The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), has extended warm felicitations to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, on his 85th birthday. In a statement signed by the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, Egbewole praised the monarch as an “outstanding leader and statesman” whose reign has fostered peace and development in Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State.
Legacy of Leadership and Unity
Egbewole highlighted Gambari’s contributions to national development through his legal career as a former Justice of the Court of Appeal before ascending the throne in 1995. He commended the Emir’s inclusive leadership, particularly his non-discriminatory stance toward non-indigenes, which has positioned Ilorin as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities. The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged Gambari’s role as Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and Muhammad Kamalud-Deen University, Ilorin, emphasizing his consistent support for UNILORIN’s growth and the harmonious relationship between the institution and its host community.
Community Impact and Celebrations
The birthday celebration, marked on April 22, 2025, coincides with tributes from well-wishers across Kwara State, including reflections on Gambari’s title of Gaskiyan Ilorin (a beacon of truth and integrity). The monarch’s recent advocacy for religious tolerance and youth moral rectitude further underscores his commitment to societal harmony. His counsel against cybercrime, ritual killings, and prostitution has resonated widely, reinforcing his influence as a unifying figure in Nigeria’s “State of Harmony”.
Prof. Egbewole’s tribute reflects the deep respect Gambari commands as a bridge-builder and advocate for education, aligning with UNILORIN’s vision of academic excellence grounded in communal peace.
