By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP.
Mallam Saliu Mustapha, a mineral resources engineer, a politician by choice, a community leader of note, a key stakeholder in Ilorin Emirate project, a nation builder whose security intelligence should be recognize as a national asset, a philanthropist of exceptional calling and a worthy son of the soil.
SaliuMustapha was born on September 25, 1972 in Ilorin, Kwara State. He attended Bartholomew primary school in Zaria for his primary education and then proceeded to Command Secondary School in Kaduna for his secondary education. He studied mineral resources engineering at the Kaduna Polytechnic.
He was turbaned amidst pomp and pageantry at the famous Emir’s Palace as Turaki of Ilorin Emirate on Friday, 22nd October, 2021. He readily becomes the 4thTuraki of Ilorin, in human history.
Mallam Saliu Mustapha got the historic title of Turaki of Ilorin on a celebrated pedestal haven’t shown absolute love, patriotism, loyalty, commitment to the person of the 11th Emir of Ilorin Emirate, HRH (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, the elated office of the respected Emir &Alimi Dynasty, and far and above all, consistent support, assistance, listening ear to the teeming masses.
The new Turaki of Ilorin remains an Evergreen Ambassador of the Ilorin Emirate and its people by being visible in all significant, positive and memorable in every aspect of socio-economic development and stable political life. As a politician and peace builder of note, he remains a man of the momentby being on ground to listen to his people’s voice and plight taking right decisions to ameliorate their sufferings and bringing succor to the teeming masses.
The National President of Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union (IEDPU),AlhajiAliyuOttaUthman, fsi, in a press statement, said thus, “no corporate aspect of Ilorin Emirate has been left without a significant, positive and memorable touch by the new Turaki, adding that the union would remain very grateful to Mallam Saliu Mustapha for proving to be her good friend, supporter and collaborator in services of the community”. The press statement reads further, “While the Union said that nothing negatively unusual would have happened to the career and personality of Mallam Mustapha had he neglected what has become his characteristic corporate services to the community, which includes the continuous empowerment of the downtrodden”.
No doubt the effort that went into the preparation for the epoch making ceremony is worth it, very colourful, memorable, successful and an attraction of so many dignitaries across the country, the downtrodden show up to signify solidarity, the Emirate remains peaceful and colourful to show appreciation, Islamic scholars, traditional titleholders, opinion formats and cream de la cream of the ancient Ilorin Emirate registered their presence in their traditional regalias, local farmers, associations, groups, friends and well-wishers all added colours to the turbaning ceremony.
The ceremony has come and gone, the need to highlight, certain issues becomes imperative, few weeks before Friday 22nd October, 2021. Ilorin Emirate went agog, the pulse of an epoch making ceremony was in the air. Two days before the event, visitors from all walks of life started arriving into the ancient city to honour Mallam Saliu Mustapha, the new Turaki of Ilorin.
The event should also be awake call to other eminent sons and daughters of Emirate to step up by making the Emirate great in all ramifications. Also, allows them to be identified and recognizeby using their God’s given talents, wealth and contacts to deepen the prominence of their community and Ilorin Emirate at large. Besides, nobody shines your sword better than you, let your people access you while you are around, get interacted with your source, the result for such is enduring and happy days abound.
To the new Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha the journey to greatness has just started with the turbaning ceremony,the need to redouble his efforts at all fronts becomes imperative. As a simple politician and peace builder, he must take responsibility of harmonizing the political space to see that stable political life is achieved in the Emirate and indeed, Kwara State. He must see that all parties involved in moving Kwara State to a commendable height close ranks and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq should be far and above board in this direction.
God grating him continued good health, longer life and more wisdom. Mallam Saliu Mustapha should consistently play more forth right roles to advance the corporate interests of the Emirate and its people. He should be more visible politically, culturally, economically, religiously, diplomatically and otherwise.
He should use his God given talents and patience to brim more lights on grey areas in the community and in the state of harmony. The culture personified Turaki of Ilorin should see his new little as an urgent call to serve the people, the state and the nation to the best of his ability.
This journalist notes with admiration, that in all his undertakings, Saliu Mustapha has demonstrated rare courage, benevolence and absolute humility. He is very close to the people, firm, simple approachable as a civil administrator and lover of humanity, rare qualities that have endeared him to many irrespective of their political learning/social classes. At religious gathering or social/political functions its shouts of Oniware!!! Oninure!!! AlaanuMekunu!!! Omoluabi!!! etc. rents the air wholeheartedly, acceptance and true love to by the people to the new Turaki of Ilorin.
This writer is encouraged by the level of acceptance of the new Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha by all and sundry that he will succeed in his new assignment 100%. Today and always, the Turaki of Ilorin has won the people’s confidence as a community leader he remains an asset in nation building.
With the colorful turbaning ceremony, the Emir of Ilorin, HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, stand tall among other Royal Majesties. He is a traditional ruler of historical reference now, in future and a constant northern star.
As the new Turaki of Ilorin marches on this Journalist joined millions of his admirers, well-wishers, families and friends across the globe to say big congratulations and wish him an eventful and peaceful incumbency as the fourth (4th) Turaki of Ilorin Emirate,Amiin.
Al-HamdullillahiKhazira!!!
Mr. Ayangbayi is a Media Consultant based in Ilorin, Kwara State.
