The people of Ilorin and Bida Emirates in Kwara and Niger states have been urged to explore the existing historical and cultural ties for the socio-economic development of their various communities and emirates.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, gave the charge in a message sent to the 59th Annual National Conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the apex socio-cultural organisation of the indigenes of Ilorin Emirate held at the forecourt of the Emir of Ilorin’s palace Wednesday.
The Kakaki Nupe who traced the age- long existing relationship between the two emirates to the ancient days of their founding fathers- Sheik Alimi and Mallam Dendo, urged the people of Ilorin Emirate, the Nupes and other Nigerians to continue to see one another as brothers.
“The deep and mutual relationship started between the founding fathers of the two emirates, Sheik Alimi and Mallam Dendo more than two centuries ago. The fraternity has been waxing stronger and stronger to date.
“Happily, the age-long relationship has continued to flourish under the Emir of Ilorin and chairman, Kwara state Council of Chiefs ; Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari , CFR and the Etsu Nupe and chairman, Niger state council of chiefs, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR.
“It should, therefore, not suprise anyone if every Nupe man sees Ilorin as his second home and vice versa because of the factors stated above,” he said.
Expressing delight that the Ilorin Emirate was blessed with distinguished Nigerians including the former director general of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Ishaq Modibbo Kawau and current director general, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu, the minister charged the IEDPU to mobilise sons and daughters of the emirate at home and the diaspora for the development of the emirate.