1.6 STUDY AREA
Ilorin is the present day capital of Kwara state in the north central region of the federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a pre-dominantly Islamic city with people of diverse culture who have come together to live as one in peace and harmony. The entire Ilorin community comprises of five local government area namely- Ilorin west, Ilorin south, Ilorin East, Asa and Moro Local Governments. These local government areas are all under the entity known as Ilorin Emirate.
Ilorin community was discovered in the 18th century by the Duo of Afonja-Are-Onakakanko, a Yoruba warlord and sheik Alimi and Islamic scholars.
These heroes of Ilorin arrived Ilorin at different times and in different circumstances. However, after so many internal and external wars which further polarized the camp of both men and made them suspicious of each other, and eventual confrontation ensured and Alimi defeated Afonja. Sheik Alimi extended a hand of friendship to other hanlets nearby and formed a larger community within a common belief and destiny, which he headed, that community is now known as a testimony of the unity of the people.
Ilorin is one of the largest cities in Nigeria and is the capital of Kwara state. As of year 2009, it had a population of 847,882 people. 18th January 2013, the population of Ilorin, Nigeria increases to 958,693 according to the Geonjaves geographical database, Ilorin. It enjoys an undulating relief interspersed with scattered hills
