A 2019 governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia, has said the reign of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has brought positive changes to the ancient city.

He also expressed that the past two decades and half have made citizens of the Ilorin Emirate indispensable force on issues of national development.

In a congratulatory message personally signed by Ajia to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Emir on the throne, he stated that Ilorin has undergone positive turnaround among its peers.

He noted that the city has been playing host to industries as well as other business opportunities that opened up its economic fortunes.

Ajia, a frontline security expert, said the establishment of industries in the city has helped a great deal in reducing unemployment and in turn curbing crime.

He particularly lauded the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, for always showing love and identifying with citizens of the ancient city in all endeavors.

The former governorship aspirant stated that in addition to the socioeconomic development experienced under the emir’s reign, the good residents of Ilorin have also witnessed tremendous peace with one another, which Mohammed Ajia described as one of the unique attributes that distinguished the revered traditional ruler.

He said, “as a bonafide citizen of Ilorin, I am delighted to join millions of other well-wishers, to celebrate our royal father, Mai Maritaba, Jikan Sheikh Alimi Amir Ilory, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on the event commemorating his Silver Jubilee on the throne.

“Events like this couldn’t have come at a better time than this time when we can count our blessings as a community peopled by peace loving individuals, who have also not relented in making the ancient city great.

“The reign of the Emir of Ilorin in the last 25 years has attracted a lot of positive changes to Ilorin Emirate as evidenced by many industries and business opportunities through which our hitherto jobless youth have been gainfully employed.

“This has therefore helped a great deal in reducing unemployment and as well as rate of crime. As our people say, an idle hand is devil’s workshop. We owe it a duty to celebrate our royal father whose tenure has also made the citizens of Ilorin Emirate indispensable force on issues of national development”.

He prayed to the Almighty Allah to elongate the life of the Emir with quality health to enable him do more for humanity.