Kwara Assembly moves to curb underage patronage of hotels
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –
The Kwara State House of Assembly has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to direct the Ministry of Social Development and the Kwara State Hotel and Tourism Board to carry out a comprehensive audit and regulatory inspection of all hotels, lounges, pubs, and related establishments in Ilorin metropolis.
The resolution followed a motion titled “The Need to Address the Unchecked Patronage and Usage of Hotels and Pubs by Underage Persons in Ilorin Metropolis: KWHAM 5” moved by Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Rasaq (Isin) and seconded by Hon. Abdulraheem Medinat Motunrayo (Lanwa/Ejidongari).
Leading the debate, Hon. Rasaq noted that Ilorin is rapidly growing into a cosmopolitan city with an increasing number of hotels, pubs, brothels, lounges, and recreational centres.
He expressed concern that many of these establishments have become regular hangouts for underage persons, particularly during weekends and school holidays, as there are no effective age verification or restriction measures in place.
According to him, the trend is prevalent in areas such as Adewole, Tanke, Fate, Unity Road, Pipeline, Sango, and GRA, where minors — some still in secondary school uniforms — are often seen gaining unhindered access to such venues.
Rasaq warned that this exposes children to immoral, unhealthy, and dangerous behaviours, including alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and other social vices that could harm their development and well-being.
He blamed the situation on weak enforcement of existing laws, inaction by the Kwara State Hotel and Tourism Board, lack of coordinated security agency intervention, and poor parental guidance. He said some hotel and pub operators neglect their legal and moral responsibilities in pursuit of profit, eroding societal values.
The lawmakers also urged heads of law enforcement agencies to conduct regular checks on hospitality establishments, enforce age restrictions, and penalise violators to protect minors from harmful influences.
