Emir of Ilorin: A quintessential leader, says Kwara Varsity VC

By Steve Oni, Ilorin

The Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Prof. Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi SAN, has
described the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari as a leader par excellence, a foremost jurist and a celebrated legal icon who exemplifies culture of modesty, transparency and sincerity of purpose in piloting the affairs of the Emirate and its environs.

Prof. Akanbi, who was felicitating with the Emir on his 80th birthday, also congratulated him on the commencement of 2020 Ramadan fast, while admonishing Nigerians to use the sober period to offer prayers fervently to God for the eradication of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria and the world at large.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the Emir, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council of Chiefs, has been demonstrating uncommon excellent persuasive abilities and peace building role which have gone a long way in making the Emirate habitable to all residents, adding that his unique leadership style and uncommon disposition to issues affecting the Emirate has placed him high among the comity of traditional rulers in the country.

Prof. Akanbi particularly lauded the Emir’s brilliant initiative and swift response to the lingering Covid 19 pandemic through the constitution of a committee to oversee the collection and distribution of resources for the needy in the society to cushion the effects of the lockdown.

He said: “Coronavirus pandemic is ravaging the whole world, including Kwara State, and the Emir’s fatherly intervention in gathering resources for onward distribution to the poor is not only helpful and supportive at this time but also timely and commendable.

“The Emir’s giant strides and monumental achievements in several areas will remain evergreen in the minds of Kwarans, especially the downtrodden who find this current situation very tough and precarious.

“I pray Allah to grant the Emir long life, sound heath, excellent wisdom and all that is required to have a peaceful, united and prosperous emirate.”