By Mumini AbdulKareem
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, Emir of Ilorin,
Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari, his counterpart from Kano, Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi and popular socialite, Hajia Muinat Bola Shagaya were
among the dignitaries that converged on Ilorin on Saturday for a book
launch authored by a Professor of Arabic, Kwara State University,
Malete, Mashood Mahmoud Jimba.
The Sultan was represented by Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Bashar.
Also on the roll call during the book launch that attracted
dignitaries from all walks of life were Kwara State Governor, Mallam
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who was represented by the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Works adn Transport, Dr Yusuf Garba Manjo, the Olofa of
Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamasi Esuwoye II, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Abubakar
Yahaya and former Inspector General of Police, Musiliu Smith who was
represented by an Educationist, Prof. Akeem Danmole.
The programme was held at the state Banquet Hall, opposite Government
House, Ilorin.
In his remarks during the book launch titled “Arabic Manuscript in the
Ilorin Emirate,” the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve
towards improving the quality of education in the state.
He identified education as key to the survival of any society and
charged the people of Kwara to be advocates of peace and harmony which
the state is known for.
He applauded the author for promoting Arabic and Islamic scholarship
in Ilorin Emirate.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar attributed the myriad of
security challenges confronting the nation to child abandonment and
urged parents and guardians not to neglect their children and wards by
bequeathing western and Islamic education on them to become
responsible citizens of the country.
Smith in his remarks described the book launch as timely to enable the
people understand importance of history to humanity.
He said both local and foreign authors had written lots of books on
Islamic culture of Ilorin Emirate even as he applauded the writer for
contributing to knowledge.
The Book Reviewer who is the Vice Chancellor, Fountain University,
Osogbo, Prof. Hamidu Sanni said the book chronicled Arabic and Islamic
Heritage of Ilorin geared towards exposing the rich Islamic culture of
Ilorin Emirate to the globe.
Prof. Sanni said Ilorin Emirate is blessed with numerous Arabic and
Islamic scholars whom he said are making are contributing to knowledge
in the society
On his part, the author of the book, Prof. Jimba said the writing of
the book was borne of the need to document Arabic manuscript of Ilorin
Emirate for the benefit of posterity.
