On Tuesday, December 26, 2023; specifically in the historic town of Afon, the headquarters of Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, and across the proverbial four corners of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the tenure of Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, fsi, as the National President of the truly Progressive Union, would, all things being equal, come to an end. Yes, it will. And this is because nothing lasts forever. Afon is the venue of the plenary session of the forthcoming 58th national conference of the Union and the place where the current IEDPU National Executive Council would be dissolved and a new one constituted.

On the above-mentioned date, it would be exactly four years since Alhaji Uthman, who is popularly known as OAU among his contemporaries across the city of Ilorin, was first elected as the National President of the umbrella sociocultural organisation of the good people of the Ilorin Emirate both at home and in the diaspora. Alhaji Uthman is the 20th National President of the Union since the office was created in 1966. The first holder of the office was a distinguished health practitioner, community leader and second republic legislator, Alhaji Mahmud Bayo Baker. Alhaji Baker served for nine years!

Because of a number of factors, Alhaji Uthman's emergence was least expected among most active members of the 82 year old Union. This was because of the calibre of individuals he contested against. Alhaji Uthman was obviously the youngest of the three candidates and the least considered "formidable" of the illustrious contestants, by most stakeholders then.The other two candidates were Engr Saadu Belgore, a prominent boardroom guru and immediate younger brother of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Saliu Modibbo Alfa Belgore, GCON; and the highly experienced one-time National President of the Ilorin Students Union (now Ilorin Emirate Students Union), Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik. Alhaji Abdulmalik, who hails from Akodudu Quarters, Ilorin, previously served as the National Secretary of the IEDPU (then known as IDPU) between 1987 and 1989.

Since "what would be would surely come to be", Alhaji Uthman won the election. He garnered 12 votes above the figure recorded by his closest challenger, Alhaji Abdulmalik, a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service. Alhaji AbdulMalik is currently serving out his term as the Union's National Vice President, which he humbly and patrioticaly accepted two years ago.

Alhaji Uthman took over the leadership of the Union from Alhaji Yahaya O. Ahmed, a distinguished banker, who served as the Ag. National President of the Union from 2018 to 2019. Alhaji Ahmed succeeded His Excellency, Ambassador Sheikh Usman AbdulAzeez, fwc, a retired Director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), who, at a time, headed the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Beijing, China.

Prior to, and after the emergence of Alhaji Uthman, several predictions and postulations were made by observers on what his tenure would look like. From within and outside the Union, he was not given a chance to succeed by detractors.

When OAU became the President four years ago, some critics were of the opinion that he would be vindictive and dictatorial because of his professional background. Some naysayers postulated that he would use the position to make money for himself. A number of others said that he would use the privilege of the office to lobby for one political appointment or the other for himself and also secure jobs for his children, while others were of the opinion that he would not be able to run the Union effectively because he was never among its active members by the virtue of his career, which forbids personnel of the Service from identifying openly with ethnic-based and biased organisations like IEDPU.

After four years in office, stakeholders will agree with me that Alhaji Uthman surprised all his critics positively because he served in the interest of the community. His tenure was devoid of all the negative expectations and prophecies.

For his first two years in office, I was the Union's National Publicity Secretary. In his second term, which ends next month, as well, yours sincerely remains the Union's Chief Scribe.

And so, my position in the Union in the course of his two terms as its National President places me at a vantage pedestal to assess his personality, tenure and achievements as thoroughly and objectively as a participant observer could.

Rather than being vindictive and dictatorial as predicted, Alhaji Uthman turned out to be extremely humble, lenient and diplomatic. He was so fair that he saw no difference between members who worked for his emergence and those who worked against his destined victory. To him, all efforts by every individual member of the Union should be targeted at making the Union better. And so, there should be no room for enmity whatsoever just because of what transpired in the course of electioneering.

Despite the fact that his beloved spouse remains an active politician, Alhaji Uthman completely insulated the Union from partisan politics. Many would also be surprised to be informed that five of his children and wards, who are University graduates, are yet to secure employment because, as a man of high principle, he would not use the privilege of his office to secure jobs for his wards, who, in their own individual rights as Nigerians, deserve to be employed.

I also recall that Alhaji Uthman committed his personal resources to the Union so much that on many occasions, he funded his official travels made on behalf of IEDPU and even paid for certain services and materials for the Union from his pocket without expecting or getting a refund. This is apart from the monthly financial contributions he and members of the National Executive Council made to the Union's purse.

Though no one can claim absolute perfection, I can attest to the fact that Alhaji Uthman ran the Union effectively and to the best of his ability. He sacrificed his money, time and energy as well as personal comfort just to make the Union great.

Talking about the achievements of the Union under his leadership, Alhaji Uthman would undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most accomplished National Presidents of the Union.

It was under his watch that the dream of having the Police Secondary School, Ballah, was eventually achieved. The gate of the school was opened to students in 2021 after so many years of expectations. Alhaji Uthman was able to "press every button" within and outside Kwara State, which eventually ensured the take off of the School.

At the instance and with the full support of the Emir of Ilorin, who is also the Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahiim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the retired security chief-led administration also succeeded in mobilising members of the community to raise funds needed for the execution of the historic Ilorin Emirate Palliatives Project. The project was necessitated by the outbreak and subsequent spread of the perilous Coronavirus pandemic to Nigeria in 2020, which affected the socioeconomic wellbeing of the ordinary people. The historic project, which he co-chaired with his friend and classmate, who is also the Danmasani of Ilorin, Engr. Suleiman Ayinde Yahaya Alapansanpa, FNSE, succeeded in raising over N50 million within two weeks of its establishment. The money was used to purchase, package and provide some quantity of basic food items that were delivered to and at the doorsteps of over 15,000 less-privileged citizens and residents of Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Ilorin West and Moro Local Government Areas of Kwara State.The Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, who chaired the official flag-off of the distribution of the items at the Emir's Palace, Ilorin, was thrilled by the initiative as many other indigenes and friends of the unique Emirate. I know this as I had the privilege of serving as the "Alaga Iduro" at the event, which held at the Emir's Palace, Ilorin.

Because of the magnitude of the dignity and integrity displayed in the discharge of the onerous assignment, the Emir of Ilorin charged Alhaji Uthman-led IEDPU with the administration of relief materials he (HRH) provided to alleviate the suffering of victims of rainstorm disaster across Ilorin in the same year. IEDPU also supported the Emir's initiative with additional relief materials.

Alhaji Uthman also led the Union to plan and execute a rousing reception in honour of the Emir of Kano and Chairman, Kano State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR, when the royal father paid a working visit to Ilorin, his maternal home, in 2020.

I will be most ungrateful if I fail to put on record, the fatherly role Alhaji Uthman played in ensuring the publication and presentation of my book, "Ilorin Emirate's Frontliners''. Immediately I discussed the project with him, he embraced it wholeheartedly and worked with me assiduously to ensure its eventual realisation within record time. In fact, he was the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of its public presentation, which held on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin. According to Alhaji Uthman, "the book is all about the progress and greatness of Ilorin, which the Union must identify with, even if it is written by a non-active member". He remains one of the most consistent encouragers of my ceaseless efforts of propagating, projecting, promoting and preserving the alluring image of the good people of Ilorin Emirate.

Because he was not comfortable with the criticisms often leveled against the Union, Alhaji Uthman was determined to execute impactful projects during his tenure. A visit to the Secretariat of the Union at Geri Alimi axis of Ilorin would show that the place has been turned into a project site.Three relatively phenomenal projects are currently at various stages of completion.

He started by encouraging the building of a new secretariat complex for the Union by a group of friends who are also indigenes of Ilorin Emirate. The complex, which is 90% completed, is designed to provide more conducive office accommodation for the National President and the National Secretary and a few other officers of the Union to enable them to discharge their duties more effectively.

Perhaps, the most visible accomplishment of his tenure was the conception and building of the soon-to-be completed Ibrahiim Sulu-Gambari Skills Acquisition Centre, Ilorin. The foundation of the project was laid by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, who was fascinated by its essence and magnitude. The building, which has gulped millions of naira, would certainly stand the tenure of Alhaji Uthman out, whenever the history of the Union is chronicled.

The administration of Alhaji Uthman has also embarked on the construction of a befitting Jumaat Mosque within the premises of the Union's Secretariat. The mosque is not only intended to provide a place for the observance of the weekly Jumaat prayers for residents of that axis of Ilorin, but it is also targeted at demonstrating and confirming what Ilorin stands for. The official foundation laying ceremony of the Mosque was performed by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, earlier this year.

Another visible accomplishment of the tenure of Alhaji Uthman, which his successor must strive to maintain, is the attraction and retention of the fraternity of the Union's stakeholders. Alhaji Uthman is generally respected by the leaders and elders of Ilorin Emirate as well as members of the younger population of the community, who see in him seriousness, loyalty and patriotism. He often holds consultations with former National Presidents of the Union on critical issues with a view to guiding and enriching his perspectives before decisions are taken.

Of significance is the record-making fraternity of the Governor of Kwara State with the Union. His Excellency has a lot of respect for the patriotic and non-partisan dispositions of Alhaji Uthman to issues. The Governor demonstrates this by always granting the Union audience anytime such is asked for. This is because Alhaji Uthman would not discuss personal or sectional issues with the Governor but the concerns of the Union on issues of significance to the peace and progress of Ilorin Emirate.

Probably due to the infectious and fascinating leadership and commitment to service on the part of the leaders of the Union as epitomised by Alhaji Uthman, the current Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the influential Nigeria Governors' Forum(NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, has not missed any edition of the ceremonies since 2018. It appears the Governor has made it a point of duty to always attend the function in person instead of sending a representative as it was common before the coming of Alhaji Uthman.

Despite the Union's lean purse, Millions of Naira were also paid out as bursaries to selected indigent students of Ilorin Emirate origin schooling all over Nigeria. A few indigent students of institutions of higher learning also enjoyed outright scholarships from the Union during his tenure. There was a particular compatriot whose case was so sympathetic because he couldn't settle his school fees even as a final year student of the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. He was about dropping out of school when the Union came to his rescue. Provision was subsequently made for him towards the accomplishment of his degree programme. He eventually graduated as scheduled. He, accompanied by his wife, came to the Union's Secretariat in the course of one of our weekly meetings and in his convocation attire to tender his profound appreciations.

Many others who approached the Union were also granted one form of support or the other towards receiving medical attention while several were linked up with eminent citizens of Ilorin Emirate for all sorts of assistance. The Union has indeed turned into a sanctuary of hope and support for the realisation of the dreams of ordinary members of the community, under this administration.

Notwithstanding the virulent vituperations and destructive dispositions of the "internal and external opposition elements"(particularly during his first term) to his person and office, Alhaji Uthman, who is also the Baba Adinni of the Al-Quadirryah As-Salatiyah Worldwide, was able to maintain his cool throughout. He was never tempted to "deal" with those who deliberately disparaged him in the court of public opinion as he maintained his characteristic civility and uncommon calm throughout.

As a lover of peace, Alhaji Uthman succeeded in resolving the challenges occasioned by the struggles for power among some members of the Central Zone of the Union. He also ensured that misunderstandings in one or two zones of the Union were nipped in the bud. He would, therefore, be leaving the Union cohesive, united, and definitely better.

May I also hint readers that the Union is on the verge of recording grand success on a significant issue of communal importance. His relentless prayers and sustained efforts are about to culminate in something every "real patriot" would be very proud of!

Notwithstanding his tight schedules as IEDPU National President, Alhaji Uthman did not ignore his duties to his immediate ancestral community, Agbaji. He served as the Chairman of the Agbaji Mosque Management Committee,which supervised the reconstruction of the ancient Mosque to a truly modern one. Alhaji Uthman remains grateful to the former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON, for making the task easier for him and members of his Committee as the former Executive Governor of Kwara State singlehandedly financed the reconstruction.

All said and done, I am not unaware of some issues and situations that many felt could have been better handled by Alhaji Uthman in the last four years. I, however, seize the liberty to concentrate my humble efforts on his overwhelming positive dispositions and enviable achievements, which no doubt, overshadow the downside.

Alhaji Uthman, who was born in Ilorin on December 31, 1958, hails from the famous Kejebu Compound, Agbaji Quarters, Ilorin. His ancestral home is situated directly opposite that of the distinguished Waziri of Ilorin and former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON.

This outstanding community leader is a 1969 product of the famous Ansarul Islam Primary School, Okemale, Ilorin. He was also educated at the popular Ilorin Grammar School, Ilorin and Lokoja Teachers College, Lokoja, the capital of the present day Kogi State.

This exemplary community leader was also trained at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, as well as at the prestigious University of Ilorin from where he received his first and second degrees. Alhaji Uthman is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Peace and Security Studies at the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

After a brief period of service as a teacher, Alhaji Uthman joined the services of the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1983 as an holder of the Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE). He was enlisted in the then Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO) in that year. He retired as a Director in 2018. He rose through the ranks to become the first indigene of Ilorin Emirate who attained the enviable rank of Director in the Service.

Let me, therefore, commend the late Alhaji Usman Baba Otta, a distinguished businessman and community leader, and his centenarian mother, Alhaja Hummuhani Uthman, for raising such a wonderful leader for our community. I must also thank his wife, who I jokingly refer to as the IEDPU's first lady, Hajiya Ramota Uthman (aka Ramota Akaje) as well as his children, siblings and friends and the generality of the people of Agbaji Quarters, Ilorin, for "loaning" Alhaji Uthman to IEDPU and supporting him throughout.

As Alhaji Uthman rounds off his tenure as IEDPU President, I pray to Allah to grant the Union leaders who would serve with similar uncommon patriotism, absolute selflessness, untainted fairness and penetrating humility as done by this retired but outstanding patriot. I also beseech Allah, the uncreated creator of all creatures, to reward the services and sacrifices of Alhaji Uthman and all those who worked with him most abundantly. More importantly, I pray that the Union continue to be peopled by "real patriots" who would use the platform "for the love of our people".

Imam is National Secretary, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union.