The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has commended the Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee for maintaining the vibrancy and cultural significance of the Durbar festival since its revival in 2018.

Speaking during a meeting with committee members at his palace, the Emir praised the group, led by Engr. Suleiman Oba Yahaya Alapansanpa (Danmasani of Ilorin), for their "unrelenting efforts to preserve this unique heritage, celebrated not just in Nigeria but globally."

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari offered special prayers for the committee and formally approved preparations for this year's Durbar, slated to hold on the third day of Eid al-Adha (Eid Kabir). He emphasised the festival's role in showcasing Ilorin's rich traditions and fostering communal unity.

The Emir noted that the Ilorin Emirate Durbar has gone international as the entire universe has embraced it and therefore called on all sons and daughters of the Emirate as well as friends and lovers of the Emirate to come out enmass and support the committee and also be physically present during the festival.

Alhaji Sulu Gambari noted that the members of the committee most times leave their personal and atimes their official duties to ensure that the festival succeeds.

The Emir used the period of the courtesy visit to watch a part of the 2024 durbar, which showcased the rich culture and heritage of Ilorin Emirate and its outstanding sons and daughters

According to the monarch, going by the 2024 documentary, the Ilorin Emirate Durbar is not only unique but progressively improving in standards and has also surpassed the one earlier held.

Alhaji Sulu Gambari, who is the Chancellor of Bayero University Kano and Muhammad Kammaludeen University, Ilorin, acknowledged the high standards introduced to the festival by the committee and expressed the hope that it would be improved upon.

The Emir added that according to media report , the 2024 durbar produced one of the best oganised durbar events laced with melodious Quranic recitations and cultural display.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Engr Yahaya Alapansanpa and Danmasani of Ilorin thanked Emir for the support and confidence he has in members and assured that they would not relent in improving yearly on the festival.

He attributed the modest achievements the committee has recorded to the support and prayers from the Emir and particularly the contributions, interest, and the resolve of the state government to take the annual festival to an enviable standard

In addition, we can not overemphasized the contributions of non government organisations, notable individuals, and the entire Emirate.

Alapansanpa praised the Emir for his vision and mission and his strategic thoughts to reinvigorate Durbar as a significant cultural activity in the Emirate.

The Chairman of the committee was accompanied on the royal visit by prominent members including the Secretary, Professor Jawondo Abdulganiyu, the Chairman, Sub-Security Committee, Retired AIG Adisa Bolanta, Former IEDPU President, Alhaji Yahaya Oko Alaro Ahmed,IEDPU Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Nuru Ibrahim, the treasurer, Alhaji Yinka Yahaya, Barrister Aiyegbami Bushra , Alhaji Ahmed Bolaji, Muhammed Jamiu and the Chairman, Sub-Publicity Committee, Alhaji Tunde Akanbi.