The Gamji Members Association (GAMA), Kwara State chapter, on Monday held a special prayer session in Ilorin to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the assassination of the Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was killed during Nigeria's first military coup on 15 January 1966.

The solemn event also honoured recently departed Gamjites, including Malam Gidado Bello (G.B.O Bello), former Principal Private Secretary to the late Governor Mohammed Lawal; Imam Kayode Eleshinla; Alhaji Muritala Orire; Alhaji Salam Salam; Alhaji Saka Shiru; Alhaji Sidiku Omoda; and Alhaji Muhideen Alanamu.

Prayers were equally offered for other prominent figures who recently passed away, among them the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solih; the late Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Mahe Abdulkadir; and former Dean of Postgraduate Studies, University of Ilorin, Professor Badmas Yusuf, who died on Friday.

Leading the prayers, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaigoro, Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam) to the Kwara State Governor, called on Gamjites and Muslims to emulate the exemplary virtues of generosity, humility, simplicity, and selfless service demonstrated by Sir Ahmadu Bello and the other departed leaders.

The President-General of GAMA Kwara State, Alhaji Mohammed Akanbi, described the loss of the deceased members as deeply painful but drew solace from the enduring legacies they left behind. He expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support of the association and to Dr Mohammed Alaaya, former non-executive director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, for facilitating the prayer session.

Among the dignitaries present were Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu; former Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Nurudeen AbdulRaheem; retired Justice Tunde Garba; and children of the deceased Gamjites.