Former APC LGA Chairmen and Gambari Extend Birthday Greetings to Emir of Ilorin at 86
The Forum of Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) Former Local Government Chairmen has warmly congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the occasion of his 86th birthday. In a heartfelt statement, the forum lauded the Emir as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign has been characterized by profound wisdom, dignity, and an unwavering dedication to fostering peace, unity, and progress throughout the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State.
Leadership Praised for Harmony and Development
Alhaji Abdulwahab Issa, the chairman of the forum, emphasized that the Emir's leadership over the years has consistently embodied the highest traditions of royalty, rooted in principles of justice, humility, and service to the people. Issa remarked, "Under his watch, Ilorin has experienced sustained harmony and cultural preservation, while simultaneously embracing modernity and development." The forum highlighted that the Emir's influence extends beyond traditional leadership, positioning him as a stabilizing force and a bridge-builder among diverse communities, with his counsel proving invaluable to leaders across all levels of governance.
Synergy with State Government Commended
Furthermore, Alhaji Issa commended the strong synergy between the traditional institution and the Kwara State government under Governor Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRasaq. He noted that this collaborative relationship has been instrumental in fostering peace and accelerating development across the state. In his birthday message, Issa expressed, "As His Eminence celebrates this remarkable milestone, we join millions of sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate and well-wishers across Nigeria in praying for his continued good health, longevity, and divine wisdom. May Almighty Allah grant him many more years on the throne in strength, peace, and sound mind, and may his reign continue to bring prosperity and unity to our land." The forum reaffirmed its deep respect for the traditional institution and its enduring role in nation-building, wishing the Emir a joyous and fulfilling birthday celebration.
Prof Ibrahim Gambari Joins in Felicitations
In a separate congratulatory message, former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, also hailed the Emir of Ilorin for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities through peace-building initiatives aimed at advancing unity and progress in Ilorin township and its environs. The diplomat, in a statement issued from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, United States, and copied to The Guardian Newspaper, expressed delight that "Ilorin has taken a new shape for good, courtesy of the development-driven agenda of the foremost traditional ruler."
Emir's Experience and Contributions Highlighted
Prof Gambari, a Professor of Political Science and International Relations, commended the Emir for leveraging his decades of experience in the temple of justice to expand the frontiers of knowledge and good governance in the community. He stated, "I take this moment to felicitate the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Maimartaba Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on the commemoration of his 86th Birthday. This is not a mean feat in the earthly journey of a man. And it is gratifying to note that our Royal Father has taken it upon himself the development-driven agenda to see that Ilorin is making steady progress among its contemporaries." Gambari added that since his ascension to the throne, the Emir has demonstrated exceptional leadership through peace-building efforts, a quality unsurprising given his vast experience. He concluded by praying to Almighty Allah to increase the monarch in wisdom, good health, and longevity of life as he celebrates his new age.
