The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has congratulated the Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Abdulraheem Oladimeji, OFR, on his 88th birthday celebration.

In a goodwill message issued on Tuesday by his Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari described the Jagunmolu of Igbaja, Arogundade of Lagos, Bobajiro of Ijeshaland, Atunluse of Erin-Osun, and Baba Oba of Offa as a distinguished personality for all seasons.

The Emir added that Alhaji Oladimeji is an elder statesman, industrialist, and philanthropist whose impact on Nigeria's educational and socio-economic development is profound and far-reaching.

According to him, "The celebrant is no doubt a rare gem whose life reflects hard work, faith in God, and selfless service to humanity. Through the establishment of Al-Hikmah University, Nigeria's first Islamic faith-based university, he broadened access to quality tertiary education and pioneered a model that blends moral excellence with academic distinction.

"I commend the celebrant's immense contributions to educational development in Nigeria, his investments in infrastructure, scholarship schemes, and endowments that have empowered thousands of indigent students across the country to pursue higher education."

Speaking further, the Emir applauded Alhaji Oladimeji's philanthropic attributes, stressing that "His numerous traditional titles across Yorubaland and beyond are testaments to his acceptability, integrity, and service to diverse communities. Yet, his generosity, humility, and devotion to the upliftment of the less privileged stand him out as a true patriot and servant of Allah. He gives without noise and builds without seeking praise."

The monarch therefore prayed Almighty Allah to grant Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Abdulraheem Oladimeji long life, sound health, and greater wisdom to continue his service to Islam, the education sector, Nigeria, and humanity in general.