Egbewole, Emir of Ilorin, Al-Hikmah founder, others attend “Kuliyan Gari” book launch
…Abdulbaqi calls for responsible and productive citizenship
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN; the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; the founder of Al-Hikmah University, Chief AbdulRaheem Oladimeji; and other eminent personalities witnessed the public presentation of the book “Kuliya of Ilorin: A Life of Purpose” last Thursday (January 15, 2026), with a strong call on Nigerians to deliberately invest in mentoring young people in character formation and entrepreneurship for national development.
The book was written by a former National Auditor of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and former Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Union, Comrade Abiodun Abdulkareem.
The event, which also featured the unveiling of the Kuliyan Gari of Ilorin Emirate National Youth Mentorship Summit, was held at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
Speaking at the well-attended event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, who was the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, described it as a celebration of exemplary leadership, service to humanity and the enduring values of mentorship.
He noted that the life and achievements of the Kuliyan Gari of Ilorin, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu-Ali, SAN, epitomise integrity, discipline and selfless service—virtues which, he said, universities and society must continue to instil in the younger generation.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Etudaye, the Vice Chancellor commended the author, Comrade Abdulkareem, for documenting a life of purpose and impact, describing the book as a valuable contribution to leadership literature and youth development discourse.
He added that the University of Ilorin was proud of the author as an alumnus and of the honouree whose achievements continue to inspire students and professionals across disciplines.
Speaking on the theme of the programme, the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Professor Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, who described mentorship as a purposeful and intentional act of guiding the youth towards becoming good members of the society, noted that investing in youth mentorship is an investment in the future of the nation.
She explained that mentorship should begin at home, where young people are prepared for future responsibilities, adding that digital platforms could be effectively deployed to enrol youths for mentorship programmes, employment opportunities and entrepreneurial development.
The don urged young people to see mentorship initiatives provided for them as acts of charity and goodwill, encouraging them to take full advantage of such opportunities.
She further admonished the youth to always think about giving back to society, no matter how little, in order to improve the lives of the less privileged.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, who also represented the founder of the University, Chief AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, said the institution was proud to host a programme that celebrates excellence, integrity and service to humanity, describing Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, as a worthy role model whose life exemplifies the values of scholarship, philanthropy and moral uprightness.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, Prof. Ramot Olayinka Karim, described the honouree as a rare blend of intellectual excellence, moral uprightness and uncommon generosity, noting that Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, has consistently used his knowledge, influence and resources to uplift humanity and promote education, peace and social harmony.
Prof. Joshua Kayode Olatoke, SAN, also said that the life of the Kuliyan Gari of Ilorin demonstrates that professional success must be complemented with compassion, humility and service to society, adding that the book is a timely reminder that true greatness lies in positively impacting lives.
Reviewing the book, a former Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, and Proprietor/General Manager of Gari FM, Ilorin, Dr Mahmud Abdulraheem, described the presentation as apt and timely, saying that the life and contributions of the subject had been examined in a manner that vividly highlighted his immense impact on the growth and development of society and on the nurturing of young professionals.
A former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, who represented the former President of the 8th Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said that instead of merely enjoying his resources, the senior lawyer had chosen to deploy them for the benefit of others.
“Students and young ones, if you find yourselves being mentored by Yusuf Ali, count yourselves lucky, not only in monetary terms but also in association. What is curious about him is that he is not the richest lawyer in Ilorin, Kwara State and Nigeria by extension, yet he never stops sparing a thought for others,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed delight at the presentation of a book dedicated to teaching the values and principles of mentorship, noting that it would contribute significantly to educating youths on good conduct and responsible living within the society.
The monarch observed that the book launch also coincided with the celebration of the conferment of the title of Kuliya Ngari of Ilorin on Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN, which was bestowed on him by the Emir last year.
Represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Usman Atolagbe Jos, the Emir said the honouree had been exceptionally kind to the people of Ilorin.
“He has been so useful to both Muslims and Christians in Ilorin. As he continues his kind gestures, we receive constant feedback at the palace.We appreciate him and pray that Almighty Allah guides and grants him long life,” he said.
Also speaking, an associate of the honouree, Mr Adebayo Adelodun, SAN, lauded the legendary generosity of his colleague towards mentees, institutions and individuals.
“He lives a life of purpose, dignity and discipline. His middle name is generosity—of spirit and of purse,” he said.
In his remarks, one of his mentees, Kehinde Eleja, SAN, said the honouree taught him the ABC of legal practice, describing him as “a mentor, supporter and carer. Someone I can rightly call my father. He has not only taught me how to catch fish, he still assists me in catching fish and treats me like a baby. That is very unusual,” he added.
Earlier in his address, the author of the book, Comrade Abdulkareem, represented by an Assistant Director of Information at the University of Ilorin and former Vice Chairman of the Kwara State NUJ, Mr Mustafa Abubakar, said the exemplary philosophical spirit and lifestyle of the awardee inspired him to write the book.
He explained that the publication is aimed at reawakening the consciousness of the public towards living purposeful lives and doing good for the benefit of society.
In his response, Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN, said he would not take credit for his humanitarianism, ascribing everything to Allah.
“Any occasion people talk about me, I become confused and troubled, because nobody can make himself. It is only God who counts one kind-hearted in the eyes of humanity. I, therefore, consider myself very, very lucky,” he said.
The Kuliyan Gari of Ilorin further stated that every human being is destined to fulfil God’s purpose in life, noting that the line between good and bad individuals is often very thin, and urged all to contribute their quota to societal growth and development.
Guests at the launch and the unveiling, through their representatives, praised the philanthropy of Yusuf Ali, SAN, and extolled his virtues of selflessness, compassion and unwavering commitment to youth development.
