The Emir described Dr Alimi as a distinguished son of the Ilorin Emirate whose life has been marked by selfless service, scholarship, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Emirate and Nigeria at large.
Sulu-Gambari, in a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, said: “The Mutawali of Ilorin has become a beacon of wisdom, experience and community leadership, whose contributions to the development and the sustenance of our cultural heritage remain invaluable to Ilorin Emirate.
“His dedication to the ideals of peace, unity and moral uprightness has continued to inspire generations within and outside the Emirate, as the son of the first Lawyer to wear the silk in the Northern Nigeria,the late Alhaji A.G.F AbdulRazaq (SAN) .”
Sulu-Gambari extended the hearty felicitations of the entire members of Ilorin Emirate Council and the people of Ilorin Emirate, to the celebrant and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant him many more years in good health, sound mind and greater service to humanity.
The national president of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Alh Abdulmumini Abdulmalik also rejoiced with Alimi AbdulRazaq on the milestone.
In a statement, Abdulmalik described Alimi AbdulRazaq as a chip of the old block and a man who has also created a niche for himself.
He added that Dr Alimi , despite his exciting background and numerous accomplishments in the bar, business and politics, has remained an unassuming personality.
Abdulmalik recalled that the Mutawali bagged a space in history as the first indigene of Ilorin Emirate who bagged a doctorate degree in law about four decades ago.
He appreciated Alimi for his moderating role at community and national levels and also for being a role model to several individuals across and beyond the Ilorin Emirate.
He also recalled, especially, Alimi’s patriotic contributions to Ilorin Emirate community while he served as the chairman of the Board of Directors of National Iron Ore Mining, Itakpe between 2001 and 2003.
Abdulmalik wished Alimi long life and sound health for him to serve Allah and humanity for more years to come.
The vice chancellor of the Kwara State University ( KWASU), Malete, Prof. Shaykh- Lukman Jimoh and the rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Dr Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, in separate statements, paid glowing tributes to Dr Alimi on his 70th birthday anniversary.
A special prayer organised to commemorate the 70th birthday of Dr Alimi AbdulRazaq was held in Ilorin last Friday amid accolades on the virtues and impacts of AbdulRazaq’s family across Nigeria and beyond.
The prayer, which was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki and assisted by other clerics, was attended by the crème de la crème at the Surulere Residence of AGF AbdulRazaq.
Top attendees included federal and state legislators, cabinet members, local council chairmen, APC candidates for National and State Assemblies, party leaders and various support groups.
Governor AbdulRazaq was represented at the occasion by his senior adviser and counselor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salahu.
Salahu was accompanied by the ex- non executive director of NNPCL, Dr Ghali Alaaya, Alh Ibrahim Danmaigoro and Engr. AbdulRahman Giwa.
Sheikh Bashir described Dr Alimi as a proud son of the Ilorin Emirate, a philanthropist and a great achiever, who he said has made his mark in the legal profession and his immediate community.
Noting that a birthday celebration is a reflection of gratitude for divine grace and favours, the Islamic scholar said Allaah has been merciful to the legal icon, and prayed for his long life, sound health and abundant blessings.
The Chief Imam prayed for more wisdom and successful completion of the tenure of Governor AbdulRazaq. He also prayed to God to continue to bless their late father, AGF AbdulRazaq and preserve their mother, Alhaja Raliat, upon goodness.
In his sermon, Chief Imam of Ipata Oloje, Sheikh Abdulqodir Mustapha Alahanpe, said Dr Alimi lives a good life that is worthy of appreciation and emulation.
He described the continued mercies of Allaah in Abdulrazaq’s family as an appropriate reward for their good character, saying no man’s deed shall go without a commensurate recompense.
The cleric, however, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the leadership of APC on the zoning of Governorship candidacy to the Kwara North, saying such a step demonstrates fairness and justice.
Earlier, Hon. Moshood Alaka, who spoke on behalf of the organising committee, had said that the gathering was more than a birthday anniversary but a celebration of a life defined by integrity, compassion, excellence, and unwavering service to humanity.
He said Dr Alimi has distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s foremost legal practitioners, a respected educationist, an accomplished public administrator, and an outstanding philanthropist.
“Today, we celebrate not only his remarkable achievements but also the values he represents; faith, integrity, scholarship, leadership, humility, and compassion,” he said.
Other dignitaries that graced the colourful event include an a APC chieftain, Dr Afeez Abolore, chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Alh Umar Shero, chairman, Alliance for Sustainable Kwara( ASK), Alh Razaq Lawal, Alh Usman Bibire Ajape, Dr Hassan Oyeleke, Hon. Ibrahim Sabi, Hon. Aliyu Monde, Engr. Omar Gofe, ex- permanent secretary, Alh Kabiru Salahu, NSIP focal person ( Kwara), Dr Rabiat Alabere, Dr Yetunde Yusuf, Ag. Chairman, Arewa Consultatives Forum( ACF), Kwara State, Alh Abdullahi Yusuf, president general, Gamji Members Association(GAMA), Alh Tunde Akanbi, Hon. Hassan Gegele, Dr Yunus Baraje, Dr Taiye Iliasu and the regional editor, Leadership Newspapers, Alh Abdullahi Olesin
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