Former Minister of Sports, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, at the weekend gave insights into his relationship with former governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, saying the  former governor took him out of poverty and made him what he is today.

Abdullahi equally urged Kwarans, espe-cially youths not to be deceived by anyone championing the course of freedom, noting that no freedom could be more than the privilege Saraki gave him and others.

He said that despite the fact that his father did not come from any of the prominent families in the state, Saraki decided to appoint him and many others like him into key positions. 

The former minister stated this at Saraki's Iloffa residence in Ilorin, shortly after his arrival to the state. 

The former minister, who was sacked penul-timate week by President Goodluck Jonathan, was received by a large crowd, mostly of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) .

Speaking at Saraki's residence after paying homage to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari and visiting Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the former minister said: "Our leader (Saraki) could as well choose sons and daughters of other prominent families in the state and make them governors or appoint them into important positions but he looked out for people like us from unknown families and made us what we are today". 

He urged the youths to remain with Saraki, saying: "This is the only place you can achieve your dream and I am a good example to you...So don't be deceived by anybody who promises you freedom.  I can tell you with all sense of sincerity that you shall achieve your dreams here; this is the only place where you can rise and nobody would challenge you to name your father".

Saraki in his response praised Abdullahi for his loyalty, saying the virtue has vindicated him.