The Cerebral and enigmatic correct indigenes of Ilorin was former Deputy Chairman National Planning Commission, Deputy Chairman National Economic Council and Chairman Transition Technical Sub- Committee responsible for managing Transition between the governments of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
By Mohammad Abdulkadri,
I considered saying and sending just the usual and common cliche of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to Prof. Abubakar Olarewaju Sulaiman as steriotypistic, simplistic, symptomatic and too infinitesimally insufficient for me.
I therefore chose to go beyond just saying ordinary happy birthday to this man of extraordinary capacity for humanness, kindness and thoroughness to writing this epistle.
It is however, a mark of sufficient respect for me for this great man in question to be so honoured this way .
In felicitating with Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, on the occasion of his birthday, it is germane to applaud his deep sense of service to our nation and his towering principle to toe the paths of impactful life of service and impecable style of living.
Also as both bona-fide son of Ilorin and don’t forget he is also one of the highly referred inlaws to the Emir of Ilorin, Mai Martaba Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Ganbari, CFR.
The larger than life University Don is also an absolutely authentic kwaran who is famous with the political pet name and slogan of “SAI AMANA ” on the State Political campaign stage and among leaders of thoughts.
More importantly too, i celebrate the Iconic Professor of Professors for wearing many notable and befitting caps of identities at different fora and times in service to the Nation.
The Celebrant, Professor Abubakar Olarewaju Sulaiman, DG National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja.
The Cerebral and enigmatic correct indigenes of Ilorin was former Deputy Chairman National Planning Commission, Deputy Chairman National Economic Council and Chairman Transition Technical Sub- Committee responsible for managing Transition between the governments of former President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Commendably, he is an academic giant. A Sheikh among qualified Sheikhs. An erudite sholar. A renowned well respected former Minister of National Planning and now Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies,NILDS.
No one could ever be in doubt about this accomplished Nigerian being a global player and a big human capital asset in National and international arenas.
Well-wishers in a photograph session with the celebrant
He is also a consumate Professor and an embodiment of knowledge in the nation’s Ivory towers. Ask one the greatest sons of Ilorin, the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja Professor Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah
and the Former No nonsense vice Chancellor, “Better by Far University of Ilorin Professor Oba Abdulraheem.
Admittedly, I might not have the financial muscles to muster the power of laying a red-carpet reception for the great Professor for making us proud, everything is not about money.
I’m proud to say as a friend, brother, lecturer and a colleague with shared destiny of being from the same historic City of Ilorin, Abubakar is doing wonderfully well. What I have is sufficient for me to celebrate him. If you care to know what I have, I would simply say, I have the instrumentality of what it takes to medialise my reflection on him.
No doubt, he is an exemplary leader and and an excellent administrator which justifiably qualified him for a well deserved renewed appoitment of another four years tenure as the DG of the reputable NILDS.
Professor Sulaiman’s enviable pedigree would have made me to bank-roll a red -carpet reception for him to take majestic steps to the podium at the International Conference Center Abuja to celebrate the celebrant but where is the wherewithal to do so. At least to ambush him using element of “surprise tactic” parlance in the Military .
Again on this special occasion of my brother’s birthday i cant afford to hire the service of King of Music, Saheed Osupa Akorede for elaborate party.
As beautifully laudable as my concepts of wishes and good intentions to celebrate this great man of honour I’m sure it will be considered ill – timed. Even by the shrewed human-centric Professor who is blessed with high propensity for large heart of generosity. Infact it is even unthinkable in this challenging time of sacrifice by Nigerians for Nigeria aimed at paving the way for the prosperity of our dear nation. You will agree with me that we must
be circumspect.
The option left for me since I cannot embark nor embrace the aforementioned models and modes of celebrating a giant among equal is to deploy my journalistic prowess. I guessed you understand my wise choice since you know that “Power of the Pen is mightier than the Sword”.
I’m using this powerful medium therefore as an instrument of my own icing on his birthday cake and to add value to his day.
My thoughts and quantum of admiration for the admirable, reliable amiable and likeable Professor Sulaiman are immeasurable.
Don’t miscinstrue my intention for embarking on this voyage of writing this special tribute. It is totally devoid of the reward for perquisites common with my colleagues in pen pushing profession.
This is purely and basically a “brown envelope free” writing to eulogise one of our own Ilorin extraction and by extention dogged kwaran ambassador.
It is an established fact to say that not everyone’s birthday date is worthwhile remembering. How much more of being remembered, referenced and be celebrated this way through explosive reflections for posterity.
It is also true that someone’s birthday in the calibre of the Former Minister and the present Director General of a great Institution like NILDS Professor Abubakar Sulaiman evokes special memories of impactful life to be remembered and deservedly celebrated with prayer for more sustainable healthy life ahead.
It is true that our Political Scientist and my colleague in the Class of 1990 alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria had painstakingly weathered the storms and watered the ground to soften his paths to greatness. Congratulations.
In my mind, what is paramountly needed to support this pillar of support to many people is not the number of cards and cakes beautifully baked, designed and decorated nor throwing wasteful party for him. Rather what is needed is for our people to rise resolutely in prayer to Almighty Allah to raise more of the likes and calibres of Professor Sulaiman in our cherished ancient city of Ilorin, kwara state and indeed our country, Nigeria.
I pray for for God’s guidance and protection for our ageless, youthful looking and agile son of the soil to live longer than his forebearers with uncommon sound health on the surface of the planet.
Above all we thank Almighty Allah for keeping him and all of us alive as we continue to intensify prayers for our dear State under the Warch of performing workerholic Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON and the country at large under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
As a tribute to Professor Abubakar Olarewaju Sulaiman whose Shining and Sterling live of Service, Sacrifice and Successes justifiably defined the totality of his enviable Personality, i predictably pray for more glorious years for him.
Jazakum Lahu khair to all of us.
Abdulkadri, anipr, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
