The minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh Mohammed Malagi, yesterday urged the people of Ilorin and Bida Emirates in Kwara and Niger states, respectively, to explore the existing historical and cultural ties between the two Emirates for the socio-economic development of their various communities.
In a message to the 59th annual national conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), held in Ilorin, the minister traced the age-long relationship between the two Emirates to the ancient days of their founding fathers, Sheik Alimi and Malam Dendo.
Malagi urged the people of Ilorin Emirate, the Nupes and other Nigerians to continue to see one another as brothers.
„The deep and mutual relationship started between the founding fathers of the two Emirates, Sheik Alimi and Malam Dendo, more than two centuries ago. The fraternity has been waxing more muscular and stronger to date.
„Happily, the age-long relationship has continued to flourish under the Emir of Ilorin and chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Chiefs, Alh Yahaya Abubakar.
„It should, therefore, not surprise anyone if every Nupe man sees Ilorin as his second home and vice versa because of the above factors,“ Malagi said.
Expressing delight that the Ilorin Emirate is blessed with distinguished Nigerians, the minister charged the IEDPU to mobilise the Emirate‘s sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora for the development of their community.
While congratulating the IEDPU for its numerous achievements, Malagi said, „The fact that the union has existed for almost 60 years and is organising its 59th annual conference is excellent. This is coupled with several accomplishments in the realm of national integration, education, peacebuilding, and maintenance, as well as serving as the mouthpiece of the people of this southernmost Emirate.
„I must, however, hasten to point out that the people always want more. The union must, therefore, strive to do more for the people of Ilorin Emirate, Nigeria, and humanity. Our community is blessed with highly resourceful and enterprising indigenes and friends who are doing well worldwide and can be easily mobilised for community development“.
