Last Saturday July 16, a prominent Elder, seasoned writer, respected retired police crime buster and vanguard of education development in Ilorin emirate and Nigeria, Alhaji Saliu Woru Mohammed was honoured with ‘Pillar of Exemplary Leadership Award' by a recognised body at the court yard of the Emir of Ilorin.

The award, which was as a result of the immense contributions of the honouree to education in Ilorin and Nigeria as a whole and his support for the development of his people and Islam. The ceremony which was graced by personalities in Kwara State, and Nigeria, included, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Mahmood Durosinlorun Atiku, Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Adebayo Aliyu, and Magaji Are of Ilorin, Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Zubair.

Others were, Daudu Beere of Ilorin, Alhaji Ahmad Yusuf, Daudu Fagba, Alhaji Alabi Ola Suleman, Former Grand Khadi of Ilorin Sharia Court, Justice AbdulKadri Orire, the Dean Post Graduate School, University of Ilorin, Professor, Lanre Yusuf Badmus. The General Manager, The Herald Newspaper, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Adebayo, and representatives of Leadership and Role Model Foundation of Nigeria, the organiser of the award were other personalities that attended the august ceremony.

Also present were representatives of the Olupako of Share, Kwara State University, Ilorin, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Council of Muslim Organisation and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA). In his remark, the Emir of Ilorin attested to the development drive by the awardee who is the Mogaji Nda of Ilorin.

The Balogun Fulani of Ilorin who represented the Emir of Ilorin, said Alhaji Saliu Woru Mohammed had used his word of experience to bring about the remarkable development to Ilorin and the country. Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari having acknowledged the role of Mogaji Nda of Ilorin, said," the awardee is a pride to the emirate who is always there for us".

The special guest at the event, Professor Lanre Badmus Yusuf described Alhaji Woru as a devoted Muslim whose contribution has made a land mark. Professor Badmus who urged the people to always live a worthy and leave behind legacy that they could be remembered for, saying that" Mogaji Nda of Ilorin is a blessing to everyone".

The Dean of Post Graduate School added that Alhaji Saliu Mohammed Woru always promoted peace, stability and condemned injustice among the people. "I am not surprised the organisation's choice of the person because the awardee is a very credible and God fearing person that is very useful for the community even after retirement” he stated.

The Executive Secretary, Leadership and Role Model Foundation of Nigeria, Dr Godfrey Chidozie disclosed that the award was hinged on the contributions of Mogaji Nda to education development. "“We are fully aware of the many support given to education by today's awardee, and we need to appreciate his contributions and commitment". He added that Alhaji Saliu Woru ensured that people at the grassroot benefited adequately in education. "Mogaji Nda put education in the forefront and touched the lives of the people positively". The Pioneer Grand Khadi of the state Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice AbdulKadri Orire who commended the organiser of the prestigious award, enjoined the people to always emulate Mogaji Nda of Ilorin.

While assuring the awardee more support and commitment for Islam and education, he described him as a pious Muslim. Responding to the gesture, the awardee, said he felt honoured by the turn out of people at the ceremony despite the early morning rain. Magaji Nda while thanking the organiser of the event, promised that he would continue to contribute his quota for the development of Islam, and education in Ilorin.