Aide, childhood friend praise AbdulRazaq at book unveiling in Ilorin
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
A childhood friend of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Coach Bolakale Mogaji, has described him as an exceptional individual who distinguished himself through self-discovery, determination and a willingness to take risks.
Mogaji, who is also the chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, said the governor took the risk of discovering his potential and had been rewarded with success, attributing his achievements to divine blessings.
He spoke on Thursday at the unveiling of a book titled Sardauna of Ilorin in the Eyes of History, authored by Abiodun AbdulKareem under the Sardauna Ilorin Legacy Platform (SILEP) in Ilorin.
Mogaji, who wrote the foreword of the book, commended the author for documenting the governor’s contributions and legacy, describing the publication as a comprehensive account of AbdulRazaq’s life and achievements. He said the book would serve as a valuable resource for students and researchers while preserving the governor’s legacy for future generations.
The governor’s childhood friend also argued that governance was not necessarily complicated, suggesting that commitment and seriousness were essential to achieving results. However, he expressed concern about the sustainability of the governor’s achievements under a successor and urged Kwarans to appreciate his administration by voting for All Progressives Congress candidates.
In his welcome address, the governor’s Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, said there were several aspects of AbdulRazaq’s life and administration worthy of documentation. He highlighted the governor’s business background, describing him as an oil magnate, an early crude oil importer and exporter, and a role model for Nigerian youths who became a multimillionaire at the age of 29 through legitimate means.
Salahu, who is the grand patron of SILEP, also described the governor as humble and a politician without bitterness. He said AbdulRazaq had made significant contributions across various sectors of the state, particularly in infrastructure, gender inclusion and internally generated revenue.
He further claimed that improved revenue generation had strengthened the state’s ability to meet its salary obligations even without federal allocations. The event was attended by a representative of the Emir of Ilorin, a former commissioner for Information and Communications, government aides and other top government officials.
