tuyil-pharmaceutical-industries-limited/815261.html|access-date=2021-05-29|website=ng-check.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=A publication of Babcock University School of Education and Humanities|date=2016|title=Contemporary humanities|url=https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/20.500.12484/308|journal=Contemporary Humanities and Individual Contributors of Articles|volume= 9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Oyetola Olukorede|first1=Oyebode|last2=Ayodele Olanrewaju|first2=Ogunlela|date=2021|title=Agricultural engineering profession: The perspective of employers at labour in Ilorin, Nigeria|url=https://cigrjournal.org/index.php/Ejounral/article/download/5362/3557/30787&ved=2ahUKEwi3t7au0u_wAhWQXsAKHaP8Cd0QFjATegQINBAC&usg=AOvVaw32E0U1bekY0HmknoP1qNz6|journal=AgricEngInt: CIGR Journal Open Access|volume= 23|pages=168–177|via=CIGR Journal Open Access}}</ref>

==Climate==
Ilorin has a [[tropical savanna climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Aw''). It has an annual rainfall which can range between {{convert|990.3|and|1318|mm|in|0}}. The city has maximum temperatures varying between {{convert|33|and|37|C|F|1|disp=or}}, with the third month of the year, March, being the hottest.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Olaniran |first=O. J. |title=Rainfall anomalies in Nigeria: The contemporary understanding |publisher=The Fifty-fifth Inaugural Lecture of University of Ilorin |year=2002}}</ref> The minimum and maximum temperature, and also the [[Humidity|relative humidity]] have increased between 1978 and 2017. The wind that blows is typically from points between southeast and northeast.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ajani|first1=A.B.|last2=Adeniyi|first2=A. |date=2017 |title=Trends analysis of agricultural productivity in Kwara State, Nigeria |journal=Journal of Research and International Studies |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=205–214}}</ref>
{{Weather box
|location = Ilorin (1991–2020)
|single line = Yes
|metric first = Yes
|Jan high C = 34.0
|Feb high C = 35.8
|Mar high C = 36.1
|Apr high C = 34.4
|May high C = 32.4
|Jun high C = 30.8
|Jul high C = 29.3
|Aug high C = 28.7
|Sep high C = 29.7
|Oct high C = 31.4
|Nov high C = 33.8
|Dec high C = 34.1
|year high C = 32.5
|Jan mean C = 26.0
|Feb mean C = 28.1
|Mar mean C = 28.3
|Apr mean C = 28.1
|May mean C = 27.0
|Jun mean C = 25.5
|Jul mean C = 24.5
|Aug mean C = 24.5
|Sep mean C = 24.6
|Oct mean C = 25.6
|Nov mean C = 26.2
|Dec mean C = 25.7
|year mean C = 26.2
|Jan low C = 19.7
|Feb low C = 22.3
|Mar low C = 23.7
|Apr low C = 23.6
|May low C = 22.8
|Jun low C = 22.1
|Jul low C = 21.8
|Aug low C = 21.4
|Sep low C = 21.5
|Oct low C = 21.7
|Nov low C = 21.3
|Dec low C = 19.4
|year low C = 21.8
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 5.7
|Feb precipitation mm = 8.5
|Mar precipitation mm = 42.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 110.0
|May precipitation mm = 194.9
|Jun precipitation mm = 202.7
|Jul precipitation mm = 175.7
|Aug precipitation mm = 169.2
|Sep precipitation mm = 297.3
|Oct precipitation mm = 176.3
|Nov precipitation mm = 13.9
|Dec precipitation mm = 5.5
|year precipitation mm = 1401.7
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 0.4
|Feb precipitation days = 0.7
|Mar precipitation days = 2.6
|Apr precipitation days = 6.3
|May precipitation days = 10.7
|Jun precipitation days = 11.6
|Jul precipitation days = 10.7
|Aug precipitation days = 9.2
|Sep precipitation days = 16.0
|Oct precipitation days = 10.3
|Nov precipitation days = 0.9
|Dec precipitation days = 0.4
|year precipitation days = 79.7
|Jan humidity = 55.2
|Feb humidity = 57.1
|Mar humidity = 67.8
|Apr humidity = 76.8
|May humidity = 81.6
|Jun humidity = 84.7
|Jul humidity = 86.2
|Aug humidity = 86.8
|Sep humidity = 86.7
|Oct humidity = 84.0
|Nov humidity = 71.9
|Dec humidity = 59.9
|year humidity = 74.9
|Jan sun = 210.8
|Feb sun = 210.0
|Mar sun = 217.0
|Apr sun = 204.0
|May sun = 220.1
|Jun sun = 189.0
|Jul sun = 136.4
|Aug sun = 117.8
|Sep sun = 132.0
|Oct sun = 195.3
|Nov sun = 222.0
|Dec sun = 226.3
|year sun = 2280.7
|Jand sun = 6.8
|Febd sun = 7.5
|Mard sun = 7.0
|Aprd sun = 6.8
|Mayd sun = 7.1
|Jund sun = 6.3
|Juld sun = 4.4
|Augd sun = 3.8
|Sepd sun = 4.4
|Octd sun = 6.3
|Novd sun = 7.4
|Decd sun = 7.3
|yeard sun = 
|source 1 = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] (mean temperature, sunshine 1961–1990)<ref name="WMONormals">{{cite web
|url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/2.2/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Nigeria/CSV/Ilorin_65101.csv
|title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991-2020 — Ilorin
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = January 6, 2024}}</ref><ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG__I/NI/65101.TXT
| title = Ilorin Climate Normals 1961–1990
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
| access-date = 22 July 2016}}</ref> 
}}

==Transport==
[[File:POST OFFICE ROUTE.jpg|thumb|Post Office Route]]
[[File:Duravil Engineering Limited @ work on the New Underpass Project In Kwara State Nigeria.jpg|thumb|Construction of a [[Roundabout interchange|Split Diamond Underpass]] in Ilorin]]
[[File:Traffic warden in Ilorin city, Kwara State 01.jpg|thumb|Traffic warden in Ilorin city, Kwara State]]
[[File:Ilorin Train Station, kwara state.jpg|thumb|Ilorin Train Station, Kwara state]]
Ilorin operates a relatively well-developed intra-city [[public transport]] system, and the major roads within the metropolis are well constructed.

There are three different modes of available transit from one place to another in the city – the most popular being the conventional taxis. [[Car rental|Car-hire]] services are also available in major hotels. Furthermore, there are commercial motorbikes, commonly called "[[Okada (motorcycle taxi)|Okada]]". A more recent arrival on Ilorin's roads are commercial tricycles, popularly called "Keke NAPEP" or "Keke" or "Keke Maruwa", some of which are given on loan to beneficiaries of the [[National Poverty Eradication Programme]]. Ilorin taxis are painted yellow and green.

Ilorin's central location makes it easily accessible to all parts of the country by [[Aviation|air]], [[road]] and [[Rail transport|rail]]. The state has a good network of roads, rail and air transportation facilities linking it with Nigeria's other industrial and commercial centres. Transportation is quite affordable in Ilorin for movement from one place to another for as low as one hundred [[Nigerian naira|naira]].

There are scheduled daily commercial flights to and from [[Ilorin International Airport]] by [[Arik Air]] and [[Overland Airways]]. The now defunct [[Capital Airlines (Nigeria)|Capital Airlines]] also operated from Ilorin. Current destinations include all of the major cities in Nigeria. The airport has also been re-designed and equipped as an international cargo airport.

Ilorin offers reliable road transport services to [[Lagos State|Lagos]], [[Ogun State|Ogun]], [[Osun State|Osun]], [[Ondo State|Ondo]], [[Oyo State|Oyo]], [[Ekiti State|Ekiti]], [[Kogi State|Kogi]], [[Niger State|Niger]], [[Kaduna State|Kaduna]] and [[Plateau State]]s. Similar services are available to and from [[Onitsha]], [[Port Harcourt]], [[Abuja]], [[Aba, Abia|Aba]] and others.

A major [[Controlled-access highway|expressway]] to [[Ibadan]], numbered E1, is currently under construction by P.W. International. Ilorin is served by the railway and highway from Lagos (160 miles south-southwest), via Ibadan, which intersect in the city, and it has an international airport.

==Culture==
{{Moresources | section|date=March 2024}}
===Religion===
The city is a confluence of cultures, populated by the [[Yoruba people|Yoruba]], [[Fula people|Fulani]], [[Nupe people|Nupe]], [[Bariba people|Bariba]], [[Kanuri people|Kanuri]], [[Igbo people|Igbo]] and [[Hausa people|Hausa]] ethnicities across Nigeria, as well as foreign and nationals. There are large Christian and Islamic populations, and many ceremonial activities, mostly with religious aspects, take place in the city throughout the year.

==== Christianity in Ilorin ====
[[File:Rev George Adegboye preaching at Rhema Chapel International Churches International Headquarters.jpg|thumb|Rev George Adegboye preaching at Rhema Chapel International Churches International Headquarters - International Convention Centre (The ICC), Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria]]
[[File:Chapel of the Light, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria 01.jpg|thumb|a distance view of the chapel of light, University of Ilorin]]
The city has a host of ancient and modern churches with moderate to large congregations, such as the [[Catholic Church]], [[Cherubim and Seraphim (Nigerian church)|Cherubim and Seraphim churches]], Anglican, Methodist, [[Celestial Church of Christ]], [[Evangelical Church Winning All]] (ECWA), Emmanuel Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, and Zion Baptist church. Notable Pentecostal churches include [[Redeemed Christian Church of God]], [[The Gospel Faith Mission International]] (Gofamint), [[Deeper Life Church]], and [[Living Faith Church]]. [[Seventh-day Adventist]]s are also represented. Most Christian churches in the state started schools and introduced innovative ideas that were readily adopted by the Muslim schools.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/cjmm/2004/00000024/00000001/art00014 |title=ingentaconnect Christian churches in Ilorin, Nigeria: a brief historical survey |journal=Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs |publisher=Ingentaconnect.com |date=2004-04-01 |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=175–180 |doi=10.1080/1360200042000212214 |access-date=2013-12-17|last1=Yahaya |first1=Eliasu |s2cid=144740520 }}</ref>

There has been a [[Latter-day Saint]] congregation in Ilorin since 1992. In that year an LDS mission was organized in the city that year, but shortly later merged with the one in [[Enugu]]. Starting in 2016 additional LDS congregations were organized in Ilorin, which in 2018 was transferred to the new Nigerian Ibadan Mission, and had a district organized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DeToVIncRUgvAaBie-Mt_x5mGi60uawO/view?usp=embed_facebook|title=Cumorah Newsletter - July 2018.pdf|website=Google Docs|accessdate=6 December 2022}}</ref>

===Ilorin Central Mosque===
===History===
The first Ilorin central mosque was founded in 1820 in the Agbarere Area, popularly known as "Ile-Elewa", under the leadership of Sheik Imam Muhammad Munab'bau. This was followed in 1835 when another central mosque was built at Idi-Ape during the reign of the first Emir of Ilorin, Abdus-salam. However, more than a century later, this central mosque could no longer cope with the growth in the Muslim population of the city. For this reason, in 1974, the ninth Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulkarnaini Gambari, invited Grand Mufti Alhaji Mohammed Kamal-u-deen and the then present Wazirin Ngeri of Ilorin, Abubakar Sola Saraki, to co-ordinate the fundraising and construction of a new central mosque.

===The present Ilorin Central Mosque===
[[File:Central Mosque Ilorin19.jpg|thumb|Central Mosque Ilorin]]
On 30 April 1977, the foundation was laid for the new mosque by the Emir of [[Gwandu]] on behalf of the Sarki Musulmi, Sultan Abubakar III. The new Ilorin Central Mosque was completed and officially opened in 1981 by the former president Alhaji [[Shehu Shagari]]. The Mosque was renovated, rehabilitated and expanded in 2012 with a majestic view. The newly redecorated mosque was recommissioned on 14 December 2012.

===The "New" Ilorin Central Mosque===
Planning for the rehabilitation, refurbishment and redecoration of the Central Mosque started in 2007 when Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, CFR, the eleventh Emir of Ilorin, with assistance from Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Turaki of Ilorin, and the former Governor of [[Kwara State]], set up a technical committee headed by Alhaji Shehu Abdul-gafar on the rehabilitation and enhancement of the central mosque. The committee has invited expertise from specialists in mosque construction from around the world, especially from [[Saudi Arabia]], the [[United Arab Emirates|United Arab Emirates,]] and [[Nigeria]].

In addition to the general restoration and enhancement of the mosque, it now has a total of 99 domes of different diameters, 75 feet above the floor. The large dome is made of gold finish while the four big domes around are coated in green with reflective illumination. The mosque form is enveloped within a pyramid shape with a square base and 45 inclinations for the faces. It has four accessible minarets, each standing at a height of 150 feet. Moreover, all the dilapidated domes and minarets with mosaic finishing were restored and finished with cut-to-size marble. The exterior and interior are covered by special marble while the expanded courtyard was constructed with heat-absorbing granite (marble) finish. The doors and windows were replaced with specially designed ones befitting the new mosque concept.

==Arts and Tourism==
[[File:Meditation on the hill.jpg|thumb|a typical representation of Sobi Hill, Ilorin]]
The city also has a range of tourist attractions such as the Sobi [[Hill]] which is said to have offered protection to natives during intertribal wars in ancient times.
[[File:West African Frontier Force Okuta (3).jpg|thumb|Okuta west Africa Frontier force, Ilorin Kwara]]
The [[Okuta, Kwara|Okuta]] Ilorin is located in Asaju's compound, Idi-Ape Quarters. It is the stone on which Ojo Isekuse, one of the founders of the city, used to sharpen his metal tools.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-11-06|title=History, Culture and Tradition of Ilorin People, Nigeria|url=https://infoguidenigeria.com/culture-tradition-ilorin/|access-date=2022-02-16|website=InfoGuideNigeria.com|language=en-US}}</ref> 
[[File:Old Frontier Force Fort OKUTA.jpg|thumb|Okuta, Ilorin]]
It was actually called "Okuta ilo irin" (meaning stone for sharpening metals). It is from this tool, the town Ilorin derived its name. 
The stone was a deified object of worship and sacrifice offerings in the past.

[[Pottery]] is a big business in Ilorin. 
[[File:Pottery merchant.jpg|thumb|Pottery workshop]]
The city has the biggest traditional pottery workshops in Nigeria. They are located in the Dada area of Okelele, Eletu in Oju-Ekun, Okekura, Oloje, Abe Emi and Ita Merin.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dada Pottery Kwara State :: Nigeria Information & Guide|url=https://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Nigeria/States_Nigeria/Kwara/Dada-Pottery-Kwara.html|access-date=2022-02-16|website=www.nigeriagalleria.com}}</ref>

The traditional [[textile industry]] also thrives in Ilorin. In various parts of the city, aso-oke, textiles hand-woven on simple [[loom]]s, are made in large quantities. 
[[File:African Lace VLM 14.jpg|thumb|Male Aso Oke (African lace)]]
Aso-oke is purchased by traders and fashion designers from Kwara State, other parts of Nigeria and abroad.

[[File:Dada Pottery Site, Kwara State.jpg|thumb|finished pots made in different sizes by local women in Ilorin, Kwara State.]]
The cultural center houses the Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture, its performing troupe, and a gallery with [[Work of art|artworks]] and [[antiquities]]. [[Souvenir]]s of cultural and historical values are also available.[[File:National Museum Esie Kwara state.jpg|thumb|Signboard of the National Museum]][[File:Vehicles at the Ilorin terminal 03.jpg|thumb|Metropolitan park for vehicles in Ilorin.]]
[[File:Kwara State Stadium entrance 2.jpg|thumb|Kwara State Stadium main entrance]]
[[File:POST OFFICE TERMINAL, KWARA STATE.jpg|thumb|Post Office Terminal Bus park]]
Metropolitan Park, a recreational park, is located on Unity Road. The [[Kwara State Stadium]] Complex has an Olympic-sized [[swimming pool]] with facilities for diving.

A purpose-built baseball park is located in the Adewole area of the city.

The [[Esie Museum]] is of major importance to the Nigeria's many cultures.

== 2019 Flood Crisis ==
In Ilorin City, on September 18 2019, a flood caused by a heavy downpour ruined valuables worth millions of naira. According to information obtained by ''The Nigerian Tribune'', inhabitants of the state capital experienced great difficulty and losses as a result of the deluge, which began at 5:00pm and lasted until about 9:00pm.

Additionally, it was learned that many residents of the impacted buildings along Obbo and Unity roads in Ilorin remained inside until September 19 2019 afternoon because they were unable to leave the water that had engulfed their structures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wande |first=S.-Davies |date=2019-09-19 |title=Flood destroys valuables in Ilorin |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/flood-destroys-valuables-in-ilorin/ |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=Tribune Online |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Pollution ==
Ilorin, a capital city in Kwara State is taken over by heaps of refuse in major streets. This is as a result of Kwara State Waste Management inability to evacuate garbage bins. The bins, stationed at designated points across the city, were full to the brim, thereby forcing residents to dump refuse by the roadside and walkways. The health implication as failure to evacuate the refuse could provoke an outbreak of diseases as a result of abandoned refuse containers by the roadside until they emitted stinking odour into the atmosphere, causing serious discomfort to the residents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/254949-ilorin-residents-lament-refuse-situation-water-scarcity.html?tztc=1 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=www.premiumtimesng.com}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:The University of Ilorin Senate Building.jpeg|thumb|University of Ilorin, Senate building]]
[[File:Kwara State University, Malete.jpg|thumb|Main entrance of the Kwara State University Malete]]
Ilorin is home to more than two universities, the [[University of Ilorin]] popularly known as Unilorin and [[Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin|Al-Hikmah University ilorin]] , it also has [[Kwara State University]] popularly known as Kwasu within its metropolitan area. The Federal Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, which operates a research farm, it is located near the city. Teacher-training colleges and a vocational trade school also serve Ilorin. Health services include a number of government, private, and religious hospitals and a nursing home for the elderly.

It is also home to the following educational institutions:
*[[International Aviation College, Ilorin]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=About US {{!}}{{!}} IAC|url=http://iac.kw.gov.ng/about/|access-date=2022-02-15|website=iac.kw.gov.ng}}</ref>
*[[Emmanuel Baptist College]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=EBcollege.com|url=https://www.ebco.com.ng/|access-date=2022-02-15|website=www.ebco.com.ng}}</ref>
*[[Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kwaracails.edu.ng/|title=Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin|website=www.kwaracails.edu.ng|accessdate=6 December 2022}}</ref>
*[[Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin|url=https://www.kwcoeilorin.edu.ng/#sthash.tkb7Y7Rs.dpbs|access-date=2022-02-15|website=www.kwcoeilorin.edu.ng}}</ref>
*[[Kwara State Polytechnic]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=About Us|url=https://kwarastatepolytechnic.edu.ng/|access-date=2022-02-15|website=Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Unilorin Secondary School]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-20|title=The Unilorin 'better by far' basket and one bad apple|url=https://www.thecable.ng/the-unilorin-better-by-far-basket-and-one-bad-apple|access-date=2022-02-15|website=TheCable|language=en-US}}</ref>
{{cleanup list|section|date=February 2021}}
*[[Agriculture and Rural Management Training Institute]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.recruitmentboard.com.ng/|title=Recruitment Board - Nigeria Recruitment Portal|website=Recruitment Board|accessdate=6 December 2022}}</ref>
*[[Muhyideen College of Education]]<ref>[http://www.mcoed.edu.ng Muhyideen College of Education]</ref>
*[[Ansarul Islam Secondary School]], Ilorin
*[[Army Day Secondary School, Sobi Barrack]], Ilorin
*[[Baboko Community Secondary School, Ilorin]]
*[[Bishop Smith Memorial College]]
*[[Cherubim and Seraphim College]], Ilorin<ref>[https://www.africabizinfo.com/NG/cherubim-and-seraphim-college_2w Cherubim and Seraphim College] Africa Biz</ref>
*Federal Government College, Ilorin
*[[Federal Training Center, Ilorin]]
*[[Government Day Secondary School, Karuma]], Ilorin
*[[Government Girls Day Secondary School, Ilorin]]
*[[Government Secondary School, Adeta]], Ilorin
*[[Government Secondary School, Ilorin]] Founded in 1914
*[[Ilorin Grammar School, Ilorin]]
*[[IQRA College, Ilorin]]
*[[Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies]]
*[[Mount Carmel College, Ilorin]]
*[[National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization]]
*[[Saint Anthony's Secondary School]], Ilorin
*[[School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilorin]]
*[[Socrates College, Ilorin]]
*[[U.M.C.A High school, Ilorin]]
*[[United Missionary Theological Seminary]]
*Ilorin Comprehensive High School (ICOHS)
*Islamic College Ilorin (ICI)

==See also==
{{Portal|Nigeria}}
* [[Ilorin Emirate]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

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{{Kwara State}}
{{Yoruba topics}}
{{Cities in Nigeria}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ilorin| ]]
[[Category:State capitals in Nigeria]]
[[Category:Cities in Yorubaland]]
[[Category:Cities in Nigeria]]
[[Category:Populated places in Kwara State]]
[[Category:1450 establishments]]