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Ibrahim Baba Mohammed
The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Union (IEDPU) has charged youths of the Ilorin Emirate to uphold integrity, good character, and selfless service as a pathway to sustaining the Emirate’s long-standing reputation for leadership, peace, and progressive development.
The charge was given by the National President of the Union, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, during the second induction ceremony into the Ilorin Emirate Hall of Fame, held at the IEDPU Secretariat in Ilorin, as part of activities marking the Union’s 60th Annual Conference.
Alhaji Abdulmalik explained that the Ilorin Emirate Hall of Fame was instituted in 2015 during the 50th anniversary of the Union as a platform to recognise and celebrate indigenes and non-indigenes who have distinguished themselves in various endeavours.
According to him, the initiative was conceived to honour men and women of proven integrity whose contributions have positively impacted the peace, unity, growth, and development of the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large.
He noted that the Hall of Fame is not only a recognition platform but also a moral compass for younger generations, stressing that the stories, values, and achievements of the honourees should serve as a guide and source of inspiration for today’s youths.
He urged young people to shun acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Emirate and instead embrace hard work, discipline, and service to the community.
While congratulating the new inductees, the IEDPU President paid glowing tributes to those honoured posthumously for their enduring legacies and sacrifices.
He also conveyed the goodwill, prayers, and congratulations of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, to all those admitted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, describing the Emir as a pillar of unity and a strong supporter of initiatives that promote communal development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam, represented by Professor Mas’ud Mahmud, described the honour as a deliberate and strategic effort to motivate younger generations to emulate the exemplary lives of the award recipients.
He said recognising excellence and service would encourage youths to pursue positive values, contribute meaningfully to society, and place communal interest above personal gains.
Ambassador Isiaka also commended the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, for what he described as his purposeful, visionary, and impactful leadership over the past three decades, noting that the Emir’s reign has been marked by sustained peace, religious harmony, and social cohesion within the Emirate.
A renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, in his admonition, urged attendees to work hard spiritually, physically, socially, and philanthropically in order to earn recognition from both God and humanity.
He cited the lives of prophets as examples of diligence, perseverance, and commitment to service, stressing that true honour is a reward for consistency in righteous deeds.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali expressed profound appreciation to the IEDPU for the honour bestowed on them.
He described the recognition as both humbling and motivating, pledging the continued support of the honourees to the Union.
He reaffirmed their collective commitment to the unity, peace, and sustainable development of the Ilorin Emirate.
Twenty-five distinguished individuals and corporate bodies were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the ceremony.
The inductees comprise eminent traditional rulers, scholars, jurists, diplomats, religious leaders, administrators, and philanthropists who have made remarkable contributions within and outside the Emirate.
Among them are the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; former Nigerian diplomat and scholar, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari; pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mohamed Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi; Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali; Justice Alfa Belgore, Alhaji LAK Jimoh, Hon. Justice Alfa Modibbo, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Kasum, Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem.
Others are: Late Sheikh Abdulkadri Shuaib Bawa (the 8th Emir of Ilorin), Late Sheik Yusuf Agbaji, Alhaji Yahaya Madawaki, Sheikh Kadiri Apaokagi Al-Adaby, Alhaji Abubakar Lah, Alhaji Agboola Adio Jimoh, Alhaja Asiawu Abebi Akosile, Alhaji Sheu Usman Mustapha, Alhaji Jaigbade Alao, Hon. Justice Saka Yusuf, Alhaji Saidu Ajao Gomih, Prof. (Ambassador) Salihu Sulaiman, Alhaji Abdulraheem Mustapha, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo Salami Sarumi, Alhaji Saka Sa’adu, Alhaji Sheu Abdulgafar as well as several other notable personalities.
The event attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including former presidents of the IEDPU, academics, traditional title holders, community leaders, and representatives of various socio-cultural organisations.
Notable among them were former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, OON, and Vice-Chancellor of Kamaldeen University, Ilorin, Professor Abdulsheed Gbenga Jimoh.
The conference also featured goodwill messages, including a keynote address by Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who highlighted the ongoing transformation of Ilorin and Kwara State through infrastructural renewal, innovation, improved workers’ welfare, and enhanced security architecture.
The Governor called on sons and daughters of Ilorin to serve as ambassadors of the Emirate by projecting its positive image, attracting investment, and supporting initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
The 60th Annual Conference of the IEDPU thus reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to preserving the values, unity, and progressive ideals of the Ilorin Emirate while positioning the community for greater opportunities in the years ahead.
Editing: Abdullahi Ahmed
