Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Betta Edu, has congratulated the Emir of Ilorin and chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Maimartaba Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari on the 28th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
The Minister in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair described the reign of the Ilorin monarch as peaceful and purposeful.
Dr. Edu expressed delight that the reign of the First Class traditional ruler has brought tremendous socio-economic development and expansion to the Ilorin Emirate in particular and Kwara state in general.
According to the Minister, "Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari is a pan Nigerian and a detribalized monarch who sees everyone living in his domain as his subject irrespective of religion, tribe or ethnic differences."
She noted that the 28-year reign of the Emir has brought unprecedented unity to the Ilorin Emirate Emirate and its environs.
Dr.Edu disclosed that personal interactions with Alhaji Gambari, whenever she visited Ilorin for national assignments revealed a father figure, a custodian of Ilorin's rich cultural heritage, and a vanguard of peace and unity who believes in the oneness and indivisibility of Nigeria.
"Your Royal Highness, on behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, I congratulate and felicitate you on this auspicious occasion of the 28th anniversary of the ascension of the throne of your forefathers.
"Your reign has brought tremendous peace, harmony, and development to the revered Ilorin Emirate.
"You have proven yourself a father of all irrespective of tribe and religion and I am delighted to have had the rare opportunity of interacting with you and gaining from your words of wisdom.
"I wish you long life and peaceful reign as you continue to unify the people under you", the statement quoted the Minister as saying.
Pst Chief Bill Francis Bill Senior Chief Advocate to Hon Dr minister Betta for better Nigeria