President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on his turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate.
He described the traditional honour as a call to greater service and responsibility.
AbdulRazaq is scheduled for turbaning today by the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at the Emir’s Palace.
The ceremony is expected to attract governors, ministers, heads of federal and state agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders and other dignitaries.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is also expected in Ilorin to inaugurate two major projects of the AbdulRazaq administration as part of activities marking the turbaning.
The projects are the Kwara Garment Factory, which is expected to employ at least 4,000 people at full capacity, and the 11-storey headquarters of the Kwara State Revenue Service (KWRS).
The state government said the revenue service building was funded with savings from consultancy fees that would otherwise have been paid.
The two projects are among more than 30 capital projects spread across the state.
The turbaning will follow the project inaugurations at the forecourt of the Emir’s Palace, with a reception scheduled to hold afterwards at the Atlantic.
In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described AbdulRazaq’s turbaning as Sardauna of Ilorin as historic and a fitting recognition of his leadership, public service and contributions to Kwara State.
The President particularly commended the governor’s efforts towards inclusive growth, social cohesion and the well-being of the people.
He also praised the Emir for preserving the important role of traditional institutions in promoting harmony, supporting democratic governance and contributing to sustainable development.
“Governor AbdulRazaq, I urge you to embrace the culturally significant and historic title not only as a mark of honour, but also as a call to greater service and responsibility,” Tinubu said.
” I am confident that you will bring your experience, leadership, statesmanship and goodwill to bear in advancing the interests of the people of Kwara State and contributing to the progress and unity of Nigeria.”
Tinubu wished AbdulRazaq wisdom, strength and good health as he assumes the responsibilities associated with the title.
The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, also congratulated AbdulRazaq, describing the honour as well deserved.
Uzodimma, in a statement on behalf of his colleagues, said the turbaning was particularly significant because the honour was coming from the governor’s home.
He said it demonstrated that AbdulRazaq enjoyed the respect and confidence of his people, while also earning recognition across the country
According to him, AbdulRazaq has provided “purposeful leadership” in Kwara and distinguished himself in his role as chairman of the NGF.
The PGF chairman said the governor’s commitment to nation-building and public service had earned him the respect of his colleagues and Nigerians.
“As further service beckons in his new role as the Sardauna of Ilorin, we have no doubt that he will discharge the responsibilities of this revered traditional office with the dedication and sense of duty for which he has become known,” Uzodimma said.
Meanwhile, the Kwara Indigenes in Kaduna (KIK) described the forthcoming turbaning as a celebration of history, culture, leadership and public service.
Its chairman, Nur’deen Olaitan Amodu-Ode, said the ceremony should not be seen merely as the conferment of a traditional title but as a reminder of the responsibilities associated with leadership and legacy.