Nigeria @ 60: Anything For Unsung Kwaran Heroes?

By Abubakar Imam

Next week Thursday, October 1,2020, Nigeria would mark its diamond jubilee. It would be exactly sixty (60) years when the nation’s first and only Prime Minister, Alhaji(Sir)Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa,GCFR(1912-1966),the unforgettable “Golden Voice of Africa ” took possession of the instruments of independence from the representative of the British monarchy at the arena now called Tafawa-Balewa Square in Lagos. The coming event is and should be an opportunity for the government and good people of Kwara State, which remains one of the oldest units of our great country, to engage in thorough ruminations and clinical examinations of their places in the annals of Nigeria and contributions to national development.

The State is, indeed,a “lucky” one. This is because, in spite ,of the several changes that have been done to its physical structure, it remains one of the four states that has maintained its nomenclature till date. Others that have not changed their names are Kano,Rivers, and Lagos States. Your guess or submission on whether the state has been fortunate enough with the calibre of those who have had the privilege of administering it is as good as that of yours sincerely.

The essence of this piece is, however, not about the evaluation of the over twenty different administrations that have ruled Kwara State in its over five decades eventful history. My interest is in the discourse surrounding how well the succeeding governments of the State have treated those who toiled day and night to water the idea planted by Nigerian Patriots led by General Yakubu Gowon,GCFR(b.1934) into a resounding reality and impressionable success.

While it is undoubted that the success story of the State in the last five decades was catalyzed by distinguished Kwarans and other non-indigenes who offered their best,at various times, in different ways and on several issues ,to ensure that the State,at least, worked, the question begging for an answer{s} is that have those heroes been well recognised and appreciated for their contributions in such a way that would spur succeeding generations to surpass their illustrious accomplishments?And most importantly, what should the present administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which is fortunate to be in charge at this historic moment,do to preserve the wonderful legacies of the founding fathers of the State and others who took after them?

It must, however, be clearly stated, that the “not too many remarkable progress” attained in the fifty-three (53) years, is deeply rooted in the efforts of past heroes whose contributions to making the polity what it has been right from time immemorial can never be glossed-over.

By this, I mean those distinguished statesmen and women who built the various communities that were eventually woven into the Ilorin Emirate by the Fulanis around 1817; those in charge of the grassroots when the British established Ilorin province in 1903, following the subjugation of Ilorin Emirate by the British Empire in 1897. Ilorin province was later merged with the defunct Kabba province and renamed Kwara State in May,1967 but eventually severed to form what Kwara State has “come to become ” since August, 1991.

A critical analysis of the contemporary situation across the States of the Federation reveal that the succeeding political leaders of Kwara State have not done enough to immortalize our heroes and thereby negating the enduring lessons of the often-recited first stanza of our National Anthem,which unequivocally calls for their continuous celebration.

The above scenario unfortunately underscores the negative attitudinal tendencies of many misguided elements in this contemporary time, who believe that instead of posting selfless and rarely appreciated services of our heroes past,they should just engage in primitive accumulation as shown by the incredible revelation of mind-boggling and gargatuan corruption by our so-called leaders in recent times. Although this disposition amounts to vanity at the end of the day, it quenches their immediate desire for primitive accumulation and impossible mmortality.

One is hugely disturbed that most of our monuments and institutions across the State are not renamed after great heroes who worked enormously for the progress and development of the State in appreciation of their services and to stimulate greater service delivery amongst the younger ones. This is unlike what is obtainable in other States of the Federation that, I think, have gone so many steps ahead of Kwara State in properly placing many of their heroes in an open hall of fame for others to emulate.For instance, in Oyo State, a whole Local Government Area is renamed after Alaafin Atiba.

Alaafin Atiba was the crown-prince of the old Alaafinate of Oyo(apologies to the late Prof.Abdullahi Smith) prior to the eclipse of the famed Oyo Empire. He was, according to Reverend Samuel Johnson, that significant historian who authored “The History of Yoruba”, partially nurtured at Ilorin, and eventually empowered by the then Emir of the southern-most emirate,Shaykh Shitta Ibn Alimi, to relocate the Headquarters of the subjugated Oyo Empire to where it is today. If Alaafin Atiba is recognized and honoured by his people, what have we done in memory of his “godfather”, the second Emir of Ilorin, his illustrious predecessor(Shaykh Abdulsalam) and those who succeeded him as Emir(s)? What about those who played similar roles in various communities of Kwara State such as Oloffa Adegboye Atoteleloye who led his people back to Offa in 1902?

Similarly, another Local Government Area was named after Oba Akinyele, one of the most distinguished traditional rulers of Ibadanland. The Local Government is simply called Akinyele Local Government Area. Another worthy example from Oyo State is the Oluyole Industrial Estate at Ibadan. The hero after whom the Estate was renamed, Oluyole, was a warrior, a natural ruler and one of those who worked to raise Ibadan as the military centre of Yorubaland.There is also Lagelu Grammar School, renamed after Balogun Lagelu, another outstanding soldier and a founding father of the City of Ibadan. That same Ibadan statesman also has a Local Government Area renamed after him by the appreciative government and people of Oyo State. Were the roles of Oluyole and Lagelu not similar to what the valourous and celebrated Balogun Kara and “General” Adamu Kaseta, both of whom paid the supreme sacrifices for the polity now called Kwara State to survive series of internal wrangling and external aggression, did here? In the same Oyo State, there is Emmanuel Alayande College of Education renamed after that veteran educationist and phenomenal Principal of the famous Government College, Ibadan. Does Kwara State lack outstanding professionals of Alayande’s caliber who can be so honoured?

The State of Osun has not done badly as well in recognizing her heroes as we have Oduduwa College at Ile-Ife and Bola Ige State Secretariat at Oshogbo, among others. Although, there was no legend that claims that Shaykh Alimi descended on Ilorin from heaven, but he was like Oduduwa in the sociocultural and political engineering of the entity now called Kwara State. If a foremost College and a University is renamed after Oduduwa at Ile-Ife, what have we done to immortalize Shaykh Alimi, the progenitor of the distinguished ruling family of the state capital and its environs?

The worthy examples are not a south-western affair. Many sister-states of the North have given honour to those who deserve it. In Kaduna, there is Hassan Usman Kastina House, Lugard Hall and Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic,all renamed after those who did well to the State. The same is noticeable in neighbouring Niger State as the State parades U.K Bello Park, General Abubakar Abdulsalam Park, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai.While in Sokoto, the seat of the caliphate, there is Shehu Shagari College of Education,Shehu Kangiwa Square, Usman Dan Fodio University and Sultan Abubakar International Airport and, of course, in Bauchi State, we have Tatari Ali Polytechnic, which was renamed after the first democratically-elected Governor of the State.

I therefore appeal to the present government of Kwara State, to use the privilege of the forth-coming national anniversary of the State, to do the needful, by renaming most, if not all our monuments after genuinely patriotic heroes whose contributions and services to the progress of the State are not only verifiable but must never be ignored.

I am sure that the renaming of the imposing State Secretariat Complex after General David Lasisi Bamigboye(1940-2017), CON,the first Military Governor of Kwara State will be a right step in the right direction. What is wrong in renaming Government House,Ilorin,after the late General Tunde Idiagbon (1943-1999),the highest ranked political office holding indigene of Kwara State?He deserves the posthumous honours so well because he did fantastically well as the Deputy Head of State of Nigeria between 1984 and 1985.Is it also wrong if the newly-completed 2nd Phase of the State Secretariat is renamed after Alhaji Ahman Pategi,who was the General Secretary of the defunct Northern Peoples Congress(NPC),which governed the country throughout the first republic, for his services to the nation and Kwara State in particular?

The government of Kwara State should also add its voice to the persistent advocacies of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, and the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union(IEDPU) to the Federal Government to rename the University of Ilorin after Shaykh Alimi. If similar institutions in Sokoto,Yola and Kano can be renamed after Shaykh Usman Dan Fodiyo,Modibbo Adama and Alhaji Abdullahi Bayero, as Usman DanFodiyo University, Modibbo Adama University and Bayero University, respectively,I do not see any reason why the University of Ilorin should not be renamed Shaykh Alimi University in honour of the celebrated founding father of Ilorin Emirate,who was also acknowledged as a distinguished promoter of knowledge and whose name reflects erudition, which is the essence of the nation’s foremost University.

The multi-million Naira Metropolitan Square,Ilorin, should also be renamed after the penultimate Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji(Dr.) Sulu Gambari ,CFR, for his numerous services and for being a father-figure to all the administrations and administrators that ruled over the “State of Harmony ” between 1967 and 1992 . He was also a Minister without portfolio in the defunct Northern Region and a foremost leader who creditably served as the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs between 1967 and 1992.In the same vein,I suggest the renaming of the Mandate International Market,Adewole,Ilorin, after the present Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.)Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR,for his fascinating services and exemplary leadership, which accounted for Ilorin being the 7th biggest and the most peaceful and hospitable city in Nigeria

Honourable Justice Saidu Kawu(1928-2013), CON, a veteran teacher, seasoned public administrator and jurist per excellence, who served as the first Chief Judge of Kwara State before moving to Supreme Court where he eventually retired, also deserve to have the Judges’ Quarters in Ilorin renamed after him,if not the entire State Judicial Complex. Justice Kawu worked earnestly in building the State’s judiciary from the scratch to greatness. His patriotism should be appreciated from the prism of the fact that he accepted the offer to serve on the poorly rewarded bench instead of pursuing a more lucrative career in private practice.

Other outstanding Jurists who not only attained the pinnacle of their careers but also did the state proud at the federal level such as Justices Saliu Modibbo Alfa Belgore, GCON(b.1937); Mohammed Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi,CFR(1932-2018); Mahmud Babatunde Belgore(1936-2011); and Issa Ayo Salami,OFR(b.1943) should be honoured with the renaming of structures or prominent roads. The deserved honours should also be extended to Justice Timothy Adeyemi Oyeyipo(b. 1940) ,the longest serving Chief Judge of Kwara State (1984-2005);his successor, who was also the shortest serving, Justice Saka Yusuf,OFR (d.2018); as well as the pioneer Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdulkadir Orire, CON(b. 1934).

Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo(b.1941), the second elected Governor of the State who earlier served the State as a Civil Commissioner, a Senator and eventually as an Honourable Minister of Communications and later Works under President Olusegun Obasanjo,GCFR (b.1937) deserves to be honoured too. Either the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin or the Kwara State College of Education, Oro; should be renamed after him. He was, in fact, the pioneer Head of Department of English of the parent institution of the two Colleges, the then Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, in 1972. C.O Adebayo, as he is fondly called,a very brilliant scholar and astute administrator, had to resign his appointment at the then University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University, to help in building the Kwara State College of Technology,Ilorin,which was transformed to the Kwara State Polytechnic,Ilorin, from the scratch.

Alhaji Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi should also have the Kwara State College of Education (Technical),Lafiagi, renamed in his honour as I do not see anything wrong in renaming the Kwara State University,Malete, after the second republic Senate Leader, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki(1933-2012). This is even necessary if and when the historic 2012 motion of the Nigerian Senate under the leadership of the longest-serving Senate President, Chief David Mark, “that the Ilorin International Airport should be renamed after the man who, for four decades,was the main issue in Kwara politics and development” did not fly.

It would also be a great feat in the consistent strive towards the promotion of peace and understanding amongst Kwarans should the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin,is renamed as Aare Afonja Polytechnic. After all, the history of Ilorin and indeed that of Nigeria cannot be completely told without elaborate reference to the illustrious contributions of the most famous pre-colonial military leader in the annals of Yorubaland and, indeed,Nigeria.

Other unsung heroes of the State such as Alhaji Haliru Kaima, who was the Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Executive Council between 1978 and 1979 and the late Alhaji Sule Moito(d.1964), the founder and leader of the phenomenal Ilorin Talaka Parapo should also be honoured in one way or the other for their services. Others in this same category are the late Chief J.S Olawoyin(1925-2000), Chief J.G Ekunrin and Chief M.O.A. Olarewaju,who was the first republic Federal Minister of State,Police Affairs.The first Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Shehu Usman, also deserve to be celebrated.I propose that the State House of Assembly Complex should be renamed Shehu Usman House as I also think it will be worthwhile if a befitting structure is renamed after the indefatigable Opposition Leader in the Northern Regional House of Assembly,Chief Olawoyin in the State capital in appreciation of his services and most especially for the historic motion he moved, on the eve of the Nigerian civil war, which led to state creation in Nigeria. In the same way, it will be a welcomed development if the Kwara State College of Nursing, Oke-Ode, is renamed after Chief Ekunrin.

Alhaji Yahaya Madawaki(1907-1998),MFR, an eminent educationist, distinguished nationalist, foremost linguist and outstanding community leader, who was also one of the founding fathers of the defunct Northern Peoples Congress and,indeed,Kwara State, should also be honoured with the renaming of the General Hospital, Ilorin. It was Alhaji Madawaki, while serving as the Northern Regional Minister of Health, who facilitated the building of the Ilorin General Hospital,which was commissioned in 1955.

Other distinguished Kwarans who prioritised their legacies over accumulation of wealth in the services of the nation should also be honoured in similar manner. Let those concerned unearth the names or identities of members of the special committee, which gave Kwara State her name and decided that the Capital of the State should be Ilorin, for honour.

Let us also bring out the names of those distinguished patriots who,despite been unlettered in western culture and literacy, contributed their widow’s mite to build the Ilorin United School as the first community-owned Primary School in the old Northern Region in 1943. Similar honour should also be conferred on those outstanding icons who struggled to establish the Offa Grammar School, Offa in the same year as the pioneer community-owned Secondary School in the old Northern Region. The Kwara State Government should also think less of what critics might say and offer deserved honour to the father of the incumbent Governor, Alhaji A.G.F AbdulRazaq, SAN, OFR(1927-2020),for his immeasurable contributions towards the development of the State in diverse areas. The Kwara State Library Complex can be renamed in his honour apart from the famous Government High School,Ilorin,which he singlehandedly established in 1967,as previously suggested by Dr.Abubakar Imam Aliagan. General Abdullahi Mohammed, GCON(b.1939);Admiral Mohammed Alabi Lawal,mni(1946-2006);General AbdulKareem Adisa(1948-2006);Admiral Stephen Afolayan; Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal;Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim(b.1955),CFR; Dr. Tunji Olagunju and Alhaji Akanbi Mahmud Oniyangi(1930-2006),the first Wali of Ilorin, should also be celebrated for their various contributions. Others are, but not limited to, Professor Olumuyiwa Awe, Professor Jamiu Mosebolaje Oyawoye,CON,(b.1927); Professor Saka Nuru(b.1935) and Professor John Otunola Oyinloye as well as Ambassador Zakariyau Oyeleke(d. 1998),Prof.Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, OFR(b. 1947) and, of course,the late “Golden Voice” of Kwara State, Professor Shehu Ahmad Jimoh, OON(1944-2014) should also be appropriately honoured for their contributions.

Shaykh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory(1917-1992),the founder of the phenomenal Arabic Training Centre,Agege,which has turned-out outstanding scholars in the last seventy(70) years; and Shaykh AbdulRahman Salaudeen Al-Adabiyy (d.1987) as well as Shaykh Khidir Salaudeen Apaokagi (1917-2013) also deserve recognitions for their exceptional contributions to the development of Kwara State in their spheres of influence. Reverend Joseph Ayo Babalola, the founder of Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C.) Worldwide, a native of Odo-Owa in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area of the State, should also be honoured for being a wonderful paragon of patriotism, spiritualism and selflessness. I suggest that similar treatment should be extended to Bishop David Oyedepo for his remarkable contributions to contemporary national development including the establishment of the Landmark University at his Omu-Aran country-home.

All those well-meaning Kwarans who served meritoriously as Deputy Governors, Secretaries to the State Government as well as Heads of Service and many others who worked as outstanding public servants while not cornering the State’s resources should also be creditably honoured. This category include Chief Jimoh Shittu(d. 1995), Chief Ojo Fadumila, Chief J.S Ogunlowo, Chief Ezekiel Oyeyipo, Deacon Adedeji Sayomi, Chief J.A Aderibigbe, Dr. E.O. Soladoye, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Salimon Alada(b. 1938), Alhaji Saka Saadu,OFR,(1938-2017),Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar(b.1939),OON ;and Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Gobir,OFR(1934-1975).The same treatment should be extended to Alhaji Issa Omo-Eko Ahmed,father to a former Minister,Arc.Halima Tayo Alao,who was said to have left the office of Kwara State Chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO),the ancestor of the present-day INEC,poorer than he joined it, during the second republic.

This campaign should not be an all-male affairs.Distinguished ladies like Chief (Mrs) Adesiyun, Dr. (Mrs) Amina Ndalolo, Hajiya Haleemat Ajoke Yusuf,OON; Arc.Halima Tayo Alao and the first female Chief Judge of Kwara State, Honourable Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb as well as Hajiya Maryam Adeoti Ado Bayero,the mother of the Emir of Kano and Permanent Chairman, Kano State Council of Chiefs ,Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the Emir of Bichi,also in Kano State ,Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero,for allowing herself to be “a glittering symbol of a United Nigeria”, among others, should also be considered for appropriate honours.

Besides, there are other worthy Kwarans who never made names working under any government but succeeded in distinguishing themselves in their various callings. Their contributions and services surely catapulted the State to the admiration of others. In this class of eminent Kwarans are Chief Emmanuel Olatunji Adesoye,the late Asiwaju of Offa; and a leading industrialist as well as Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Chief Abdulraheem Oladimeji,OFR(b.1938) and Chief Salman Owolewa(d. 2000) and Alhaji Umaru Aminu Saro,MON,(b.1940). Alhaji Yakubu Abdulazeez, (Azeez Herald) also falls into this category. Either him or the late Mallam Rasak Aremu(1924-1984),who did Kwara State proud as the Editor-in-Chief of the rested New Nigerian at the zenith of its glory should have the Headquarters of The HeraldGroup of Newspapers renamed in his honour.

The first Mufti of Ilorin,Shaykh Muhammed Kamaldeen Al-Adabiyy(1905-2005), MFR, OFR,ORSA; who founded the first voluntary muslim organisation in Northern Nigeria, the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, in 1942 ,in addition to leading the first private effort in modernising the teaching of Arabic and Islamic studies,also deserves more honour even in death. While I suggest the renaming of the Road between Yebumot and Adeta Roundabouts in Ilorin after Alhaji Oladimeji as it was his Al-Hikmah University that actually “opened-up” that vicinity, I believe that renaming the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin, after the late Shaykh Kamaldeen, whose inspirational contributions and patriotic interventions accounted for the embrace of western education by the greatest number of Muslim parents and their children in Ilorin Emirate and beyond, can never be over-emphasised. His patriotic but unpublicised interventions also contributed to the take-off of the institution in 1992.It will also be a befitting memoriam for this superlative Scholar who adopted Kwara as the epicentre of his over eight(8) decades missionary and intellectual services and worked tirelessly for the promotion of moral and intellectual development of the people of the State through the establishment of several secular and Islamic schools nation-wide. His schools produced several patriots three of whom, at various times, served as the Secretary to the State Government, while no fewer than five others also served as Grand Kadis of Kwara State,at one time or the other, among other highly distinguished products,including accomplished university Professors and celebrated technocrats most of whom worked for the progress of Kwara State. Shaykh Kamaldeen was also an undeniable glittering paragon of excellence and incomparable agent of peace,progress and development throughout his distinguished career and eminently qualifies for such an honour that will surely bring about moral rebirth among our youth who lacked emulative models.

The first African Best Footballer produced by Nigeria and one of the most accomplished sport personalities from this part of the globe recently described as the most clinical finisher in the history of Nigerian Football, the late Rashidi Yekini, should also be singled-out for honour. I think renaming the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin, as repeatedly suggested by stakeholders,after him will be a befitting appreciation of his services to his fatherland as the highest goal scorer in the history of Nigerian national soccer team. Such honour will remind us of who Rasidi Yekini was as Teslim Balogun Stadium and Muda Lawal Stadium in Lagos and Abeokuta, respectively, do remind us of the contributions of those great sportsmen.

Outstanding cultural icons like Jaigbade Alao, Odolaye Aremu, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello),Hassana Abake, Ray Eyiwumi, Adeyemi Afolayan, Hajia Kulu Lafiagi and, of certainly ,General Kolington Ayinla also deserve to be honoured. Their contributions towards the promotion of cultural peculiarities, social rejuvenation and ethical re-orientation at various epochs since the creation of the “State of Harmony” cannot be over emphasised and should,therefore,be rewarded with official immortalisation. I specifically call for the renaming of the Kwara State Cultural Centre,Ilorin, after the late Adeyemi Afolayan a.k.a Ade Love in appreciation of his contributions to the establishment of Nollywood industry.

It is pertinent to propose that other gentlemen and ladies who were or are not indigenes of the state but who adopted Kwara as their home and subsequently did well while living here should be honoured. Such individuals include the second republic Inspector-General of Police, Late Chief Sunday Adewusi,CFR(1936-2017);Mallam Yusuf O. Ali, SAN; Chief Wole Olanipekun,SAN; Chief Adegboyega Awomolo,SAN; Late Chief Adolphous Okafor and, of course, Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede,OFR(b. 1954).

Aside all the names mentioned in this piece, there are several other worthy Kwarans who have done the State proud over the years. This category of individuals include outstanding civil and public servants, conscientious teachers, dedicated medical doctors, diligent businessmen and eminent industrialists as well as other private individuals who posted remarkable contributions to the development of the State in their own little ways. They should be identified and honoured through street-naming and similar exercises. The policy of insistency on making payment for one to get a street renamed after anyone should be discontinued. Such glorification should not be commercialised. It should be reserved for those who actually deserve it. One is, therefore, proposing that all the “new” Housing Estates and streets therein including those of Adewole, Oloje and Kulende should be renamed after eminent individuals who have served or are still serving the government and people of Kwara State dedicatedly over the years.

Effecting the above suggestions will be a remarkable way of marking the nation’s anniversary in a meaningful way. It will also present those to be so honoured for emulation and convince younger elements that nothing pays like polished reputation. It will also remind all of us of the need to always ask for what we can do for our State and not what the State can do for us. Above all, it will instructive to all of us, that no matter how long it takes, no labour exerted towards the greatness of the “State of Harmony ” will be in vain.

Imam is National Publicity Secretary, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive UnionNigeria @ 60:Anything For Unsung Kwaran Heroes?

By Abubakar Imam

Next week Thursday, October 1,2020, Nigeria would mark its diamond jubilee. It would be exactly sixty (60) years when the nation’s first and only Prime Minister, Alhaji(Sir)Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa,GCFR(1912-1966),the unforgettable “Golden Voice of Africa ” took possession of the instruments of independence from the representative of the British monarchy at the arena now called Tafawa-Balewa Square in Lagos. The coming event is and should be an opportunity for the government and good people of Kwara State, which remains one of the oldest units of our great country, to engage in thorough ruminations and clinical examinations of their places in the annals of Nigeria and contributions to national development.

The State is, indeed,a “lucky” one. This is because, in spite ,of the several changes that have been done to its physical structure, it remains one of the four states that has maintained its nomenclature till date. Others that have not changed their names are Kano,Rivers, and Lagos States. Your guess or submission on whether the state has been fortunate enough with the calibre of those who have had the privilege of administering it is as good as that of yours sincerely.

The essence of this piece is, however, not about the evaluation of the over twenty different administrations that have ruled Kwara State in its over five decades eventful history. My interest is in the discourse surrounding how well the succeeding governments of the State have treated those who toiled day and night to water the idea planted by Nigerian Patriots led by General Yakubu Gowon,GCFR(b.1934) into a resounding reality and impressionable success.

While it is undoubted that the success story of the State in the last five decades was catalyzed by distinguished Kwarans and other non-indigenes who offered their best,at various times, in different ways and on several issues ,to ensure that the State,at least, worked, the question begging for an answer{s} is that have those heroes been well recognised and appreciated for their contributions in such a way that would spur succeeding generations to surpass their illustrious accomplishments?And most importantly, what should the present administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which is fortunate to be in charge at this historic moment,do to preserve the wonderful legacies of the founding fathers of the State and others who took after them?

It must, however, be clearly stated, that the “not too many remarkable progress” attained in the fifty-three (53) years, is deeply rooted in the efforts of past heroes whose contributions to making the polity what it has been right from time immemorial can never be glossed-over.

By this, I mean those distinguished statesmen and women who built the various communities that were eventually woven into the Ilorin Emirate by the Fulanis around 1817; those in charge of the grassroots when the British established Ilorin province in 1903, following the subjugation of Ilorin Emirate by the British Empire in 1897. Ilorin province was later merged with the defunct Kabba province and renamed Kwara State in May,1967 but eventually severed to form what Kwara State has “come to become ” since August, 1991.

A critical analysis of the contemporary situation across the States of the Federation reveal that the succeeding political leaders of Kwara State have not done enough to immortalize our heroes and thereby negating the enduring lessons of the often-recited first stanza of our National Anthem,which unequivocally calls for their continuous celebration.

The above scenario unfortunately underscores the negative attitudinal tendencies of many misguided elements in this contemporary time, who believe that instead of posting selfless and rarely appreciated services of our heroes past,they should just engage in primitive accumulation as shown by the incredible revelation of mind-boggling and gargatuan corruption by our so-called leaders in recent times. Although this disposition amounts to vanity at the end of the day, it quenches their immediate desire for primitive accumulation and impossible immortality.

One is hugely disturbed that most of our monuments and institutions across the State are not renamed after great heroes who worked enormously for the progress and development of the State in appreciation of their services and to stimulate greater service delivery amongst the younger ones. This is unlike what is obtainable in other States of the Federation that, I think, have gone so many steps ahead of Kwara State in properly placing many of their heroes in an open hall of fame for others to emulate.For instance, in Oyo State, a whole Local Government Area is renamed after Alaafin Atiba.

Alaafin Atiba was the crown-prince of the old Alaafinate of Oyo(apologies to the late Prof.Abdullahi Smith) prior to the eclipse of the famed Oyo Empire. He was, according to Reverend Samuel Johnson, that significant historian who authored “The History of Yoruba”, partially nurtured at Ilorin, and eventually empowered by the then Emir of the southern-most emirate,Shaykh Shitta Ibn Alimi, to relocate the Headquarters of the subjugated Oyo Empire to where it is today. If Alaafin Atiba is recognized and honoured by his people, what have we done in memory of his “godfather”, the second Emir of Ilorin, his illustrious predecessor(Shaykh Abdulsalam) and those who succeeded him as Emir(s)? What about those who played similar roles in various communities of Kwara State such as Oloffa Adegboye Atoteleloye who led his people back to Offa in 1902?

Similarly, another Local Government Area was named after Oba Akinyele, one of the most distinguished traditional rulers of Ibadanland. The Local Government is simply called Akinyele Local Government Area. Another worthy example from Oyo State is the Oluyole Industrial Estate at Ibadan. The hero after whom the Estate was renamed, Oluyole, was a warrior, a natural ruler and one of those who worked to raise Ibadan as the military centre of Yorubaland.There is also Lagelu Grammar School, renamed after Balogun Lagelu, another outstanding soldier and a founding father of the City of Ibadan. That same Ibadan statesman also has a Local Government Area renamed after him by the appreciative government and people of Oyo State. Were the roles of Oluyole and Lagelu not similar to what the valourous and celebrated Balogun Kara and “General” Adamu Kaseta, both of whom paid the supreme sacrifices for the polity now called Kwara State to survive series of internal wrangling and external aggression, did here? In the same Oyo State, there is Emmanuel Alayande College of Education renamed after that veteran educationist and phenomenal Principal of the famous Government College, Ibadan. Does Kwara State lack outstanding professionals of Alayande’s caliber who can be so honoured?

The State of Osun has not done badly as well in recognizing her heroes as we have Oduduwa College at Ile-Ife and Bola Ige State Secretariat at Oshogbo, among others. Although, there was no legend that claims that Shaykh Alimi descended on Ilorin from heaven, but he was like Oduduwa in the sociocultural and political engineering of the entity now called Kwara State. If a foremost College and a University is renamed after Oduduwa at Ile-Ife, what have we done to immortalize Shaykh Alimi, the progenitor of the distinguished ruling family of the state capital and its environs?

The worthy examples are not a south-western affair. Many sister-states of the North have given honour to those who deserve it. In Kaduna, there is Hassan Usman Kastina House, Lugard Hall and Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic,all renamed after those who did well to the State. The same is noticeable in neighbouring Niger State as the State parades U.K Bello Park, General Abubakar Abdulsalam Park, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai. While in Sokoto, the seat of the caliphate, there is Shehu Shagari College of Education,Shehu Kangiwa Square, Usman Dan Fodio University and Sultan Abubakar International Airport and, of course, in Bauchi State, we have Tatari Ali Polytechnic, which was renamed after the first democratically-elected Governor of the State.

I therefore appeal to the present government of Kwara State, to use the privilege of the forth-coming national anniversary of the State, to do the needful, by renaming most, if not all our monuments after genuinely patriotic heroes whose contributions and services to the progress of the State are not only verifiable but must never be ignored.

I am sure that the renaming of the imposing State Secretariat Complex after General David Lasisi Bamigboye(1940-2017), CON,the first Military Governor of Kwara State will be a right step in the right direction. What is wrong in renaming Government House,Ilorin,after the late General Tunde Idiagbon (1943-1999),the highest ranked political office holding indigene of Kwara State?He deserves the posthumous honours so well because he did fantastically well as the Deputy Head of State of Nigeria between 1984 and 1985.Is it also wrong if the newly-completed 2nd Phase of the State Secretariat is renamed after Alhaji Ahman Pategi,who was the General Secretary of the defunct Northern Peoples Congress(NPC),which governed the country throughout the first republic, for his services to the nation and Kwara State in particular?

The government of Kwara State should also add its voice to the persistent advocacies of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, and the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union(IEDPU) to the Federal Government to rename the University of Ilorin after Shaykh Alimi. If similar institutions in Sokoto,Yola and Kano can be renamed after Shaykh Usman Dan Fodiyo,Modibbo Adama and Alhaji Abdullahi Bayero, as Usman DanFodiyo University, Modibbo Adama University and Bayero University, respectively,I do not see any reason why the University of Ilorin should not be renamed Shaykh Alimi University in honour of the celebrated founding father of Ilorin Emirate,who was also acknowledged as a distinguished promoter of knowledge and whose name reflects erudition, which is the essence of the nation’s foremost University.

The multi-million Naira Metropolitan Square,Ilorin, should also be renamed after the penultimate Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji(Dr.) Sulu Gambari ,CFR, for his numerous services and for being a father-figure to all the administrations and administrators that ruled over the “State of Harmony ” between 1967 and 1992 . He was also a Minister without portfolio in the defunct Northern Region and a foremost leader who creditably served as the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs between 1967 and 1992.In the same vein,I suggest the renaming of the Mandate International Market,Adewole,Ilorin, after the present Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.)Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR,for his fascinating services and exemplary leadership, which accounted for Ilorin being the 7th biggest and the most peaceful and hospitable city in Nigeria

Honourable Justice Saidu Kawu(1928-2013), CON, a veteran teacher, seasoned public administrator and jurist per excellence, who served as the first Chief Judge of Kwara State before moving to Supreme Court where he eventually retired, also deserve to have the Judges’ Quarters in Ilorin renamed after him,if not the entire State Judicial Complex. Justice Kawu worked earnestly in building the State’s judiciary from the scratch to greatness. His patriotism should be appreciated from the prism of the fact that he accepted the offer to serve on the poorly rewarded bench instead of pursuing a more lucrative career in private practice.

Other outstanding Jurists who not only attained the pinnacle of their careers but also did the state proud at the federal level such as Justices Saliu Modibbo Alfa Belgore, GCON(b.1937); Mohammed Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi,CFR(1932-2018); Mahmud Babatunde Belgore(1936-2011); and Issa Ayo Salami,OFR(b.1943) should be honoured with the renaming of structures or prominent roads. The deserved honours should also be extended to Justice Timothy Adeyemi Oyeyipo(b. 1940) ,the longest serving Chief Judge of Kwara State (1984-2005);his successor, who was also the shortest serving, Justice Saka Yusuf,OFR (d.2018); as well as the pioneer Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justice Abdulkadir Orire, CON(b. 1934).

Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo(b.1941), the second elected Governor of the State who earlier served the State as a Civil Commissioner, a Senator and eventually as an Honourable Minister of Communications and later Works under President Olusegun Obasanjo,GCFR (b.1937) deserves to be honoured too. Either the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin or the Kwara State College of Education, Oro; should be renamed after him. He was, in fact, the pioneer Head of Department of English of the parent institution of the two Colleges, the then Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, in 1972. C.O Adebayo, as he is fondly called,a very brilliant scholar and astute administrator, had to resign his appointment at the then University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University, to help in building the Kwara State College of Technology,Ilorin,which was transformed to the Kwara State Polytechnic,Ilorin, from the scratch.

Alhaji Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi should also have the Kwara State College of Education (Technical),Lafiagi, renamed in his honour as I do not see anything wrong in renaming the Kwara State University,Malete, after the second republic Senate Leader, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki(1933-2012). This is even more necessary since the historic 2012 motion of the Nigerian Senate under the leadership of the longest-serving Senate President, Chief David Mark, “that the Ilorin International Airport should be renamed after the man who, for four decades,was the main issue in Kwara politics and development” did not fly.

It would also be a great feat in the consistent strive towards the promotion of peace and understanding amongst Kwarans should the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin,is renamed as Aare Afonja Polytechnic. After all, the history of Ilorin and indeed that of Nigeria cannot be completely told without elaborate reference to the illustrious contributions of the most famous pre-colonial military leader in the annals of Yorubaland and, indeed,Nigeria.

Other unsung heroes of the State such as Alhaji Haliru Kaima, who was the Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Executive Council between 1978 and 1979 and the late Alhaji Sule Moito(d.1964), the founder and leader of the phenomenal Ilorin Talaka Parapo should also be honoured in one way or the other for their services. Others in this same category are the late Chief J.S Olawoyin, Chief J.G Ekunrin and Chief M.O.A. Olarewaju,who was the first republic Federal Minister of State,Police Affairs.The first Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Shehu Usman, also deserve to be celebrated.I propose that the State House of Assembly Complex should be renamed Shehu Usman House as I also think it will be worthwhile if a befitting structure is renamed after the indefatigable Opposition Leader in the Northern Regional House of Assembly,Chief Olawoyin in the State capital in appreciation of his services and most especially for the historic motion he moved, on the eve of the Nigerian civil war, which led to state creation in Nigeria. In the same way, it will be a welcomed development if the Kwara State College of Nursing, Oke-Ode, is renamed after Chief Ekunrin.

Alhaji Yahaya Madawaki(1907-1998),MFR, an eminent educationist, distinguished nationalist, foremost linguist and outstanding community leader, who was also one of the founding fathers of the defunct Northern Peoples Congress and,indeed,Kwara State, should also be honoured with the renaming of the General Hospital, Ilorin. It was Alhaji Madawaki, while serving as the Northern Regional Minister of Health, who facilitated the building of the Ilorin General Hospital,which was commissioned in 1955.

Other distinguished Kwarans who prioritised their legacies over accumulation of wealth in the services of the nation should also be honoured in similar manner. Let those concerned unearth the names or identities of members of the special committee, which gave Kwara State her name and decided that the Capital of the State should be Ilorin, for honour.

Let us also bring out the names of those distinguished patriots who,despite been unlettered in western culture and literacy, contributed their widow’s mite to build the Ilorin United School as the first community-owned Primary School in the old Northern Region in 1943. Similar honour should also be conferred on those outstanding icons who struggled to establish the Offa Grammar School, Offa in the same year as the pioneer community-owned Secondary School in the old Northern Region. The Kwara State Government should also think less of what critics might say and offer deserved honour to the father of the incumbent Governor, Alhaji A.G.F AbdulRazaq, SAN, OFR(1927-2020),for his immeasurable contributions towards the development of the State in diverse areas. The Kwara State Library Complex can be renamed in his honour apart from the famous Government High School,Ilorin,which he singlehandedly established in 1967,as previously suggested by Dr.Abubakar Imam Aliagan. General Abdullahi Mohammed, GCON(b.1939);Admiral Mohammed Alabi Lawal,mni(1946-2006);General AbdulKareem Adisa(1948-2006);Admiral Stephen Afolayan; Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, Air Vice Marshal Bayo Lawal;Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim(b.1955),CFR; Dr. Tunji Olagunju and Alhaji Akanbi Mahmud Oniyangi(1930-2006),the first Wali of Ilorin, should also be celebrated for their various contributions. Others are, but not limited to, Professor Olumuyiwa Awe, Professor Jamiu Mosebolaje Oyawoye,CON,(b.1927); Professor Saka Nuru(b.1935) and Professor John Otunola Oyinloye as well as Ambassador Zakariyau Oyeleke(d. 1998),Prof.Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, OFR(b. 1947) and, of course,the late “Golden Voice” of Kwara State, Professor Shehu Ahmad Jimoh, OON(1944-2014) should also be appropriately honoured for their contributions.

Shaykh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory(1917-1992),the founder of the phenomenal Arabic Training Centre,Agege,which has turned-out outstanding scholars in the last seventy(70) years; and Shaykh AbdulRahman Salaudeen Al-Adabiyy (d.1987) as well as Shaykh Khidir Salaudeen Apaokagi (1917-2013) also deserve recognitions for their exceptional contributions to the development of Kwara State in their spheres of influence. Reverend Joseph Ayo Babalola, the founder of Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C.) Worldwide, a native of Odo-Owa in the Oke-Ero Local Government Area of the State, should also be honoured for being a wonderful paragon of patriotism, spiritualism and selflessness. I suggest that similar treatment should be extended to Bishop David Oyedepo for his remarkable contributions to contemporary national development including the establishment of the Landmark University at his Omu-Aran country-home.

All those well-meaning Kwarans who served meritoriously as Deputy Governors, Secretaries to the State Government as well as Heads of Service and many others who worked as outstanding public servants while not cornering the State’s resources should also be creditably honoured. This category include Chief Jimoh Shittu(d. 1995), Chief Ojo Fadumila, Chief J.S Ogunlowo, Chief Ezekiel Oyeyipo, Deacon Adedeji Sayomi, Chief J.A Aderibigbe, Dr. E.O. Soladoye, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Salimon Alada(b. 1938), Alhaji Saka Saadu,OFR,(1938-2017),Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar(b.1939),OON ;and Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Gobir,OFR(1934-1975).The same treatment should be extended to Alhaji Issa Omo-Eko Ahmed,father to a former Minister,Arc.Halima Tayo Alao,who was said to have left the office of Kwara State Chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO),the ancestor of the present-day INEC,poorer than he joined it, during the second republic.

This campaign should not be an all-male affairs.Distinguished ladies like Chief (Mrs) Adesiyun, Dr. (Mrs) Amina Ndalolo, Hajiya Haleemat Ajoke Yusuf,OON; Arc.Halima Tayo Alao and the first female Chief Judge of Kwara State, Honourable Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb as well as Hajiya Maryam Adeoti Ado Bayero,the mother of the Emir of Kano and Permanent Chairman, Kano State Council of Chiefs ,Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the Emir of Bichi,also in Kano State ,Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero,for allowing herself to be “a glittering symbol of a United Nigeria”, among others, should also be considered for appropriate honours.

Besides, there are other worthy Kwarans who never made names working under any government but succeeded in distinguishing themselves in their various callings. Their contributions and services surely catapulted the State to the admiration of others. In this class of eminent Kwarans are Chief Emmanuel Olatunji Adesoye,the late Asiwaju of Offa; and a leading industrialist as well as Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Chief Abdulraheem Oladimeji,OFR(b.1938) and Chief Salman Owolewa(d. 2000) and Alhaji Umaru Aminu Saro,MON,(b.1940). Alhaji Yakubu Abdulazeez, (Azeez Herald) also falls into this category. Either him or the late Mallam Rasak Aremu(1924-1984),who did Kwara State proud as the Editor-in-Chief of the rested New Nigerian at the zenith of its glory should have the Headquarters of The HeraldGroup of Newspapers renamed in his honour.

The first Mufti of Ilorin,Shaykh Muhammed Kamaldeen Al-Adabiyy(1905-2005), MFR, OFR,ORSA; who founded the first voluntary muslim organisation in Northern Nigeria, the Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria, in 1942 ,in addition to leading the first private effort in modernising the teaching of Arabic and Islamic studies,also deserves more honour even in death. While I suggest the renaming of the Road between Yebumot and Adeta Roundabouts in Ilorin after Alhaji Oladimeji as it was his Al-Hikmah University that actually “opened-up” that vicinity, I believe that renaming the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin, after the late Shaykh Kamaldeen, whose inspirational contributions and patriotic interventions accounted for the embrace of western education by the greatest number of Muslim parents and their children in Ilorin Emirate and beyond, can never be over-emphasised. His patriotic but unpublicised interventions also contributed to the take-off of the institution in 1992.It will also be a befitting memoriam for this superlative Scholar who adopted Kwara as the epicentre of his over eight(8) decades missionary and intellectual services and worked tirelessly for the promotion of moral and intellectual development of the people of the State through the establishment of several secular and Islamic schools nation-wide. His schools produced several patriots three of whom, at various times, served as the Secretary to the State Government, while no fewer than five others also served as Grand Kadis of Kwara State,at one time or the other, among other highly distinguished products,including accomplished university Professors and celebrated technocrats most of whom worked for the progress of Kwara State. Shaykh Kamaldeen was also an undeniable glittering paragon of excellence and incomparable agent of peace,progress and development throughout his distinguished career and eminently qualifies for such an honour that will surely bring about moral rebirth among our youth who lacked emulative models.

The first African Best Footballer produced by Nigeria and one of the most accomplished sport personalities from this part of the globe recently described as the most clinical finisher in the history of Nigerian Football, the late Rashidi Yekini, should also be singled-out for honour. I think renaming the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin, as repeatedly suggested by stakeholders,after him will be a befitting appreciation of his services to his fatherland as the highest goal scorer in the history of Nigerian national soccer team. Such honour will remind us of who Rasidi Yekini was as Teslim Balogun Stadium and Muda Lawal Stadium in Lagos and Abeokuta, respectively, do remind us of the contributions of those great sportsmen.

Outstanding cultural icons like Jaigbade Alao, Odolaye Aremu, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello),Hassana Abake, Ray Eyiwumi, Adeyemi Afolayan, Hajia Kulu Lafiagi and, of certainly ,General Kolington Ayinla also deserve to be honoured. Their contributions towards the promotion of cultural peculiarities, social rejuvenation and ethical re-orientation at various epochs since the creation of the “State of Harmony” cannot be over emphasised and should,therefore,be rewarded with official immortalisation. I specifically call for the renaming of the Kwara State Cultural Centre,Ilorin, after the late Adeyemi Afolayan a.k.a Ade Love in appreciation of his contributions to the establishment of Nollywood industry.

It is pertinent to propose that other gentlemen and ladies who were or are not indigenes of the state but who adopted Kwara as their home and subsequently did well while living here should be honoured. Such individuals include the second republic Inspector-General of Police, Late Chief Sunday Adewusi,CFR;Mallam Yusuf O. Ali, SAN; Chief Wole Olanipekun,SAN; Chief Adegboyega Awomolo,SAN; Late Chief Adolphous Okafor and, of course, Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede,OFR(b. 1954).

Aside all the names mentioned in this piece, there are several other worthy Kwarans who have done the State proud over the years. This category of individuals include outstanding civil and public servants, conscientious teachers, dedicated medical doctors, diligent businessmen and eminent industrialists as well as other private individuals who posted remarkable contributions to the development of the State in their own little ways. They should be identified and honoured through street-naming and similar exercises. The policy of insistency on making payment for one to get a street renamed after anyone should be discontinued. Such glorification should not be commercialised. It should be reserved for those who actually deserve it. One is, therefore, proposing that all the “new” Housing Estates and streets therein including those of Adewole, Oloje and Kulende should be renamed after eminent individuals who have served or are still serving the government and people of Kwara State dedicatedly over the years.

Effecting the above suggestions will be a remarkable way of marking the nation’s anniversary in a meaningful way. It will also present those to be so honoured for emulation and convince younger elements that nothing pays like polished reputation. It will also remind all of us of the need to always ask for what we can do for our State and not what the State can do for us. Above all, it will instructive to all of us, that no matter how long it takes, no labour exerted towards the greatness of the “State of Harmony ” will be in vain.

Imam is the National Publicity Secretary, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union