Associates, Clerics, Loyalists Gather to Celebrate Saraki’s 62nd Birthday in Ilorin

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Political associates, religious leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday gathered at the country home of former Senate President, Dr.Abubakar Bukola Saraki, at GRA Ilorin to celebrate his 62nd birthday.

Dr Saraki was also in attendance and was received by party supporters, associates at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.

The well-wishers, who had earlier welcomed the celebrant with birthday songs, accompanied the former Senate President to the venue of the programme at Baba Saraki’s residence, GRA Ilofa Road.

At the event, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Dr Muhammad Bashir Soliu, led other Islamic scholars at the birthday prayer, with Sheikh Sulyman Danboronu, Sheikh Abubakar Issa, Baba-Ote As-Salaaty, Sheikh Aribidesi, Prof Olagunju, and Sheikh Abdulrazaq Aduagba as guest speakers.

The Chief Imam thanked God for the gift of life and sound health for Saraki, praying to Allah for a long life, good health and more accomplishments.

He further beseeched Allah to grant the celebrant more opportunities to serve humanity.

Islamic scholar Sheikh Danboronu, who expressed gratitude to Allah for sparing the life of Saraki, hailed the Kwara-born political icon for his heartedness and service to humanity.

According to him, Saraki has created an unforgettable record in Kwara and Nigeria at large following his immeasurable impact on the lives of many, especially the downtrodden.

In his lecture, Baba Ote reflected on the virtues of the father of the celebrant, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, who dedicated his life largely to acts of love, generosity and forgiveness.

He expressed joy that the Saraki heir and celebrant of the day had continued the legacies of his father by his open-mindedness, heart of compassion and the spirit of generosity.

Corroborating the other Islamic scholar, Prof. Olagunju noted that the Sarakis were not just a blessing to Kwara, but to Nigeria as nation builders.

Sheikh Abdulrazaq Aduagba, in his admonition, enjoined Saraki supporters and loyalists to emulate their leader by showing love and promoting togetherness.

As part of activities to mark the birthday celebration, the Waziri Ngeri joined the aged women at Ile-Arugbo in the mood of festivity.

Meanwhile, a former candidate of the House of Representatives for Asa/Ilorin West federal constituency in the 2023 general election in the state, Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia, has saluted the President of the 8th Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on the celebration of his 62nd Birthday.

Hon. Ajia described the celebrant as a true leader that always strive harder to make life more abundant for the people.

In statement issued in Ilorin by Hon. Ajia on the occasion of 62nd birthday of Dr..Saraki, the PDP chieftain said Dr. Saraki lives a life that is worth emulation in view of his contributions to the nation’s democracy and humankind.

The statement said the achievements of Dr. Saraki while he was the governor of the state for two terms have remained indelible in the political history of the state.

Ajia also said that the political sagacity of Dr. Saraki while he was the President of 8th Senate had brought a new landmark in the political development of the country.