From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
In recognition of his achievements in life and service to Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has honored the respected Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, retired Justice Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as an icon of Arewa unity, progress, and development at the ripe age of 85.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Forum, Prof T A Muhammad-Baba, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The National Secretary disclosed that Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was the Chairman of the committee that set up the ACF at the inception of the imminent socio-cultural organization.
He added that the retired Justice played a defining role in guiding the ACF in emerging as the foremost interest group in articulating, advocating, defending, and championing the unity, progress, and development of the Arewa states of Nigeria.
“His Royal Highness’s stellar achievements in life and service to Nigeria, Arewa, and to humanity in general included a distinguished career in the judiciary and now as Royal Father to the great Ilorin Emirate.
“The occasion, therefore, is good reason to celebrate His Royal Highness in recognition of his contributions to nation-building in Nigeria.
“For ACF, HRH belongs to that iconic category of fathers who gave their all to the people, especially as an exemplar in service to humanity, worthy of emulation by those who find themselves in positions of authority and influence, especially during daunting political, social, and economic challenges.
“In all these, HRH has remained humbler, self-effacing, dignified, and, rightly so, quintessentially royal. His Royal Highness has remained a point of reference as an advocate of tolerance, peaceful co-existence, and development, on which standpoints HRH has remained steadfast.
“It is therefore with immense gratitude to God Almighty that an ever grateful Arewa, Nigeria and the ACF celebrate HRH at 85 and wish him many more years of good health and in the service of the people of Nigeria and humanity as a whole,” the statement reads.
