Kwara Governor Pledges Official Fleet for Ilorin's New Chief Imam

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has committed to providing brand-new official vehicles for Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, the recently appointed Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate. The governor made this promise during a courtesy visit to the cleric in Ilorin on Tuesday, where he also requested prayers for the state's peace, stability, and ongoing progress.

Details of the governor's visit were shared on the official Facebook page of the Kwara State Government and subsequently reported by The PUNCH on Wednesday. Governor Abdulrazaq was accompanied by Lawal Olohungbe, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, along with other senior government officials and political figures who joined in congratulating the new Chief Imam on his appointment.

Governor Abdulrazaq lauded the emergence of the young Islamic scholar as a significant development for the Ilorin Emirate, highlighting that it signifies continuity, inclusiveness, and unity within the Muslim community. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting religious leadership across the state, using the occasion to reiterate the government's backing for the new Chief Imam's office.

“We are fully behind you in this responsibility. The government will provide a brand-new Jeep and a bus to support your movement and duties,” Governor Abdulrazaq stated. He further characterized Sheikh Dasuki’s appointment as part of a broader initiative to foster unity across different generations within the Muslim Ummah in Kwara State. “The emergence of a young and vibrant Azhari scholar as the new Chief Imam reflects our commitment to unity, development and inclusiveness,” he added.

Abdulrazaq also offered prayers for divine guidance, protection, and a long life for the new Chief Imam, encouraging residents of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State to support him in fulfilling his spiritual duties. “I pray that Allah guides and protects him, perfects His blessings upon him, and grants him good health and long life in service to the ummah. I also urge everyone to support him in this noble responsibility,” he prayed.

The appointment of the 42-year-old Imam Fulani as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate was previously announced on Wednesday, June 10, by Abdulraheem Muritala, Personal Assistant to the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. Following this announcement, the governor had extended his congratulations to the Emir, describing the selection as an indication of wise leadership and meticulous consideration within the Emirate's traditional and spiritual hierarchy.

In related news, prominent Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Abdulkadir Oba Sholagberu, the First Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate, and Sheikh Sohibul Bayan, lauded the governor for what they described as consistent support for religious institutions and spiritual leaders throughout the state.