THE Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has congratulated the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on his turbaning as the Sardauna of Ilorin by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
News Point Nigeria reports that Governor Inuwa Yahaya, on behalf of his colleagues in the NNGF, described the conferment of the prestigious traditional title on Governor AbdulRazaq as a well-deserved honour and a fitting recognition of his contributions to public service, leadership and the development of Kwara State and Northern Nigeria.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the title of Sardauna carries profound historical significance in Northern Nigeria, traditionally associated with leadership, service, courage, responsibility and devotion to the welfare of the people.
Against this background, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the choice of Governor AbdulRazaq for the revered title by the Emir of Ilorin was particularly fitting, reflecting his record of service, leadership qualities and commitment to the progress of his people.
The NNGF Chairman commended Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari for his thoughtful and discerning choice, noting that the traditional institution had honoured a public servant whose conduct in office has continued to demonstrate humility, integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya particularly lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, describing him as a responsible, consultative and dependable colleague whose disposition has contributed to constructive engagement and stronger collaboration among the 36 state governors.
He also commended his stewardship in Kwara State, saying his administration’s commitment to good governance and development has earned him the respect and confidence of his people.
“Having worked closely with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, I can attest to his character, integrity, humility and commitment to public service. He is a leader who carries his responsibilities with a deep sense of duty and who places the interests of his people above personal considerations.
“The conferment of the title of Sardauna of Ilorin is therefore a fitting recognition of a man whose public life continues to reflect the virtues of leadership, service and dedication to the common good.
“We are confident that Your Excellency will justify the confidence and honour reposed in you by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, and that you will use the position to advance the unity, peace and development of Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and the North.”
The NNGF Chairman said the Northern Governors’ Forum identified with Governor AbdulRazaq and the people of Kwara on the historic occasion, describing the turbaning as a moment of pride for his colleagues in the NNGF.
He prayed Almighty Allah to grant Governor AbdulRazaq wisdom, strength and good health to discharge the responsibilities associated with the prestigious title and to continue to serve his people with distinction.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also prayed for the continued peace, unity and prosperity of the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, the Northern region and Nigeria at large.