Emir, Saraki Extol Yusuf Ali’s Philanthropy At Book Launch

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki on Thursday led a roll call of dignitaries who paid glowing tributes to the philanthropy, humility and life of service of legal luminary, Yusuf Ali (SAN), at a public book presentation in Ilorin. The ceremony, held in Ilọrin, the Kwara State […]

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki on Thursday led a roll call of dignitaries who paid glowing tributes to the philanthropy, humility and life of service of legal luminary, Yusuf Ali (SAN), at a public book presentation in Ilorin.

The ceremony, held in Ilọrin, the Kwara State capital, also featured the unveiling of the book Kuliya Ilorin: A Life of Purpose, authored by former Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abiodun AbdulKareem.

The book was written in honour of the senior advocate, who was last year turbaned as the Kuliya Ngari of Ilorin.

Speaking through the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Dr Usman Atolagbe Jos, the Emir said the palace had continued to receive heartwarming reports of Ali’s far reaching humanitarian interventions across Ilorin and beyond.

According to the monarch, the senior lawyer’s generosity has touched lives across religious and social divides.

“He has been very kind to the people of Ilorin. He has been so useful to both Muslims and Christians.

“As he continues his kind gestures from his office, we receive constant feedback at the palace. We deeply appreciate him and pray that Almighty Allah guides him and grants him long life,” the Emir said.

Saraki, who was represented by a former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof Ali Ahmad, described Ali as a rare example of wealth deployed in the service of humanity.

He said while many would have chosen a life of personal comfort, the senior advocate consistently channels his resources into uplifting others.

“Instead of enjoying his resources alone, he elects to use them for people. Students and young ones who find themselves under his mentorship should count themselves lucky, not only for the financial support but for the privilege of association,” Ahmad said.

He added that Ali’s generosity stands out even in a profession known for its elite status.

“What is remarkable about him is that he may not be the richest lawyer in Ilorin, Kwara State or Nigeria, but he will never stop sparing a thought for others,” he said.

Also paying tribute, Ali’s associate, Adebayo Adelodun (SAN), described the honouree as a man whose life is defined by purpose, dignity and discipline.

“He is someone I have known closely. He lives a life of purpose, a life of dignity and a life of discipline.

“His middle name is generosity, generosity of spirit and of purse,” Adelodun said.

One of Ali’s mentees, Kehinde Eleja (SAN), said the senior advocate laid the foundation of his legal career and has continued to nurture and support him.

“He taught me the ABC of law practice. He is a mentor, a supporter and a carer, someone I can rightly call my father.

“He taught me how to catch fish and, till today, he still assists me in catching fish. He still treats me like a baby, which is very unusual,” Eleja said.

In his response, Ali deflected the accolades, insisting that his life of service was the product of divine grace rather than personal effort.

“Any time people speak about me, I feel confused and troubled, because nobody makes himself.

“It is only God who has counted me kind hearted in the contemplation of human beings. I therefore count myself very, very lucky,” he said.

The Dean Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Sa’udat Salah-Abdulbaqi, eulogized Ali for his generosity and mentorship.

She urged Nigerians to emulate the honouree by investing in the mentorship of the youth in character and entrepreneurship to enable them become good citizens.

Prof. Sa’udat who also unveiled Kuliyan of Ilorin Emirate’s National Youth Mentorship Summit, urged the youth to see the mentorship put forward for them as an act of charity.

She admonished the youth to always think of how they can give back to society no matter how little to make life better for the less privileged.