••• Gov Commends Chief Imam of Ilorin for Leadership and Community Service, Urges Preservation of Cultural Heritage
By 9japarrot
Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commended the exceptional impact of the Chief Imam of Ilorin, His Eminence Shaykh (Dr.) Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih, OON, urging the Ilorin Emirate to strengthen harmony, preserve its cultural heritage, and advance community development.
The Governor’s commendation was delivered by his representative, Alhaji Sadudeen Salahudeen (Special Adviser and Counsellor), during the official unveiling of the book, The Spiritual Orator, authored by Dr. Arowona AbdulAzeez held on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin Kwara State.
The book launch was the central feature of a public lecture held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin, with the theme: “Religious Harmony, Cultural Preservation and Community Service: The Significance of Ilorin Emirate Pulpit.”
Delivering the public lecture, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja issued a powerful call for decisive action on Nigeria’s security crisis.
Professor Na’Allah urged the Federal Government to convene a National Dialogue aimed at resolving the enduring insecurity plaguing the country.
In his remarks, Na’allah urged the Govt on comprehensive census of both city dwellers and those in rural or forested areas to enhance safety and security nationwide.
He also advised them on adoption of a community-based “Ilorin-style” neighbourhood watch arguing that such grassroots engagement could help foster peaceful coexistence throughout Nigeria.
Na’allah argued that the blend of Islamic education and cultural diversity in the Ilorin Emirate has successfully shaped citizens into responsible individuals, making the Ilorin model of peaceful coexistence a template for the rest of the country.
Honouring the Chief Imam and Author
The book, The Spiritual Orator, authored by Dr. Arowona AbdulAzeez, captures the Chief Imam’s exceptional leadership, spiritual depth, and unique oratory style. It also documents his contributions to Islamic scholarship, peaceful coexistence, and community service.
The gathering praised the author’s efforts in promoting the Emirate’s legacy of tolerance and cultural heritage, stating that the publication would motivate upcoming generations to cherish and preserve the Ilorin Emirate’s unique identity.
The event drew a large assembly of dignitaries, scholars, traditional leaders, and political figures, celebrating the impact of Shaykh Muhammad Bashir Imam Solih.
Prominent attendees included; Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah (Guest Speaker and former VC, UniAbuja), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede (Registrar and CEO of JAMB), Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Dr. Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa Al-MiskinubiLlah, Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, Chief Imam of Oro Kingdom, Alhaji Dr. Sanusi Taofeeq Olamilekan Alaago, Imam Yusuf Murtadoh Olopoewa Pakata (Renowned Sheikh), Imam Abdullahi Abdulhamid (Imam Imale, who delivered opening prayers), Alhaji Adebowale Abdullateef Adedeji (Former General Manager of Radio Kwara), SP Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun ANIPR (Public Relations Officer, Kwara Police Command), Alhaji Kawu Baraje, among others.