Ilorin Agog as Saraki Celebrates 62nd Birthday Amid Festivities * Fatai Ahmed, Kawu Baraje Speak On Celebrant
By Omowumi Omotosho
Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, came alive on Thursday as friends, political associates, clerics, and well-wishers gathered in a celebratory atmosphere to mark the 62nd birthday of Dr. Bukola Saraki, the 8th Senate President of Nigeria. The festivities were held at Ilofa Road, GRA, Ilorin residence of the late Family head,Dr Olusola Saraki, with a colorful display of attires and jubilant gatherings.
The former kwara state governor and President of the 8th Senate commenced the day’s activities with a visit to Ile-Arugbo, where he greeted aged women in a gesture of compassion and festivity. The celebration, which began at 11 a.m., was anchored by popular Master of Ceremony, Alhaji Sheu Aliyu Oniguguru, and featured the presence of top dignitaries and political luminaries.
R-L: Imam Gambari Sheikh Suleiman Abdulazeez, Chief Imam of Ilorin Sheikh Mohammed Soliu Bashir and Imam Imale,Sheikh Abdullah Abdulahmeed.
Present were prominent figures which included the former Acting National chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, former governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, Kwara State PDP Executive Council led by Party Chairman Rt. Hon. Mohammed Babatunde, PDP Women’s Wing, Former Executive Chairman, Kwara Local Government Service
Commission, Hajia Sarat Adebayo, former Kwara House of Assembly member, Honorable Nimota Ibrahim, former Kwara House of Assembly member, Honorable Sikirat Anako.
Also in attendance were the managing director of National Pilot Newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola, Engr. Kola Shittu, former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Ayinke Saka, state PDP woman leader, Alhaja Segilola Olarewaju Abdulqadir, Professors Rasaq Aremu, Magaji Nda of Ilorin Alhaji Soliu Woru Muhammed, former state secretary of PDP, Alhaji Yekeen Ilobu. 
Religious leaders present were led by the Chief Imam of llorin, His Eminence, Shaykh (Dr) Muhammad Bashir Saliu OON. He was supported by Imam Imale, Sheikh Abdullhahi Abdulhmeed and Imam Gambari, Sheikh Abdulazeez Gambari, Chief Imam of Agbaji, Sheikh Abubakar Hakeeb Imam, Mukadam of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Danboronu, Sheikh Abdulrazaq Aduagba, Sheikh Sanu Sheu, Sheikh Buhari Omo Musa and Sheikh Murtado yusuf (Olopoewa).
The event officially commenced at 11:53 a.m. with an opening prayer led by the Chief Imam.
In his sermon, Sheikh Danboronu praised Dr. Saraki’s contributions to humanity, describing him as a beacon of service and a legacy in Kwara State and beyond. He remarked, “If one celebrates birthdays without being celebrated, then that person is not useful. People continue to benefit from you even though you are out of office.”
Other speakers, including Ustaz Aribidesi Abdulfatai, shared personal anecdotes highlighting Dr. Saraki’s benevolence. Abdulfatai noted, “Despite my criticisms of Dr. Saraki in the past, he extended help when my family and I faced challenges of eviction from a space where we always host our program. His actions reflect his magnanimity.”
Professor Rilwanullahi Olagunju commended Saraki’s continued greatness, emphasizing, ” You were born great from a great family. Since you’ve left power, you still continue doing great. That means it is your nature to be great.”
Sheikh Issa Abubakar Salati provided an illustrative account of Saraki’s father’s legacy, drawing parallels with the celebrant’s character.
“Baba Saraki is like a prophet. He thrives on goodness and works to gain more friends rather than enemies.
“Years back, Baba visited mosques in Ilorin with the donations of ₦1.5 million each. Somehow, the Salaty compound was mistakenly omitted, which created a misunderstanding. When Baba noticed the omission, he visited the mosque and donated ₦2.5 million instead of the ₦1.5 million given to others. That is the legacy our leader is building on today.”
Sheikh Abdulrazaq Aduagba encouraged attendees to emulate Saraki’s values of love and unity. “This celebration is beyond politics; it is about value. Dr. Saraki is a Pathfinder, and we must follow his example by restoring love and togetherness,” he said.
Baba Ote, in his lecture, reflected on the enduring legacy of Dr. Saraki’s father, Dr. Olusola Saraki, and expressed joy that his son had carried on those virtues.
While speaking with National Pilot, the former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed expressed prayers for Dr. Saraki’s continued strength and future engagements. “We pray to Almighty God to support him as he navigates the affairs of Nigeria.”
Similarly, former National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje described Dr. Saraki as a leader born with qualities of compassion and dedication.
“He was born with the quality of a leader. He love the downtrodden and he cares and extends good hands. He is a man of his people and he is loved by his people,” he said.
As part of the celebration, the LeadVision Medical Services team, led by Mrs. Al-Hikmah Mariam, provided free medical check-ups, distributing medication and glasses to attendees.
The event concluded with a powerful prayer led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, thanking Allah for Dr. Saraki’s life and achievements while seeking divine blessings for his continued health and service to humanity.
Dr. Saraki’s 62nd birthday celebration was not just a festivity but a reflection of his enduring legacy of service, love, and unity.
