The Chairman of the Al-Barka Branch of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Dr Tajudeen Ishola, has commended Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his administration's efforts at tackling crime and criminality in the state.

Dr Ishola, a Peace and Security Studies expert, gave the commendation at the second edition of the branch's Ramadan Lecture held at the Union's National Secretariat Annex, Pakata Roundabout, Ilorin.

He noted that the lecture, titled "Securing Our Communities: Islamic Perspectives" and delivered by Ado-Ekiti-based Islamic scholar, Engr. Abdulateef Imam, was timely, stressing that safeguarding communities should not be left to security agencies alone but should involve collective responsibility.

While acknowledging that more work remains to sustain Kwara's reputation as the "State of Harmony," Dr Ishola said the Governor's efforts so far deserve recognition.

He also praised the National President of the Union, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, for establishing the Ilorin Emirate Security Consultative Council (IESCC), emphasising that stakeholders must work together to minimise criminal activities.

The event was presided over by retired Permanent Secretary and former Director-General of the defunct Kwara State Bureau of Lands, Mallam Kale Yusuf-Ikokoro, and was attended by dignitaries from within and outside the state.