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/

Besides, over 500 students from Ilorin Emirate also got various amounts for the payment of West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees at the instance of Saraki’s scholarship scheme.

Saraki is representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, which comprises Asa, Ilorin West, Ilorin East and Ilorin South Local Government Areas.

A statement issued by the Director, Media and Publicity of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Constituency Office, Alhaji Abdullahi Oganija, said the intervention became imperative in view of the people’s recurring demands. It said Saraki also increased the payment of WAEC fees of another 80 students of the emirate.

The statement said the gesture was borne out of Saraki’s desire to boost the level of education in the emirate, adding that the constituency office would remain committed to the well-being of the less privileged in the society so as to move the state forward.
Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/02/28/1210-indigent-kwara-students-get-sarakis-free-utme-forms-2/

16 June 2016

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has joined other indigenes of Ilorin Emirate to mourn the passage of the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Mahmoud Durosinlohun Atiku who passed on early Tuesday morning in his residence at the age of 76.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu,on Tuesday, Saraki described the death of the community leader as a personal loss to him and a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Government and people of Kwara State.

Olaniyonu on behalf of his boss stated that the contributions of the deceased to the development of Ilorin during his 15-year reign as Balogun in particular, and Kwara state in general cannot be quantified.

“Alhaji Mahmud Durosinlohun Atiku was a friend and father to me. He was a complete gentleman. He was always prepared to give up what is dear to him so long as such sacrificial gesture would contribute to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the people in his immediate domain and that of Kwara State.

“He was an educationist par excellence who used his knowledge and wealth of experience to enrich the upcoming generation as a former Principal of the Government Technical College, Jebba.

“His achievements marked him out for higher offices among which was his appointment as the Daudu of Afon town by the Emir of Ilorin a position he held till he was elevated to the post of the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin 15 years ago.

“On the political front, he was a progressive who ensured that peace reigned in the Emirate and beyond. As a committed peacemaker, he mediated and helped resolve several community disputes and clashes, among others.

“I am indeed pained by his demise. I shall sorely miss his fatherly advice and counsel. I give glory to Allah for his glorious life. He was a constant source of inspiration to me. I cannot believe he has departed so soon,” he said.

The Senate President commiserated with the immediate family of the late Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, the Government and people of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin and the Ilorin Emirate’s traditional council over the sad loss.