Date: 2019-12-14

THE University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Centre for Ilorin Studies (CIS) has bestowed merit awards on the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Boboye Opeyemi.

Other awardees include Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura and Alhaji Abubakar Kawu-Baraje, Engr Sulaiman Yahaya Alapansanpa; Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja Prof. Abdulrasheed Na'allah and Ahaji Sani Zangban Daura.

Others are Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, and former Inspector General of Police Muhammed D. Abubakar, among others.

The event also witnessed a book launch.

Senator Tinubu was represented by a chieftain of APC in Kwara State, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin.

The book was entitled: "Human Security and the Survival of Ilorin Culture."

At the event in Ilorin, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof Sulyman Abdulkareem, said the institution was committed to enhancing academic endeavours and understanding the unique history of Ilorin emirate.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university believes in sustaining and mutual benefits between town and gown and unrivalled academic excellence.

He added that the Centre for Ilorin Studies was as a result of International best practices of strengthening the relationship with immediate communities, adding that it is an opportunity to immortalise the works of great scholars associated with the birth or any other lineage with Ilorin.

In a remark, Women Affairs Minister Dame Pauline Tallen said that the title of the book is apt, as security implies freedom from danger, encompassing measures put in place to safe guard lives and properties from harm or loss.

Tallen, who was represented by Mrs Eletu Aduke, Director Women Affairs, added that violence negates activities, discourages investors, leads to capital flight, reduce investment and create high unemployment.

Tallen pointed out that most times, women are at the receiving end during conflicts, adding that women's contributions to conflict resolution cannot be overlooked.

"The women peace and security agenda promote the view that effective incorporation of gender perspective and women's rights have a positive impact on the lives of everyone in conflict area," she said.

The minister commended the administration of Governor AbdulRahman Abbulrazak for appointing 53 per cent women in the state executive council.

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, Dr Ibrahim Jawondo, the Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies of the University, said the centre is charged with the responsibility of collecting, cataloguing and preserving Ilorin-related studies, in form of artifact, manuscript and publications wherever it may be available.

He also explained that scholars have discovered that the history of Ilorin Emirate is connected to history of different groups in Kwara, Nigeria and even beyond.

"Ilorin is not only regarded as cultural melting pot, a local Mecca but also a super diplomat whose influences has spread far and wide and is indelible," he said.