The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has applauded the contributions of Sheikh Khalilullah Usman Gbodofu, a Professor of Arabic Literary Criticism at the University of Ilorin, to Islamic knowledge and scholarship.
In a goodwill message issued by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described Professor Gbodofu as an undisputed scholar with track records of community services to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity.
The Emir described his global academic feat as one of the 29 awardees at the 2025 Sheikh Hamad International Award for Best Translation and International Understanding, in Doha, Qatar, as a confirmation of Ilorin Emirate’s unique contributions to global literacy.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari further disclosed that Professor Gbodofu had earlier carved a niche for himself with a strong background in Journalism practice before his full engagement as a Lecturer with the University of Ilorin.
He however congratulated the awardee for making Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and Nigeria in general proud for making the list of highly respected personality in the global scene of intellectualism and academic excellence stressing that, “You’re a worthy Ambassador of Ilorin Emirate”.
The monarch therefore charged Professor Gbodofu not to relent in his efforts of mentoring younger generations even as he prayed Almighty Allah to continue to strengthen and protect him for the benefit of humanity.
