Ilorin Stands Still As Shettima, Governors, Others Grace Turbaning Of Kwara Governor As Sardauna Of Ilorin

Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, was agog on Wednesday for the turbaning of the State governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum(NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate and the commissioning of two of the legacy projects of the administration.

At least eight aircrafts touched down at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, with many high-profile personalities from within and outside the country on board.

Nigeria’s vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima, the lead guest, upon his arrival in Ilorin at exactly 1:05 p.m. was received by Governor AbdulRazaq, alongside Governors of Imo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun, and Gombe states, Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, minister of State for  Industry, and representative of the Vice President of Ivory Coast.

Governors of Ekiti and Plateau states, former Governor of Niger State, Senator Sani Bello, chairman of BUA Group, Alh AbdulSamad Rabiu and the chairman, Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr  Zacch Adedeji, Deputy Governors of Oyo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Anambra, Ondo, Kano, Nassarawa and Katsina states, as well as Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Afolabi Olaoye also joined the guests at the Emir’s palace, the venue of the coronation.

It was graced by the Emir of Ilorin,  Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, traditional chiefs from within and outside Ilorin, and the Council of Ulamas.

Wife of the governor of Kwara State, Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, state deputy governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, speaker, Kwara House of Assembly and APC gubernatorial candidate,Engr.  Yakubu Danladi- Saliu,  Mutawali of Ilorin and elder brother to governor, Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq, and some wives of state governors were also present to witness the colourful turbaning.

As he touched down in Ilorin, Shettima inaugurated the iconic State Garment Factory and the multi-storey Revenue House located along Ahmadu Bello Way GRA, Ilorin.

Shettima called the Revenue House “one of the most beautiful edifices I have ever seen.”

He was full of praises for the governor at the turbaning ceremony.

“As Governor AbdulRazaq receives his turban, we remember those who preceded him and offer prayers for the generations who will encounter this occasion through the stories their elders preserve. My presence here today carries the affection of a friend,” he said.

“Governor AbdulRazaq and I have shared conversations and responsibilities beyond ceremonial occasions.

“There is something sobering about celebrating a friend while both of you remain answerable to the demands of public office. Titles will eventually pass into the record of our lives. The human bonds formed along the way shall endure beyond the appointments through which other people came to know us,” Shettima added.

He congratulated the governor on the conferment of the chieftaincy title, and wished him a continuous God’s guidance on the new task.

He also prayed to Allah to grant the Emir of Ilorin good health, long life and prosperity.

“I extend the congratulations of President Bola Amatinibu and the government and people of Nigeria to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, his family and Ilorin Emirate. May Allah grant you health, humility and strength for the responsibilities before you,” he said.

“May Allaah preserve our communities in peace, bless the children who will inherit them and grant our departed elders mercy. May this day bring joy to your household and renew in all of us the resolve to serve with conscience. May Allah grant our Emir good health, long life and prosperity,” he said.

The vice president tasked all public office seekers and indeed the politicians to give peace a chance as they go about their political aspirations.

He called the governor a very humble public servant who speaks less and does far more for the people of the state.