The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, leads a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Kwara State to commiserate with the state government and families of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, and the Chief Imam of Kaiama, Alhaji Umar Sabi Mohammed, whose deaths recently shock the Islamic community.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the delegation begins its visit at the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin, where members are received by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq before proceeding to the Emir’s Palace and the residence of the late Chief Imam to pay further respects.
The visit forms part of the Federal Government’s effort to honour the legacy of respected religious leaders and to stand in solidarity with the people of Kwara State during a period of mourning. The delegation describes the late clerics as symbols of peace, moral discipline, and religious guidance whose influence extends beyond their immediate communities.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the delegation includes Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, alongside former Governors Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Senator Adamu Aleiro of Kebbi State. Also present is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Barau conveys the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the government and people of Kwara State. He praises the late Chief Imams for their dedication to Islam, community service, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different backgrounds.
The Deputy Senate President notes that Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu remains widely respected for his commitment to truth, uprightness, and lifelong service to humanity. He describes the late Ilorin Chief Imam as a leading Islamic scholar who consistently preached unity, tolerance, and national harmony.
Senator Barau also extends similar tributes to the late Chief Imam of Kaiama, Alhaji Umar Sabi Mohammed, highlighting his role as a spiritual guide and community leader who worked tirelessly to strengthen faith and social cohesion in his domain.
He prays for Allah to grant both clerics Aljannatul Firdaus and to give their families, followers, and the people of Kwara State the strength to bear the loss.
In his response, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expresses gratitude to President Tinubu and members of the Federal Government delegation for the condolence visit. He describes the gesture as a mark of respect and national unity at a time of collective grief.
The governor says the late Chief Imams leave behind enduring legacies of scholarship, humility, and service, adding that their teachings continue to guide generations across Kwara State and beyond.
Community leaders and religious figures present during the visit also commend the Federal Government for identifying with the people of the state, noting that the presence of senior national leaders brings comfort to grieving families.
Observers say the condolence visit reflects the importance of religious leadership in Nigeria’s social fabric and the role of dialogue and respect in sustaining national cohesion.
The visit concludes with prayers for peace, unity, and continued harmony in Kwara State and the country at large, as leaders urge citizens to uphold the values of tolerance and mutual respect exemplified by the late clerics.
