IEYDA Marks Emir’s 30th Coronation with 11 Days of Impactful Events

 IEYDA Marks Emir’s 30th Coronation with 11 Days of Impactful Events

The 30th Coronation Anniversary of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has come and gone — a celebration of three decades of purposeful and impactful leadership that has redefined traditional institutions as beacons of wisdom, peace, and integrity.

The landmark anniversary was marked by groups and individuals across the Ilorin Emirate with various activities in appreciation of the Emir’s remarkable achievements since ascending the throne of his forebears in 1995. Among the notable contributors was the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), which devoted 11 consecutive days to host 11 solid events in honour of the Emir’s 30th Coronation Anniversary.

Day 1: Special Prayer and Qur’an Competition

The anniversary programme kicked off with a special prayer session at the Ilorin Eid Prayer Ground, where members of IEYDA converged to seek Allah’s mercy for a hitch-free celebration. Later in the evening, the final stage of the first category of the Qur’an Memorization Competition was concluded.

Day 2: AI Training for Youths

In line with its commitment to digital transformation, IEYDA organized an AI training workshop in partnership with DTITI Innovation Hub, exposing members to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for community-based development.

Day 3: Humanitarian Visitations

IEYDA paid humanitarian visits to the Ilorin Islamic Orphanage Home and the Correctional Service Centre, extending compassion and creating a sense of belonging for the less privileged within the Emirate.

Day 4: Solar Energy Leadership Training

A leadership training on solar energy systems was held in collaboration with Apex Renewable Energy, aimed at empowering youths to explore renewable energy solutions and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

Day 5: Scholarship Awards

Through partnerships with the Yahaya Youth Education Foundation and its own scholarship scheme, IEYDA awarded scholarships to indigent students in secondary and tertiary institutions, reaffirming its commitment to education and youth empowerment.

Day 6: Youth Leadership Training

A special Youth Leadership Programme was organized to nurture potential community leaders, equipping them with skills for effective engagement and administration.

Day 7: Coronation Jummat Service

A special Coronation Jummat Prayer was held at the Ilorin Central Mosque, led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu (OON). Prayers were offered for continued peace and progress under the Emir’s reign, attended by scholars, dignitaries, and residents.

Day 8: Health Talk, Endurance Trek & Cultural Night

IEYDA organized a health talk and endurance trek, traversing major streets of Ilorin to promote fitness and wellness. The evening featured a cultural display of Ilorin heritage, showcasing local delicacies, attire, and music, with performances from Alhaji Suleiman Sarumi, Obalohu Oniwaka, and Alhaji Suleiman Commander, among others.

Day 9: Leadership Summit & Economic Empowerment

A Leadership and Economic Empowerment Summit was held in collaboration with RES Abuja, alongside the final of an inter-community football competition, where Balogun Gambari Community emerged champions and received cash prizes.

Day 10: Qur’an Recitation Finals

The final of the second category of the Qur’an Memorization and Recitation Competition took place at the Ilorin Central Mosque, with participants rewarded for their dedication and excellence.

Day 11: Grand Finale and Empowerment Programme

The grand finale featured an Anniversary Lecture by the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Fadheelat Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, who emphasized unity, love, and collective efforts towards national development.

The day also witnessed IEYDA’s 12th Mega Empowerment Programme, supported by philanthropists and L-Press Goat Production Initiative, providing resources to boost youth entrepreneurship.

The series of events reflected IEYDA’s unwavering commitment to community growth, unity, and cultural preservation. The association, under the leadership of Alhaji Usman Mohammed Jagunmola, has continued to prove itself as a formidable platform for youth development and empowerment across the five local governments of the Ilorin Emirate.

As Ilorin celebrates 30 years of the Emir’s reign, the collective efforts of IEYDA and its partners stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of service, unity, and progress that define the Emirate.

Let all sons and daughters of Ilorin remain steadfast in supporting the association’s vision of nurturing youth potential, preserving Ilorin’s rich heritage, and advancing the Emirate as a truly metropolitan city.

🖊 🖋 Ayodeji Ismail