Ilorin
Categories: Cities in Nigeria | Nigerian state capitals
Ilorin is the sixth largest city in Nigeria and is the capital of Kwara State. It has a population of 1,136,854. Local industries include food processing and cigarette and sugar manufacturing.
Ilorin was founded by the Yoruba, the largest ethnic group in Nigeria, in 1450. It became a Yoruba military headquarters and came under British rule later as part of the North Nigeria Protectorate.
It is home to two of Nigeria's universities, the University of Ilorin, and the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. Ilorin has a 20,000 capacity stadium and a division one football professional team, The Kwara Unity Football club. Companies based in Ilorin include Afprint Nig, Tate Sugar, Coca-Cola breweries, and Global Soap. Television and radio stations in Ilorin include NTA Ilorin, Kwara Television, AIT Ilorin, Kwara Radio, and Fm Ilorin. Hotels in Ilorin include the Yebumot Hotel, the Center Hotel, Circular Hotels Ltd, Kwara Hotel Limited, and White House Hotels.
Ilorin has an international airport and is situated on the railway linking Lagos with Kano.
Ilorin is the trade center for a farming region. Yams, cassava, corn, and tobacco are grown. Cotton is also farmed and used to weave cloth.