The Kwara State government has assured of its preparedness to continue to partner with indigenes who have been contributing to the growth of the state.

Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed gave the assurance today at the occasion marking the eightieth birthday anniversary of the Pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Retired Justice Mustapha Akanbi held at the Banquet Hall, opposite Government House, Ilorin.

Governor Ahmed, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, described Justice Mustapha Akanbi as a social crusader and who has impacted positively on humanity.

He described him as a close ally of government, who has continued to complement the efforts of the government.

Governor Ahmed noted that the Mustapha Akanbi Foundation has helped immensely to empower the people physically, intellectually, morally and spiritually, pointing out that the celebrant's services were still in high demand to provide more quality leadership and guidance to the younger generation.

In their papers titled "Nigeria: A country in search of a Role model", the Guest Speakers, acknowledged the roles played by Justice Mustapha Akanbi to the development of the country and Africa at large, charging the present leaders in the country to emulate him.

One of the Speakers, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, said creating a new generation of Nigerians that would make the Country great, was not an easy task and appealed to Nigerians to be optimistic that Nigeria would overcome her challenges.

Other speakers, Pastor John Bayeisha (SAN), Doctor Stephen Olorunfemi and the National Missioner, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Imam Ahmed AbdulRahman, urged current Nigerian Leaders to stop toying with the lives of the future generations and rule by serving as role models for the younger ones.

Responding, the celebrant, Retired Justice Mustapha Akanbi, thanked the Almighty Allah and all those that graced the occasion.

Retired Justice Akanbi said at present, Nigeria needed leaders that would tap and channel the abundant resources of the country towards her development and not for personal interest.

Our staff reporter, Olayinka Alaya, reports that the occasion was attended by members of the bench, serving and Retired Jurists, legal luminaries including Justice Issa Ayo Salami.