President Muhammadu Buhari felicitated with the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu-Gambari on his 78th birthday.

According to a statement by his spokesman Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari, joins the indigenes of Kwara State, the historic Ilorin emirate and all associates of the emir in celebrating the septuagenarian "whose reign on the throne has ushered in an era of peace, development and prosperity for his people."

The president commended the traditional ruler for his simple, disciplined and modern leadership style, which he said he had translated into remarkable developmental strides by promoting the values of good education, harmonious living, tolerance for divergence and the power of collective, progressive investments.

He reaffirmed that the Emir of Ilorin, who is also the chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, had contributed tremendously to the development of Nigeria, starting out early as a lawyer and later a jurist, and regularly providing wise counsels to leaders and serving the nation dutifully whenever he was called upon.

He expressed belief that the Emir of Ilorin’s love for learning and advocacy for good education in the country will always stand him out, especially his experience of serving as Chancellor to several Nigerian universities.

President Buhari prayed that the almighty God grant the traditional ruler longer life, good health and wisdom to keep serving the country.