* drums support for President Tinubu
By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has enjoined Nigerians to pray fervently for the peace and stability of Nigeria, while also urging continued support to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sulu-Gambari spoke at the 2024 durbar celebration held at the forecourt of his palace in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
He expressed optimism that the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration would soon yield fruitful results.
“I want to use this occasion to urge my people and Nigerians across the globe to continue to pray for peace and stability in the country. I also urge Nigerians to continue to pray for our leaders. With prayer everything in the country shall be okay, ” the Emir said.
Earlier in the day, the Emir accompanied by Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, his elder brother and Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, other traditional and honorary chiefs, had ridden on horse back through designated routes in Ilorin metropolis.
The horse riding procession began about 11am, while the Emir and his team returned to the palace’s forecourt at about 3. 30pm.
Other eminent personalities that accompanied the Emir included the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Saliu Mustapha, Zanan of Ilorin, Engr Lanre Sagaya, Group Managing Director of KAM Holding Ltd, Engr. Kamoru Yusuf, the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu, the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. Shaykh – Lukman Jimoh and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee, Engr Suleiman Alapasanpa, expressed satisfaction that the event was attended by many distinguished guests, including policy makers from various walks of life from across Nigeria and beyond.
He praised the Emir for revitalising and sustaining the cultural festival, noting that, “since its introduction six years ago, Ilorin Emirate has not remained the same, especially in the realms of cultural evolution and economic development.”
“The annual event has continuously served its essence by attracting tourists and other stakeholders from far and near. It is also incontrovertible that the people of our community are benefiting greatly from this annual festival.”
Alapasanpa hailed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, “for supporting the festival and on the numerous achievements of his administration in the last five years.”