The Kwara State chapter of the Gamji Members Association (GAMA) on Monday held a special prayer session in Ilorin to mark the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, who was killed during Nigeria’s first military coup on January 15, 1966.
The event also honoured recently deceased Gamjites, including Malam Gidado Bello (G.B.O Bello), former Principal Private Secretary to the late Governor Mohammed Lawal; Imam Kayode Eleshinla; Alhaji Muritala Orire; Alhaji Salam Salam; Alhaji Saka Shiru; Alhaji Sidiku Omoda; and Alhaji Muhideen Alanamu.
Prayers were offered for other prominent figures who passed away recently, including the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Solih; the late Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Mahe Abdulkadir; and former Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Ilorin, Professor Badmas Yusuf.
Leading the prayers, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaigoro, Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam) to the Kwara State Governor, urged Gamjites and Muslims to emulate the virtues of generosity, humility, simplicity, and selfless service demonstrated by Sir Ahmadu Bello and other departed leaders.
Alhaji Mohammed Akanbi, President-General of GAMA Kwara State, described the loss of the deceased members as deeply painful but said their legacies remain a source of inspiration.
He expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support of the association and to Dr Mohammed Alaaya, former non-executive director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, for facilitating the prayer session.
Dignitaries at the event included Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu; former Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Nurudeen AbdulRaheem; retired Justice Tunde Garba; and children of the deceased Gamjites.
The session was marked by solemn prayers, reflection on the lives of the departed, and a call to uphold their values of service and leadership.
GAMA said it remains committed to preserving the memory of Sir Ahmadu Bello and supporting initiatives that promote unity and development within the community.
