Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, was abuzz for the turbaning of the State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, as Sardauna of the Ilorin Emirate, and the commissioning of two of the administration’s legacy projects.
At least eight aircraft touched down at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, carrying many high-profile personalities from within and outside the country.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the lead guest, upon his arrival in Ilorin at exactly 1:05 p.m., was received by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, alongside the Governors of Imo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun, and Gombe states, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of State for Industry, and a representative of the Vice President of Ivory Coast.
The Governors of Ekiti and Plateau states, the former Governor of Niger State, Senator Sani Bello, the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Deputy Governors of Oyo, Jigawa, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Anambra, Ondo, Kano, Nasarawa, and Katsina states, as well as the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, also joined the guests at the Emir’s Palace, the venue of the coronation.
The Emir, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, traditional chiefs from within and outside Ilorin, and the Council of Ulamas attended.
The wife of the Governor of Kwara State, Amb. Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, the Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly and APC gubernatorial candidate, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi, 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.
Shettima called the Revenue House ‘one of the most beautiful edifices I have ever seen.’
He was full of praise 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.’
He congratulated the Governor on the conferment of the chieftaincy title and wished him God’s continued guidance in the new task.
He also prayed to Allah for the Emir of Ilorin’s good health, long life and prosperity.
‘I extend the congratulations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government and people of Nigeria to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, his family and the Ilorin Emirate. May Allah grant you health, humility and strength for the responsibilities before you,’ he said.
‘May Allah 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.’
The Vice President urged all public office seekers, and indeed politicians, to give peace a chance as they pursue their political aspirations.
He described the Governor as a very humble public servant who speaks little and does far more for the people of the state.