The Chairman, Council of Traditional rulers of Kwara State, His Royal Highness, Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has given an approval to the planned programmes designed by Ilorin Emirate Historians Association to celebrate the 200 years anniversary of the emirate Wednesday in his palace, Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
The Association led by its President, Professor Abdulganiy Ibrahim Jawondo who doubles as a lecturer in the Department of History, University of Ilorin on a courtesy visit to the royal father. According to the Professor of History, “The visit is to intimate the Royal father on the plans of the association to mark the bicentennial anniversary of the Shehu Alimi dynasty in Ilorin.”
Jawondo added that, “The plan to celebrate the anniversary of the historic dynasty is a well-thought-out one which shall continue to set the record about Ilorin Emirate straight.
In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin applauded the initiative of the Emirate Historians; he implored them to carry along all other critical stakeholders in the Emirate for a successful execution of the event.
Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari described the Ilorin Emirate youths as industrious and formidable forces who have continued to uphold the heritage of the founding fathers of the Emirate in their various fields; he enjoined them not to relent in their appreciable strides.
He commended every sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate for their efforts in their various walks of life in projecting the image of Ilorin in good light and prayed Allah to continue to bless them in their various endeavours.
Earlier in his speech, Professor Jawondo recalled that the Shehu Alimi dynasty was created in 1903 noted that the bicentennial anniversary of the dynasty is worth being celebrated as the dynasty continues to be a great force to reckon with in the history of northern Nigerian Emirates.
Professor Jawondo assured the Emir that every key stakeholders in the Emirate would involved in the planning and execution of the forthcoming historic event.
Recall, Ilorin Emirate is one of the oldest and most prominent traditional states in Nigeria. Its history dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by Sheikh Alimi, a great Islamic scholar and warrior. Over the years, the emirate has witnessed significant growth and development in various aspects of life.
One of the major landmarks in the history of Ilorin was the Fulani Jihad of 1804, which saw the emirate come under the control of the Sokoto caliphate. This marked the beginning of a new era of Islamic governance and culture in Ilorin. The influence of the caliphate led to significant changes in the social, political, and economic structure of the emirate.
In 1903, Ilorin was incorporated into the British colonial administration, and this brought a new wave of development to the emirate. The British introduced several reforms that transformed the emirate. The introduction of a modern educational system, for instance, led to the creation of several schools that produced many educated elites.
The emirate also witnessed significant infrastructural development during this period. The construction of roads, bridges, and other public facilities created new opportunities for trade and commerce. The establishment of a modern health system also improved the living conditions of the people.
The post-colonial era saw a further consolidation of these gains. The government of Kwara State, in particular, invested heavily in the development of Ilorin Emirate. Several industrial and commercial projects were established, leading to the creation of jobs and the growth of the economy.
Today, Ilorin Emirate is a major economic, political, and cultural center in Nigeria. It is home to several educational institutions, including universities, and boasts of a vibrant business community. The people of the emirate continue to preserve their rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity and diverse cultural influences.
Other Ilorin Emirate Historians present at the meeting with the Emir of Ilorin were: Dr Saad Hadi, Deputy Provost College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Ilorin, Alhaji AbdulRauf Ajao, Former Director State Service, Governor’s office, Ilorin, Dr. Mrs. Habeebah Adam, Former Deputy Rector and Lecturer, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Dr Mrs. Hadiza Soliu, Department of History and Heritage Studies, Kwara State University, Malete, and Olushola Folake Mutiat of Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Kwara, Ilorin.
Also in attendance were Mrs Madridiyat H. Jawondo, History Unit, Kwara State University, Malete and Mallam Zakariyah Yitta, HOD History, College of Education, Ilorin and Malam Ismail Otukoko, KWASU, Malete
