The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Federal Capital Territory Chapter, has organised a special prayer and recognition ceremony in honour of twenty-five distinguished sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate recently appointed into strategic positions by the Federal Government.
The event, held on Saturday at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque, Utako, Abuja, attracted traditional leaders, professionals, academics, public office holders and members of the Ilorin community. The mosque was filled to capacity, reflecting the significance attached to the achievements of the new appointees and the community’s collective commitment to their success.
Leading the list of honourees were Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA); Comrade Issa Aremu, Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS); Professor Abdulqadir Abikan, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS); Dr. Isiaka Alada Yahaya, Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State at the National Population Commission (NPC); Dr. Shehu Olayiwola Abdulwahab, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi State; and Mrs. Rukayat Odekunle, Federal Commissioner, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
Other honourees included Tahir Adebayo, SAN, Yunusa Abdulsalam, SAN, and Mustapha Bolakale Agbarere, SAN; Hon. Justice Sulaiman Duro Kawu, Chairman of the Legal Aid Council; Hon. Justice Suleiman Hamida Hassan; Ambassadors Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi and Tunji Gambari; Engineer Yinka Abdulkareem, Executive Director of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet); Mr. Bolaji Elelu, Director at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated; Alhaji Ismaila Agaka of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi of the Federal Character Commission (FCC); Commissioners of Police Yusuf Lateef, Nurudeen Abdulraheem and Kayode Uthman Magaji; Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi; Executive Director of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abolore Alanamu; and other distinguished sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate serving in strategic national institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of IEDPU FCT, Alhaji Lukman Abdullah Atanda, described prayer as a timeless pillar of leadership, reminding the honourees that public office is not merely a privilege but a sacred responsibility that demands integrity, humility, accountability and unwavering service to Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the support of the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, and the entire Ilorin Emirate community for the appointees, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership and outstanding performance.
Special guests commended the initiative of the IEDPU FCT leadership, describing the prayer gathering as a demonstration of a community that not only celebrates excellence but also recognises the importance of spiritual support, mentorship and moral responsibility in public service.
Among those who spoke were Dr. Yusuf Lawal of the University of Abuja, Vice President of IEDPU North, Barrister Shehu Ahmad Moyosore, and the Founder of Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University (AATU), Ganmo, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin. They urged the appointees to remain worthy ambassadors of Ilorin Emirate and to place national interest above personal considerations.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, Dr. Shehu Olayiwola Abdulwahab expressed appreciation to the leadership of IEDPU FCT for the honour and prayers. He assured the gathering that the appointees would discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, patriotism and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria while upholding the values and reputation of the Ilorin Emirate.
The event also featured a special recognition award presented by the Ilorin Emirate Students Union, University of Abuja Chapter, to the Chairman of IEDPU FCT, Alhaji Lukman Abdullah Atanda, in appreciation of his leadership and commitment to the unity and progress of the Ilorin community in the Federal Capital Territory.
Beyond celebrating appointments, the gathering underscored an enduring African philosophy that true leadership is sustained not only by competence but also by character, community support and prayers. It was a reminder that public office is ultimately a call to serve humanity and leave a legacy of integrity for generations to come.
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Reporting: Nasir Abdulquadri
