Former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, last Thursday hosted his annual Ileya Hangout to mark the Eid-el-Adha festival, bringing together hundreds of supporters, associates, and community and religious leaders from across Kwara State in a warm and festive gathering that blended celebration with community service.
The Ileya hangout, held at Saraki’s residence in Ilorin, was characterised by the kind of relaxed, joyful atmosphere that has made the annual event a fixture on the social and political calendar of Ilorin.
Guests interacted freely with their host, dined and danced together, reflecting the spirit of unity, gratitude, and togetherness that the Ileya season represents.
For many attendees, the event was as much about the warmth of the gathering as it was about the festival itself.
According to Saraki’s Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, one of the highlights of the hangout was the presence of a team of medical professionals who set up a free health outreach on the ground, providing basic but important medical services to attendees.
Services rendered included blood pressure checks, eye tests, and the dispensing of medication for mild ailments.
The gesture was widely appreciated by attendees, many of whom took full advantage of the opportunity, and it underscored Saraki’s sustained commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of his people beyond the realm of politics.
The celebratory mood was further heightened as both material and cash gifts were distributed to attendees, especially women, who turned out in large numbers, dressed in a stunning display of colourful and elegant Ileya attires.
The atmosphere was one of genuine festivity, with laughter, colour, and the warmth of shared celebration filling the venue throughout the day.
Saraki has through the event established a tradition of using the festive season to reconnect with his people, express gratitude, and reinforce the bonds of community that have long defined his relationship with Kwarans.
This year’s edition, by all accounts, was another successful outing that left attendees with lasting memories of a day well spent.