The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin and chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the 30th anniversary of his ascending the throne of Sheikh Alimi.
In a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said the 30 years of the Emir's reign have been defined by positive transformative developments in the Ilorin Emirate as the capital city under him has evolved to be one of Nigeria's most peaceful and beautiful communities.
AbdulRazaq commended the calmness and the wisdom of Sulu- Gambari in his leadership of the Traditional Council, and acknowledged his support for good governance, infrastructural renewal in Ilorin, and sociocultural transformation of the Emirate under his reign.
"His Royal Highness, a retired senior judge, is reputable for his love for law and order, underscoring his commitment to democracy, rule of law, and development," the governor said.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
He wished the Emir good health, longer reign, Allaah's continuous guidance and protection on the throne of his forefathers, and honoured ending.
Also, the speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, extolled Sulu-Gambari on the occasion.
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Sheu Abdulkadir Yusuf, the speaker described the Emir as the vanguard of promoting peace, harmony, and overall development.
"We, at the State House of Assembly, are proud and happy to be associated with the numerous successes that the Ilorin Emirate and indeed the entire Kwara State have recorded during the peaceful and impactful reign of Your Royal Highness. We are also delighted to note that the last 30 years of Your Royal Highness's reign have ushered in tremendous infrastructural and human capital developments across the state.
"It is worthy to mention that, under our Maimartaba, Sarkin Ilory, as chairman, the Kwara State Traditional Council has been at the vanguard of promoting peace, harmony, and overall development, not only in the Ilorin Emirate but also in Kwara and Nigeria at large. This will remain an indelible reference point for generations to come, " the speaker said.
The group managing director of Kam Holding Ltd, Dr Kamoru Yusuf, rejoiced with Sulu-Gambari on the occasion .
Yusuf said the city of Ilorin, known as modicum of peace and scholarship, has attained cosmopolitan status under the reign of the foremost monarch in the last 30 years.
He expressed delight that Emir embodies patriotism with his peaceful disposition, adding that the traditional ruler has ensured peaceful co-existence among residents of Ilorin, irrespective of their ethnic inclinations and religious leaning.
"There cannot be better time than this auspicious occasion to reflect on how Ilorin, the modicum of peace and scholarship, has fared and grown into a cosmopolitan city under Your Royal Highness's kingship," the renowned industrialist said.
The vice chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete, Prof Shaykh - Lukman Jimoh, described Sulu- Gambari as an exemplary traditional ruler.
" We have witnessed 30 years of peaceful reign which has fostered unity and development, strengthening the social and moral fabric of the Ilorin Emirate and beyond. We congratulate His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON; the Ilorin emirate; and all the good people of Kwara State for witnessing this milestone in the history of Ilorin emirate.
"As we celebrate His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Maimartaba Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, we pray that Almighty Allah grants him continued good health, wisdom, and a longer, peaceful reign," Jimoh said.
The rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin,Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed congratulated Sulu Gambari on the occasion.
"This significant milestone not only marks three decades of your illustrious reign, but a testament to your unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and profound impact on the peace, unity, and progress of the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.
" Your Royal Highness, we deeply admire your exemplary leadership and tireless efforts in fostering peace and harmony within the emirate. Your commitment to unity, transcending tribal and religious differences, has created a thriving environment where all residents can coexist and prosper. The Polytechnic community has been a direct beneficiary of this peaceful atmosphere, allowing for academic excellence and overall societal growth.
" Your humanitarian services have also touched the lives of countless individuals. Your generosity, compassion, and commitment to uplifting the less privileged are truly commendable and serve as an inspiration to us all. You have consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for the welfare of your people, setting a shining example of true leadership," Mohammed said.
For his part, the founder of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Alh Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji congratulated the Emir on his 30th coronation anniversary, describing the reign as remarkable.
Oladimeji, who is the Jagunmolu and Asiwaju of Igbomina desceibed Sulu-Gambari as an epitome of humility, peace and tranquility, pointing out that his bridge-building effort has transformed the city.
"I use this moment to congratulate our royal father, Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR on the occasion of his 30th coronation anniversary. This is not just a celebration of three decades on the stool of Sheikh Alimi but a period to take stock on what Ilorin stands for and its achievements among its peers since the ascension of our royal father.
"Remarkably, Ilorin has been blessed in the last thirty years, and we have every cause to thank the Almighty Allah for the gift of health, life, wisdom and sound judgement that our royal father has been endowed. It is my prayer that the Almighty Allah continues to be with and bless Baba the more," Oladimeji said.
The Mutawalli of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq said that history will be kind to Sulu-Gambari, for his transformative leadership and immense contributions to the development of Ilorin Emirate over the past three decades.
AbdulRazaq praised the monarch for fostering peace, unity, and progress in the Ilorin community, noting that his reign has brought about significant advancement in infrastructure, education, and cultural revival.
He added that the Emir's leadership and administrative acumen have made Ilorin a peaceful and conducive environment for development to thrive.
The director general of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman said the three decades of Sulu- Gambari's on the exalted throne was marked by peace, prosperity and progress.
In a statement issued by his media aide Mohammad Abdulkadri, Sulaiman described the 30 years reign of the Emir as a watershed in the annals of the ancient city.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
He said since His Royal Highness's ascension to the throne in1995 as the 11th emir on the 11th day, of the 11th month had recorded unprecedented groundbreaking achievements
The Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) also congratulated Sulu-Gambari on the celebration of 30th anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.
In a statement jointly signed by the Council's chairman, Abdullateef Ahmed, and secretary, Olayinka Alaya, the union described the Emir's three-decade reign as one marked by peace, unity, and progressive leadership, not only in Ilorin Emirate but across Kwara State.
The statement noted that since ascension to the throne in 1995, Emir Sulu-Gambari has been a pillar of stability, a bridge-builder among communities with his unapologetic support for education, journalism, and good governance.
The NUJ praised his royal wisdom and fatherly disposition, which have contributed immensely to the state's harmonious coexistence and social development.
The Gamji Members Association (GAMA) in Kwara State also rejoiced with Sulu- Gambari on his 30th coronation anniversary.
In a statement signed by its president general, Alh Mohammed Tunde Akanbi and the director of publicity, Alh Abdullahi Olesin, GAMA expressed delight that the reign of the 11th Emir of Ilorin has been peaceful just like the glorious reign of his father, the ninth Emir, Alhaji Sulukarnaini Gambari.
The association expressed delight that Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State have continued to witness greater development in the last 30 years of Sulu- Gambari's reign, most especially in the last six years of the administration of the Sardauna of Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
