Nigerians have been advised to always imbibe the spirit of tolerance, patriotism and perseverance in order to foster peaceful co-existence among the different ethnic groups and religious adherents across the country.

This is contained in a felicitation message issued by the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, IEYDA, signed by its national president and national public relations officer, Alhaji Abdullahi Salaudeen and Mallam Uthman Jagunma respectively, to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 20th coronation anniversary.

The group disclosed that "it is only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony that the nation can witness significant growth and desired development. There is no doubt that the Ilorin Emirate had in the last 20 years developed, habouring people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds without rancour.

"It is with profound gratitude to God that we all rejoice and celebrate with our father on this historic occasion. It is indeed another milestone in the annal of our dear state, Kwara.

"As an outstanding justice of the Court of Appeal before he ascended the exalted throne as the 11th Emir of Ilorin on 11 November 1995, following the demise of Mallam Aliyu Abdulkadir, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has continued to ensure that the status of the people of Ilorin and Kwara State at large continues to dominate the global map through his fervent prayers and personal efforts."

The statement further reiterated that Kwara State remained the most peaceful state in the country and urged other traditional rulers in the country to imbibe and emulate the sterling qualities of the Emir of Ilorin to further promote the desired national integration.

Similarly, the Committee on Annual Traditional Ramadan Programme in a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Jimoh Garba, and general secretary, Engr Zubair Tunde Olohuntoyin, wished the Emir long life, good health and sound wisdom in piloting the affairs of the emirate to a successful and meaningful development.

While wishing the monarch more years of remarkable achievements on the throne, the group charged citizens to endeavour to compliment the sacrificial spirit of the state government as well as traditional institutions in the state in ensuring that peace continued to reign in the land.