He attended Government High School, Ilorin, Kwara State where he obtained West African School Certificate (WASC) before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University for Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1984. He also obtained Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 1996 and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) in 2002 from the same university. He was at Nigeria Law School Bwari and was call to the bar in 2004.

He has worked in the public and private sector for 33 years rising to the position of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Crittall-Hope Kaduna Ltd in 2013.

He has also served on the Boards of various companies as Company Secretary and Director acquiring extensive boardroom experience over time. Some of the positions he held included Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Co-operatives Kwara State 1998 – 1999; Chairman, Laekmind Investments Ltd, Kaduna; Director, Crittall-Hope Kaduna Ltd, Kaduna; Director, Woodkraft Industries Ltd, Kaduna; Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Kaduna South East Branch; Member, Governing Council, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Board Member, Kaduna State Water Corporation; Member, Tripartite Committee on the Review of the Minimum Wage.

He belongs to several professional bodies. He is Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association (IBA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) and a Fellow Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

For Postgraduate Programmes, he obtained Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 2003 and Master of Science Degree in Forensic Accounting and Criminal Investigation (Msc) from St. Monica University, Yaounde Cameroon in 2015. His Msc Project is title The Effects of Capital Structure on the Performance of Selected Nigerian Banks

He also obtained Certificate in Proficiency in International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria 2012

He belongs to relevant professional bodies. He is a Fellow, Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA); Associate, Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI) of Nigeria and Fellow, Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals (FCFIP) from the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals
He started his working experience with Olusola Adekanola & Co. Chartered Accountants Professional Accounting Firm as a Tax Consultant in Auditing, Tax and Management Consultancy between 1988 to 1991 . He was also at Merril Guaranty Trust Ltd, a Finance House for Management Information Service between 1991 and 1994.

He later moved to the public sector in 1994 as Internal Auditor at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) where he is currently an Assistant Director.

The programme which was held at the Emir’s palace, Ilorin was at the instance of the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, (IEYDA).

Speaking at the event, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari called on the association to intensify more efforts on other programmes and activities that would further accelerate socio-economic growth of the Ilorin Emirate and the state in general.

Alhaji Sulu Gambari who was represented by the Balogun Agba of Ilorin, Alhaji Aliu Adebayo urged the members of the association to be more united advised the executives to see their position a rotational towards serving the interest of the people.

Earlier, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Salaudeen, said IEYDA was established to assist the less privileged in the Ilorin Emirate and beyond.

He added that the group has continued to embarke on projects that would inspire the lives of people positively.

The National President however mentioned the establishment of primary school, modern block industries, rental service and other vocational engagement to address the unemployment problem amongst the youth.

In a remark, the chairman of the event, Professor Saka Nuhu urged the political office holders to involve community development associations and traditional rulers in their empowerment programmes to actually reach the needy.

The Don, who is also the first Professor of Veterinary Medicine in Ilorin emirate decried the increasing rate of unemployment in the country and commended the association for the programme to reduce the unemployment rate in the society.

In his lecture, an Abuja based Islamic scholar, Alhaji Sarafadeen Abdulsalam Aliagan called on leaders in the society to alleviate the suffering of the masses through empowerment programmes.

Alhaji Abdulsalam Aliagan, who is chief Imam of NASFAT central mosque remained public office holders to see their position as strategies opportunities to serve humanity by contributing positively to the society.

Also speaking on “Participatory government: The way out of effects of democratic deficit in Nigeria”, the Acting Director, Centre for Community Development, Kwara State University, Malete, Mr Lawal Olohungbebe stressed the need for community based organizations to always be involved in any empowerment programmes.

ROYAL NEWS reports that Olohungbebe further urged community development associations like IEYDA to distribute any empowerment items collected on behalf of the people without fear or favour.

While advising the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received to better their lots, he urged well-to-do individuals to assist the needy and the less-privileged in the society.

Speaking with journalist, the National Publicity of the Association, Alhaji Muhammad Uthman Jagunma, praised the donors for their continued support at all time, stressing that the yearly empowerment Programme was meant to support potential youth within the emirate to be self reliance in order to reduce poverty and hardship in the community.

Highlight of the occasion was distribution of empowerment items such as tricycles, sewing machines, generators, clippers, grinding machines and payment of NABTEB fees for intending candidates.
Source: https://www.royalnews.com.ng/2018/02/22/emir-of-ilorin-to-groups-emulate-ilorin-emirate-youths-development-association/

The Justice Yusuf, who retired after two years on the seat died at the age of 85.

The burial of the late chief judge took place on Tuesday at his residence in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Ilorin after the Janazah prayer was led by the chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir Salihu.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara state in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, described the death of the former Chief Judge as an exit of a fearless but God-fearing legendary legal luminary.

The governor said he was deeply saddened to receive the news of the demise of Justice Yusuf, said that, “the late Justice Saka contributed his quota to the state and humanity within the opportunities available to him as a Chief Judge of the state and former National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). No doubt, the exit of this legal icon will be missed by his family in particular and the state in general”.

Dr Ahmed prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the families, friends and the entire Emirate the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Ilorin-born Jurist was appointed the Chief Judge of the state in 2005 after the retirement of Justice Timothy Oyeyipo who held the post for 21 years.

Yusuf who was serving at the Kano state judiciary until his appointment as the Kwara state Chief Judge in 2005 retired from service in 2007.

After his retirement, he became the national president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), a post he held until about five years ago when his tenure expired.

The burial programme was attended by the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold.
Source: http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/kwara-ex-chief-judge-dies/

A Fulani group, Fulani Ilorin Emirates Youths Vanguard has protested what it termed “hasty generalisation of Fulanis as terrorists and as a criminally minded ethnic group in Nigeria.”
The Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government chapter, in a statement issued by its Chairman Usman Garba and Public Relations Officer, Oorelope Folarin and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti expressed concern over an alleged blanket tagging of all Fulanis as mindless killers.

It also claimed that the media, as well as members of the public, had little or no knowledge about Cattle Rearing in Nigeria.

They claimed to have been part and parcel of Yoruba community, and Ekiti, having been living there well over 50 yesrs.
“This is our home because many of us and even our fathers were born here. So, we have no reason to cause trouble for anybody because, where to live is not where to destroy”, they said.
They group called on the media to always crosscheck their facts on any issue involving their members, farmers or their host communities before publishing same.

“It is very sad and most unfortunate that each time there was violent clash between herders and farmers, the media always look in the direction of Fulani as culprits.What the media fails to recognize is that there are number of tribes involved in this business.
“Among the tribes are: Hausa, Fulani, Bororo, and Bakolo. Others are Kaje and Tivs from the Northern part of the country,” the statement read in part.
“We are therefore calling on government as well as security agencies to conduct full investigation into renewed hostilities between farmers and herders in the State with a view to apprehending the culprits”, it added.

They, however pledged to cooperate with the security agents in the task.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/union-decries-poverty-rate-youth-unemployment-ilorin-emirate/

Uthman, who spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State, after the inauguration of the new executives of the union, said that Ilorin needed development and expansion of itYs infrastructure as it grows daily.

He said his team would work together with all stakeholders, including government at all levels, in their avowed determination to attract development to Ilorin emirate.

While pledging to be fair to everybody in the discharge of his duties, Uthman said effective service delivery, financial prudence, transparency and accountability would be the hallmark of his administration.

The IEDPU president added, “We shall at all times follow due process, and laid -down rules and regulations in running the affairs of our great union.

“We shall make deliberate efforts to unite our people and carry everyone along in our efforts to attract the desired development to our emirate. We shall also do everything humanly possible to safeguard the much- cherished peace and harmony which Ilorin is known for, and as well ensure that Ilorin continues to be relevant on the national scene.”

Uthman praised his predecessor, Alhaj Abdulhamid Adi, and his team for taking IEDPU to an enviable height, and promised to build upon his legacies.

In a brief remark, the outgone IEDPU president, Adi thanked God that the convention that brought in the new executives was peaceful and advised the new excecutives to manage the resources of the union well.

The oath of office was administered on the new executives by Barrister Abdul Oba.
Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/ilorin-emirate-new-exco-to-pursue-development-agenda.html

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the emir as an exceptional royal father whose reign has been peaceful and phenomenal in the Ilorin Emirate in particular and in Kwara State in general.

He stated that the Emir has continued to encourage progressive initiatives that have engendered unity, peace and tolerance in and around the state.

According to him, these are worthy of emulation.

“I join all Kwarans and Nigerians at large to congratulate you on your 22nd anniversary on the highly revered throne of the Ilorin Emirate.

“It is my prayer that Allah grant you excellent health, prosperity and many more years to continue in your immeasurable service to the people of Ilorin, Kwara State and the nation at large,” he said.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/saraki-congratulates-emir-of-ilorin-on-22nd-anniversary/

A former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Sadik Ismaila, is dead. He died in the early hours of Friday during a brief illness.

Ismaila, who occupied the position between October and December 31, 1983, was elected on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria and represented Ilorin West Constituency.

The late politician, who was 80 at the time of his demise, was buried according to Islamic rites at the Omoda area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Incumbent Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulrahman Sanni, lamented Ismaila’s death, describing it as a huge loss to the people of the state and the country in general.

He said the deceased would be remembered for his principle, tenacity of purpose, humility and modest contributions to parliamentary proceedings in the country.

Ahmad enjoined Nigerians to emulate the sterling qualities of the former speaker to further strengthen the nation’s parliamentary democracy.

According to him, Ismaila passed on when his wealth of experience and wisdom were greatly needed to fashion a new constitution that would further stabilise Nigeria’s hard won democracy.

Ahmad consoled the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari, his immediate family and the entire people of Ilorin Emirate over the incident.

He enjoined them to take solace in the fact that the former speaker lived a life worthy of emulation.
Source: http://punchng.com/kwara-loses-former-speaker/

Some leaders of Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State have petitioned the Presidency, National Assembly, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and security agencies, claiming that no part of Moro LGA belongs to the Ilorin Emirate led by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

The members under Moro Concerned Elders Movement spoke about the petition during a media briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Wednesday.

The President of the group, Ayinde Jimoh, in an address read by its Director of Publicity, Theophilus Oyebiyi, said its argument that Moro LGA did not belong to Ilorin Emirate was confirmed by the judgment of a competent court of jurisdiction delivered by Justice J.A. Ibiwoye on October 22, 1997.

Jimoh demanded immediate recognition and grading of some traditional rulers in Moro LGA.

According to him, the traditional ruler include Okutala Lanwa, Bielesin, Ejidongari, Olooru Bode-Saadu, Budo-Are, Malete, Elemere, Oloworu, and Babaloke.

He also demanded the immediate return of the pre-1984 third class grading of both Ohoro of Shao and Oba of Jebba, and the immediate upgrading of the duo to the first class status.

Jimoh on behalf of the Moro group further demanded immediate stoppage of the five per cent deduction from the Moro LGA federal allocation allegedly remitted to the Ilorin Emirate.
Source: http://punchng.com/moro-elders-petition-fg-say-our-lg-not-under-ilorin-emirate/

The union lamented that over 30 persons had so far been killed in the last six months in various brutal attacks carried out by rival cult groups in various parts of the state.

The union also asked the communities to name those involved in the sales of liquor and those involved in smoking of cannabis sativa and other prohibited substances as one of the steps towards eradicating the societal vices.

Addressing a security stakeholders meeting held at the union’s national secretariat in Ilorin, its national president, Alhaji Abdulhamid Adi, expressed sadness that Ilorin emirate which was hitherto known for peace and harmony had been turned into theatre of war.

“Level of criminality is getting worrisome within the metropolis .In the last 6 months more than 30 lives were lost due to cult activites.

“Notorious areas include Agbo -Oba, Gada, Edun,Gambari, and Ajikobi. The latest ones about two weeks ago were at Okesuna, Stadium etc”, he said.

Adi, spoke further that the union conveyed the stakeholders meeting to rub minds with stakeholders on how to nip the alarming trend in the bud.

As a step toward addressing the menace, Chairman, IEDPU Security committee, Ambassador Usman Abduazeez, said unless members of every community volunteer to purge their areas of crimes the anti-cult war and other prevailing security challenges might be difficult to win.

He urged every community to come up with the lists of suspected cult members and criminal for security agencies to act upon.

Abdulazeez, however, warned people against taking laws into their hands, stressing that they must, at all times, act within the confines of the law.

The meeting was attended by Divisional Police Officers, representatives of Department of State Security Services, vigilante and Metro security initiatives set up by the IEDPU in various communities.
Source: http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/lets-save-ilorin-criminals-iedpu-president/