Kwara Governor, Emir, Scholars Celebrate Ilorin Chief Imam At Book Launch

Eminent Nigerians including the governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, recently gathered in Ilorin, the state capital to celebrate a distinguished Islamic scholar, the chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solihu.

The twin- event event that brought the eminent personalities to Ilorin – the home of Islamic knowledge, was the presentation of a book titled” Religious Harmony, Cultural Presentation and Community Service: The Significance of Ilorin Emirate Pulpit” and the launching of a book titled” Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solih: The Spiritual Orator” in honour of the chief Imam of Ilorin.

The Shettima Okuta and chief press secretary to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona is the convener of the colourful event.

The event which was held at the Government Banquet hall, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin attracted eminent personalities including the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari, a former Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, Prof Yusuf Ali(SAN), Alh Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and the registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB), Prof. Is- haq Oloyede.

Governor AbdulRazaq was represented by his senior adviser/ counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu while Dr Bukola Saraki was represented by Alh Ishola Balogun- Fulani. The Emir of Ilorin was represented by the Magaji Are and all four Baloguns.

Delivering his paper, a former vice chancellor of the University of Abuja and Kwara State University, Malete, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, called on the federal government to convene a national dialogue where solutions would be preferred to the lingering security challenges bedeviling the country.
Na’Allah advised government to carry out a census of people in the city and the bushes to ensure safety and security.

He advocated the adoption of Ilorin style of neighbourhood watch to ensure peacecul coexistence of the people of diverse ethnic groups across the country.

He noted that the Islamic knowledge being inculcated in the children at the early stages of their lives in Ilorin has moulded their characters towards becoming responsible citizens.
Na’Allah argued that the cultural diversity of Ilorin Emirate in addition to the peaceful nature of the city could not be found in any part of the country .

In his remarks, the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his senior adviser/ counselor,Alh Saadu Salahu, said the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Solihu has made his mark in the field of Islamic knowledge in Ilorin and beyond.

He commended his dogedness in the presentation of the Friday sermons which he noted had promote peaceful coexistence in the state .

The book reviewer and former dean of Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, Prof. Badmas Yusuf, represented by Dr AbdulHamid Yusuf, described the chief Imam of Ilorin as a model worthy of emulation.
He expressed delight that “the book has clearly shows the work of the chief Imam , his virtues and how he works for peace.”

Earlier, the author of the book , Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, had said that he wrote the book to educate the public on the good work of the chief Imam of Ilorin.

He said the Imam sermons have been “very impactful, speak truth to power as well as serve as a guide for the residents of the state.”

Arowona said the content of the Chief Imam’s sermon geared towards ensuring peaceful coexistence in the society.