The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Kano Branch, successfully held a grand fundraising and launching ceremony on Saturday, with the ambitious goal of raising N500 million for a major development project in Kano State.

The project involves the construction of a comprehensive multi purpose complex designed to serve the large Ilorin Emirate community residing in Kano.

Shaykh Abdulwahab Abdurraheem, Chairman of the IEDPU Kano Branch, stated that despite the union's 50 year presence in Kano, it still lacks a permanent secretariat.

"We decided not just to build an office but a comprehensive complex," he explained. "It will include a Jumu'at Mosque, a standard library, an Islamiyyah school for our children, and, of course, a secretariat for the Union." The complex is also planned to feature a guest house for accommodating visitors from the Emirate.

Shaykh Abdurraheem expressed optimism that the initial launch would attract widespread support, calling on members to approach the ambitious goal with resilience, patience, and perseverance.

Traditional and Academic Support

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, represented by Alhaji Lukman Atanda, praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of unity. "Unity brings strength, and we must remain united in love, loyalty, and the spirit of Islam," the Emir's representative advised, urging members to avoid political division.

The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Haruna Musa, was represented by the university registrar, Mallam Haruna Aliyu. The university demonstrated its support by pledging N1 million towards the project. The Vice-Chancellor's representative commended IEDPU's commitment, noting the project's benefits would extend beyond the Ilorin community.

The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, represented by Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim Mahmoud, also praised the leadership for bringing the idea to life and pledged continued support.

The well-attended event gathered prominent indigenes and friends of the Ilorin Emirate in solidarity, featuring cultural displays and goodwill messages. The IEDPU, founded to foster unity and progress, continues to play a crucial role in grassroots socio-economic development.