By Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir
The homecoming of the President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has always been a memorable moment, one that the Kwara people look forward to. Either in his days in office or after, the reception has at all times been warm. The embrace commences right from when the aircraft lowers its nose and touches down at the airport until the day it taxies on the runway before taking off. This aptly captures the experience of the last five days that the former President of the Senate has been in Ilorin, his country home, to celebrate the annual Eid-el-Adha, and identify with his people.
Saraki’s arrival, in typical fashion, was greeted by fanfare. It was again a testament to the untiring desire of the people to have him back home, to engage in affectionate repartee, bond together, socialise together and share ideas to forge a way forward for Kwara.
Before his arrival, the annual distribution of rams, sharing of cows and cash gifts had commenced. Beneficiaries to include clerics, community leaders, party faithful, youth and women groups, from across the three Senatorial districts, were full of praise to be considered worthy of the benevolence. In his words, “the gesture represents a token of appreciation for their enduring support and goodwill over the years.” It was also to cushion the effect of the economic situation in the country and ensure that the people have something modest to celebrate without having to break the bank.
One of the cherished moments was at the Eid Praying ground. ‘The Kwara family’ do not gather to pray alone, it has become a religious and communal convergence of sorts, where Kwarans congregate after long periods apart to worship in unison, exchange pleasantries and unify before and after prayers. At the Eid praying ground, the show of love that the Waziri Ngeri received was beyond words. Dressed in simple creamy agbada with a white turban, Saraki’s convoy arrived into the waiting hands of the Kwara people, who cheered and chanted his praise as the security orderlies had a busy time paving way for him and his entourage in the mammoth crowd. Most cherished was the peaceful conduct at the Eid praying ground, orderly conduct and camaraderie among Kwarans at that Ilorin hallowed site.
The Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate had after the spiritual exercise, paid homage to the Emir of Ilorin, HRM Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari. It is heartwarming to witness how the palace received him always with open arms, as the emir, in his usual practice showered encomium and offered prayer for the son of the soil who has made Ilorin and Kwara state eternally proud.
The rest of the Sallah Day was spent in high spirits and fanfare as associates, Kwarans and loved ones trooped en masse to Saraki’s GRA residence to make merry with him and the family. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chieftain’s country home was a beehive of activities with the cacophony emanating from the drums and singers renting the atmosphere.
The merriment continued on Sunday; this time on a larger scale as party stakeholders, women, youth and Kwarans at large convened again at Saraki’s GRA residence to make merry with him and his family. Tagged #SallahHangoutWithSaraki, the gates of the expansive country house were flung open, with revellers, in their colourful and customised attires, defying the rain to be part of the jollification.
The menu, the musical bands, the drums, the dance, the colourful outfits all added to the thrill of this year’s Sallah season. But beyond that, was the love and spirit of oneness that permeated the atmosphere. Even Saraki, who in the company of his wife, Barrister Toyin Saraki, joined the carnival-like gathering to the thunderous ovation of loved ones, could not hold back his delight. The Waziri Ngeri, while thanking those who honoured him with their presence, did admit that, “I value moments like this—sharing the festive season with our people, having meaningful conversations, and celebrating together.”
As part of activities lined up for the #SallahHangoutWithSaraki, a medical outreach team, Lead Vision, was also present to offer medical services to young and old members of the public, free of charge.
Whether it’s the political season, Ramadan period, festive or any other event, the homecoming of Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki stands out. Time and events have shown that Saraki naturally commands executive presence because of his modesty, demeanour, compassion and leadership qualities. Kwara will always be in awe of its own.
Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir is the Press Officer on Local Matters, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office.