Mallam Abdulaezeez Arowona, the Spokesman to His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, has bagged another Master’s Degree from a reputable University in the Eastern Europe.
Recall that Arowona, who is also the Managing Director/CEO of EMIRATE RADIO 98.5 FM and ROYAL NEWS ONLINE NEWSPAPERS as well as ROYAL NEWS MAGAZINE recently bagged a Doctorate Degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
But this time around, far away from Nigeria, the Communications and Public Relations Expert bagged a Master’s Degree in Management of Health, Education and Social Institutions from the University of Management and Administration in Opole, Republic of Poland.
His Thesis was rigorously supervised by
Dr. habil. Wojciech Duczmal, a Polish economist, professor, and university administrator who commended Arowona for the establishment of EMIRATE RADIO 98.5 FM as well as the ROYAL NEWS MAGAZINE in a bid to further advance journalism and media in Nigeria and beyond.
He completed his programme on Tuesday 30th June 2026 as the Best Graduating Student with a CGPA of 5.0/5.0, a Distinction Grade following a tough session of Thesis Defence.
“Today, 30th June 2026, following your successful academic performances and Defence of your Thesis, you have been conferred with the Master’s Degree of this university with a Distinction Grade of 5.0/5.0 which is the highest ever in this university. Your confirmation of graduation can be obtained immediately at the International Students’ Office while your original certificate will be ready within 3-4 weeks, Congratulations”, Duczmal said.
Arowona, an alumnus of several reputable higher institutions, studied Bachelor of Science Degree (Political Science) from the University of Ilorin, Masters of Science Degree in Humanitarian and Refugee Studies from University of Ibadan, Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja as well as Master Class in Business Management and Leadership from the London Graduate School.
The Mediaprenuer also bagged Professional Certification in Information Technology and Management from the European Institute of Information Technology and Security in Brussels, Belgium.
He is a member of professional bodies such as; Nigeria Union Journalist (NUJ), Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN), International Centre for Global Research (ICGR), Institute for Crisis Resolution, Peacebuilding and Conciliation (ICRPC), Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, (ARCON)
and the Guild Of Corporate Online Publisher (GOCOP).
A social entrepreneur, peace advocate and expert on developmental journalism and inter-cultural media practice is a partner at the UK Digital Training Group and holder of traditional title of Shettima of Okuta Emirate in Baruten Local Governmant of Kwara State, Chikansoro Tangale in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State and Basiran Dadiya in Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State.
With the latest development, Arowona has vowed not to relent in his quest for knowledge through quality education, stressing that he wish to acquire two more Doctorate Degrees.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the entire Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram, 1448 A.H.
He noted that the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah established the foundation for justice, brotherhood, and community building as well as the values that are urgently needed for global peace.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari stated this in a goodwill message issued on Tuesday by his spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, describing the Hijrah as a timeless reminder of sacrifice, perseverance, and faith in Allah’s divine plan.
The monarch noted that, “Hijrah teaches us that hard times do not last forever. As we enter 1448 A.H., I urge Muslims to renew their commitment to piety, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity.”
He appealed to Nigerians to use the New Year to pray for peace, unity, and economic prosperity at all levels even as he urged religious and political leaders to avoid divisive utterances that are capable of causing rancour in the society and admonished them to always promote messages that strengthen national cohesion.
The Emir further commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his administration’s support for religious harmony and urged youths to emulate the discipline and courage of the early Muslims by shunning violence, drug abuse, and other social vices.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari however offered special prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Prof. Yusuf Lanre Badmos, whose relentless efforts, scholarship, and devotion to the National Hijrah Organization, Kwara State Chapter, significantly advanced the commemoration of Hijrah and the propagation of Islamic values during his lifetime.
He prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
“May the New Year inspire us to be our brother’s keeper. I pray Almighty Allah (SWT) grants us good health, abundant blessings, and accepts our acts of worship,” the Emir added.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has congratulated the Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Abdulraheem Oladimeji, OFR, on his 88th birthday celebration.
In a goodwill message issued on Tuesday by his Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari described the Jagunmolu of Igbaja, Arogundade of Lagos, Bobajiro of Ijeshaland, Atunluse of Erin-Osun, and Baba Oba of Offa as a distinguished personality for all seasons.
The Emir added that Alhaji Oladimeji is an elder statesman, industrialist, and philanthropist whose impact on Nigeria’s educational and socio-economic development is profound and far-reaching.
According to him, “The celebrant is no doubt a rare gem whose life reflects hard work, faith in God, and selfless service to humanity. Through the establishment of Al-Hikmah University, Nigeria’s first Islamic faith-based university, he broadened access to quality tertiary education and pioneered a model that blends moral excellence with academic distinction.
“I commend the celebrant’s immense contributions to educational development in Nigeria, his investments in infrastructure, scholarship schemes, and endowments that have empowered thousands of indigent students across the country to pursue higher education.”
Speaking further, the Emir applauded Alhaji Oladimeji’s philanthropic attributes, stressing that “His numerous traditional titles across Yorubaland and beyond are testaments to his acceptability, integrity, and service to diverse communities. Yet, his generosity, humility, and devotion to the upliftment of the less privileged stand him out as a true patriot and servant of Allah. He gives without noise and builds without seeking praise.”
The monarch therefore prayed Almighty Allah to grant Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Abdulraheem Oladimeji long life, sound health, and greater wisdom to continue his service to Islam, the education sector, Nigeria, and humanity in general.
Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, is dead.
Ambali, a Professor of Veterinary Medicine was the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the Ilorin, ROYAL NEWS has gathered.
A short message making round of social media reads:
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the death of the 9th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON.
Details of the Janazah will be communicated as soon as they are made available by the family.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire University community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
In Ilorin, Durbar isn’t just a festival. It’s a first love letter to horses, written in hoofbeats across the Emir’s Palace forecourt. And for a new generation of royals, that love is starting early.
This Eid-el-Kabir, the palace grounds came alive with colour, drums, and the proud clip-clop of decorated stallions. Among the crowd were three of Ilorin’s youngest royals who are already discovering the magic of the saddle.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, is a sportsman, a super-horse rider and multi-award recipient has been adjudged as of the most prominent traditional rulers in the nation.
In term of career, Sulu-Gambari voluntarily retired as the Presiding Justice of Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in 1995 following the demise of his uncle, to become the 11th Emir of Ilorin, in term of status, the stool of the Emir of Ilorin belongs to the 16 recognised First Traditional Rulers in Northern Nigeria before independence and presently ranking 9th in that category and in term of age, His Royal Highness clocked 86 years-old on 22nd April 2026.
Even at an advanced age, the Emir of Ilorin is fashionable, intellectually sound and always likes to have people around him. His love for his subjects knows-no-bound and he conveniently plays his roles as father to all in the state without any bias.
There is no doubt that Emir Sulu-Gambari is the architect of the Renewed Ilorin Emirate in the areas of modernisation and attraction of numerous developmental opportunities beyond Ilorin Emirate, and spread across Kwara, a viable state in the North-Central part of Nigeria.
He single-handedly revived the Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar Festival after many years to serve as an avenue of preserving the cultural heritage of the people of the city of Ilorin Emirate, to foster peaceful co-existence, harmonious working relationship as well as projecting and repositioning the city to the world.
However, horses are parts of the phenomena that always feature during the annual Durbar festival. The Emir is also known for his extreme love of horse riding since his tender age as a Prince, later as the Ciroma of Ilorin and now as the 11th Emir of Ilorin. This genetic trait has become hereditary as virtually all the Emir’s grandchildren now ride on horseback without any support.
Aliyu
Prince Aliyu Sulu-Gambari
Status: Emir’s Last Born
Age: 7
Hobby: Drawing
Passion: Horse-Riding
Ambition: Architectural Engineer
Favourite Colour: Blue
Quotes:
“I like drawing horses. One day I will be an Architectural Engineer and I will design big stables for them.”
“When I grow older, I will ride in front like my brothers.”
Aisha
Princess Aisha Sulu-Gambari
Status: Emir’s grand-daughter
Age: 6
Hobby: Reading
Passion: Horse Riding
Ambition: Pilot
Favourite Colour: Yellow
Quotes:
“I love horses because they are strong and beautiful”
“I want to be a pilot. Then I can fly in the sky and also ride my horse on the ground.”
Laufe Hudayfah
Status: Emir’s Grandson
Age: 4
Hobby: Playing games
Passion: Horse Riding
Ambition: Undecided
Favourite Colour: N/A
These are just a few out of the wonders that princes and princesses of the Ilorin Emirate are displaying as their contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage of the ancient city and not in any way affecting their excellent academic performances and quranic education.
We implore you to watch out for the display of the horse-riding skills on our social media.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council , Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, has returned from his annual vacation abroad.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari who landed at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport on Friday night after spending few weeks in Istanbul in the Republic of Turkiye.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Emir’s Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona.
On the entourage of His Royal Highness were; Ambassador Ahmad Sulu-Gambari, Dr. Suleiman Sulu-Gambari, Dr. Murtala Abdulraheem and Hamidu Suleiman among others.
Upon his arrival in Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari thanked the government and people of Kwara State for their show of love and solidarity and fervent prayers throughout his stay in Turkiye stressing that, “No where like home. I am happy to return home in high spirit, sound health and absolute comfort.”
The Emir thanked the members of the Ilorin Emirate Council, Traditional chiefs, Council of Ulama, associations, groups, market men and women, residents, sons and daughters of Ilorin and Kwarans at large for their demonstration of love to him always.
He specially thanked the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON for his exceptional leadership styles and supports for traditional Institution and kwara state in general.
During his stay in Istanbul, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari hosted dignitaries as well as Nigerians living in the Republic of Turkiye and urged them to be good Ambassadors of Nigeria in all their endeavours.
The Zanna of Ilorin and Chairman Ilorin Central Eid Praying Ground Committee, Engr. Yusuf Olanrewaju Sagaya FNSE, OFR, has felicitated with the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR on his 86th birhday anniversary.
Sagaya, who is also the Principal Partner of Yolas Consultant Ltd., stated this during his personal visit to the monarch in Istanbul, Republic of Turkiye where he is currently observing his annual vacation.
He noted that, “I had a nice time with His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, in Istanbul to share the joy of his 86th birthday with him. Despite the fact that he is on annual vacation, the Emir is always busy attending to issues of community concerns, growth and development of Kwara State as well as issues of national interests.
“He is hale and hearty, in high spirit and looking forward to returning back home soonest. His contenance shows his extreme love for his community, his people, the state and nation in general.”
Engr. Sayaga however stressed that, “On the occasion of his birthday, I thank Almighty for the life of our amiable father, His Royal Highness, Shehu Alimi and pray that Almighty Allah will continue to strengthen him, grant him more wisdom and absolute comfort for the good of Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, Nigeria and humanity at large.”
An Ilorin-born visually impaired student in the Department of History and International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Abdulfatai Rofiq, has emerged second in the Quranic Recitation Competition held on Saturday 4, April 2026 in Dutse, Jigawa State.
Orgainzed by the Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN), the competition was part of activities marking the 2026 national conference and 20th anniversary of association where new national executives were elected among other activities of the association.
ROYAL NEWS gathered at the well attended gathering where Rofiq was declared second in Braille Recitation Category, MAVIN solicitated partnerships to create employment opportunities and empower visually impaired individuals, thereby reducing reliance on begging and promoting economic inclusion.
The Association stated this in a statement signed to commemorate its two decades of impact.
MAVIN’s Amir, Alhaji Abdul-Wasiu Salaudeen, appealed to political parties, particularly the ruling party, to reserve at least ten per cent of political positions at local, state, and federal levels for persons with disabilities.
He described the move as essential for justice, peace, and equality, enabling disabled individuals to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Salaudeen also called for partnerships to create employment opportunities and empowerment programmes to reduce reliance on begging
He further urged the federal government to establish a Ministry of Disability Affairs, saying such a step would bring policymakers closer to the needs of the disabled community.
Growing up in the Oke-Apomu area of Abayawo, Ilorin, was a pleasant experience due to the communal spirit and unwavering relationships among the young and old, indigenes and non-indigenes, the rich and the less privileged, religious clerics and technocrats, among other strata of human endeavor.
At the centre of the Oke-Apomu community are the renowned Bature and Olowo Mosques, which bring congregations together to observe the five daily prayers as commanded by Almighty Allah (SWT), while members of the community attend the Ilorin Central Mosque for their weekly Jumu’ah prayers.
Oke-Apomu has countless family compounds such as Ile Olowo, Ile Koro, Ile Sebutu, Ile Bature, Ile Alhaji, Ile Asileke, Ile Kijan, Ile Apala, Ile Alowoeru, Ile Eleji, Ile Ayilara, Ile Eleji, Ile Baba dudu, Ile Gabasi, and Ile Olosan, just to mention a few.
The community is blessed with many successful individuals who have contributed their quota to the development of the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large, ranging from Islamic scholars and business tycoons to civil servants, artisans, and top-notch professionals.
Born in the Olosan family compound (Ile Olosa) on Friday, 12 April 1946, Engr. Yusuf Olanrewaju Sagaya, FNSE, FAEng, MFR, OFR, is one of the most respected, influential, and impactful members of the community and the Ilorin Emirate at large.
A civil engineer by training and practice, Engr. Lanre Sagaya, as he is fondly called, has contributed in no small measure to the development of many engineers and administrators making waves in Nigeria and abroad. He deploys his God-given talent, resources, influence, and connections to positively impact the lives of many people, both indigenes and non-indigenes.
As a successful civil engineer and project consultant, he has assisted many higher institutions of learning (universities and polytechnics) nationwide in training students during their Industrial Training (IT) and Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). He has also supported countless members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in gaining practical workplace experience when posted to YOLAS Consultants Ltd, under the daily supervision of experts such as late Engr. Tony Molukwu, Alhaji Ibrahim Salman, Mrs. Ebi Awulaba (the longest-serving YOLAS staff member), Professor Y.A. Jimoh, Engr (Dr) ‘Lanre Oyenekan, Engr. Onundi, Engr. Issac Oyeleke, Engr. Timothy, Engr. Akeem Raji, Engr. Ladi Yusuf, Baba Ajewole, Engr. Abdulkareem, and Mr. Segun Ogbonnibi (IT expert), among other dedicated staff.
Although, I was not privileged to be close to his late father, Alhaji Busari Alabi Sagaya, who died in 1999, but, I was privileged to know and be very close to his mother, late Alhaja Munirat, also known as Iyamero (may Almighty Allah be pleased with their souls), and his stepmother, Alhaja Afusat (Iya Atanda). This was on the instruction of Alhaji Ibrahim Salman-Arowona, who detailed me to visit Olosan Compound every Friday to carry out some special tasks.
Lanre Sagaya is one of the few wealthy individuals with sound moral and academic backgrounds. While many wealthy individuals now struggle to obtain certifications or pay heavily to earn honours, he attended Alore Junior Primary School, Oke-Apomu, Ilorin, where he studied between 1953 and 1956, before moving to the then Native Authority Senior Boarding Primary School, Omu-Aran, from 1957 to 1959, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate.
He attended the then Provincial Secondary School (now Government Secondary School), Ilorin, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC) between 1960 and 1966.
The social entrepreneur was admitted to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1967 and earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1970.
With this academic achievement, Lanre Sagaya began his engineering career with the British firm of consulting engineers, Ove Arup and Partners, in Ibadan. He was recruited directly from the university upon graduation to work on the redesign and supervision of war-damaged bridges between Benin and Ore. It is noteworthy that Engr. Sagaya was a student at Ahmadu Bello University throughout the war period from 1967 to 1970.
He worked as a trainee engineer at Ove Arup and Partners from 1970 to 1972, focusing on highway and bridge design, before transferring to Osot Associates, also in Ibadan, where he gained further training and experience in water design and supervision.
Valuable information about Lanre Sagaya appeared in his autobiography entitled Chronicle of Monuments, published in 1996 during his 50th birthday celebration and authored by Mallam Rasaq Gidado, a veteran journalist and now a Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission representing Kwara State.
Records show that Lanre Sagaya later proceeded to Canada for a master’s degree programme in 1973. He completed the programme in 1975 and worked with Maclaren International in Toronto. Interestingly, his project at Maclaren involved the design of the University of Lagos Science Complex.
He was transferred to Nigeria in 1976 to supervise the construction of this iconic project, which was completed in 1979. He subsequently resigned from Maclaren to establish his own consulting engineering firm, YOLAS Consultants. The name “YOLAS” was coined from his names, Yusuf Olanrewaju Sagaya. The firm has its headquarters in Ilorin, with offices in Lagos, Abuja, and other project sites.
YOLAS Consultants has successfully supervised many mega projects for multinational companies and federal and state governments across Nigeria, with high levels of client satisfaction.
Very dear to his heart are his amiable wife, Hajia Farida Sagaya, a successful business tycoon and travels and tours expert, and his children: Engr. Tajudeen Lanre Sagaya (Lanre Junior), Abdulraheed Folarin Sagaya, and Munirat Remilekun.
Professionally, Engr. Lanre Sagaya has paid his dues to many professional bodies and holds the highest status in associations such as:
1. Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers
2. Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers
3. Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Highway Engineers
4. Fellow of the Academy of Engineering in Nigeria
Because of his long-standing reputation, commitment, and dedication to the growth of the Ilorin Emirate and humanity in general, the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, during his 11th coronation anniversary in 2006, conferred traditional titles on 11 distinguished individuals. Among them was Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya, OFR, who was conferred with the traditional title of Zanna of Ilorin, while his close associate, Alhaji Aliyu Kola Belgore, OFR, was honoured with the traditional title of Jarma of Ilorin.
In addition, Sagaya has held many positions of responsibility at different levels, including:
1. Ex-officio Member of the National Executive Committee of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) for many years
2. Chairman of the Kwara State Town Planning and Development Authority (1992–1993)
3. Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (1992–1993)
4. President of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (2002–2003)
5. Chairman of the Ilorin Eid Praying Ground Remodelling and Management Committee, recently constituted by the Emir of Ilorin
6. National President of the GSS Ilorin Old Boys Association for many years
7. Founder of Aderoju International School, Tanke, Ilorin, initially managed by his late wife, Mrs. Aderoju Adunni Sagaya, of blessed memory
Sagaya is a friend to many global leaders including Presidents, State Governors, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Technocrats, Heads of State and Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals, Business Tycoons, Military/Para-Military Officers and many Top Professionals.
As part of efforts to appreciate and immortalise the engineering icon, in 2023, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ilorin Branch, instituted the “Engr. Yusuf Lanre Sagaya, FNSE, FAEng, MFR, OFR Annual Distinguished Lecture.”
At the advanced age of 80, Engr. Lanre Sagaya still looks youthful, energetic, patriotic, supportive, dedicated, and industrious. Despite his busy schedules around the world, he rarely misses community-based events in Ilorin. Another notable trait is that no matter the amount, he never makes a public pledge without fulfilling it.
Mai-Girma, Zanna Ilori, your journey from childhood to adulthood and now to becoming an elder statesman has been truly remarkable, filled with unprecedented achievements as a successful civil engineer and multi-award recipient.
Your kindness and mentorship have illuminated many lives and given breath to many souls, as you continue to support households and business owners toward sustainable livelihoods.
A sport enthusiast and ‘unrepented Golfer’, Engr. “Professor” Lanre Sagaya, your lecture hall is large enough to accommodate anyone ready for your mentorship. I can categorically say that I am a bona fide grandchild of your school of thought and always proud of you, sir, because your years of life continue to shape and inspire us positively.
As we await the celebration of your 80th anniversary come Sunday, 12 April 2026, we pray for continued comfort for you and your entire household, to the glory of Almighty Allah and the benefit of mankind.
Trained locally and internationally on the theory and practice of professionalism but Yusuf Olanrewaju Amuda Sagaya later became ‘The Engineer Who Builds More Than Bridges.’
Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, PhD, a Journalist and Public Relations Expert writes from Lublin, Republic of Poland via sardauna2@gmail.com
