Kale Kawu: The New Dan Iyan of Ilorin

Kale Kawu: The New Dan Iyan of Ilorin

By Abubakar Imam

 “Leaders become great,not because of their powers but because of their ability toempower others”. -John Maxwell

AREWA AGENDA – I have not come across anyone dismantling the saying “it is better to quit when the ovation is loudest” as I am yet to read or hear of any quotable quote, which says “it is unworthy to put a crown of honour on a deserving individual” simply because he is young.

Though in traditional African societies, age is one of the cardinal factors that account for the magnitude of veneration and honour citizens are accorded but it is becoming clearer that other factors are also germane . While the wisdom, patience and experience of the elderly ones are needed, the dynamism, exuberance and energy of the youths are also very essential in lubricating the engine of progress of every community as captured in the popular Yoruba adage “Omode gbon, Agba gbon ni a fi da Ile-Ife”.

Although Ilorin embraced western education and adjourning aspects of it late compared with other communities south of the River Niger, it is very clear that since the nation’s independence the community has produced legendary technocrats and professionals who made huge impact on the community and left imperishable footprints on the sand of time.

Going by what I heard, many of those who were so privileged did not make themselves quite available for community services. A number were too elitist. Some were simply unapproachable. They might have their reasons even if those reasons are today found untenable. The situation was so bad that younger ones were often dissuaded from emulating such people so as not to be infected with “Aiwulo” syndrome.

However, there are often exceptional cases in every generation. My generation was told of the exemplary patriotism of Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Gobir, OFR (1934-1975) and Alhaji Agboola Adio Jimoh, otherwise known as Alhaji Jimoh Oloje (1922-1984). We were also refreshed with the sacrifices bore by Alhaji Yakubu Amori Gobir towards ensuring the development of Ilorin. We heard glowing tributes on the bravery of Alhaji Mahmud Bayo Baker in community services and, of course, the uncommon services rendered by Alhaji Ayinla Olomoda during his days in the federal civil service. We were also told of the impact of Alhaji Hassan Abdulkadir and Alhaji Ladi Baruba in the Nigeria Immigration Service, to mention just a few.

While securing admissions into institutions of higher learning was an herculean task for the generation to which I belong, a few of our senior compatriots, who were so opportune, committed themselves to doing younger ones such a favour and even making their sojourn in such institutions of learning less cumbersome. My generation is very much aware of cerebral and outstanding academics led by Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, OFR; Alhaji A.A.S.Aliyu; Prof. Kamilu Kayode Kamaldeen and Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, who always go out of their ways to facilitate admissions and employment for their younger compatriots at Bayero University, Kano; Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna; Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and the University of Maiduguri, respectively. My generation also obtained similar supports in job facilitation from the likes of Mallam Isiaka AbdulRazaq, Alhaji Ahmad Bolaji Nagode and Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Alapansanpa, amongst several others, who secured unprecedented spaces for indigenes of Ilorin in the power sector.

My question is, how would it have been if the patriotism of Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Gobir (1934-1975), for an example, was rewarded while alive with a traditional title as the likes of Alhaji Shehu Ahmad AbdulGafar, OON, Prof.Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem,OFR, and Alhaji Saka Adedeji Onimago,among others, were rewarded for their sterling contributions? The gesture would not have prolonged Alhaji Yusuf Gobir’s life beyond the date he died but it would have made his name and accomplishments a must to be captured in any work devoted to holders of honourarary traditional titles in Ilorin such as those paraded in the 1997 work of Abdulfatai Dare Magobon titled “Track Records of Honourary Title Holders in Ilorin”.

When I got hold of the programme of event published as part of the turbaning of the late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki (1933-2012) as the Turaki of Ilorin on April 12,1974 and I saw the name of Alhaji Yusuf Amuda Gobir as the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the ceremonies, I wondered why the late federal super Permanent Secretary was not given an honourary traditional title too. But the explanation that doing so at that time would have been a violation of the then government policy assuaged my feelings.

The above explains the joy of the people of Ilorin and most especially that of yours truly on the news of the conferment of the title of Dan Iyan of Ilorin on Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, on Thursday, July 22,2021.The occasion was at his ancient palace on the third day of last year’s Idel Kabir.

While all those conferred with one title or the other were found to be deserving of the titles bestowed on them, quite a large number of indigenes , residents and friends of Ilorin Emirate spoken to by yours sincerely were enthralled by the recognition given to Engr. Kawu in spite of his effacing and unassuming nature. Many were happy that the Emir favourably considered the yearnings of the people that deserving relatively younger ones should also and always be accorded recognition by the “House of Alimi”.

Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu,a seasoned Electrical Engineer, distinguished administrator and fascinating community developer was born on May 1, 1969.He is a scion of the Agaka segment of the respected Shitta Oroganloye kindred of the celebrated Alimi dynasty of Ilorin. His father was Alhaji Ibrahim Folorunsho Kawu Agaka (1932-2018). His late father was the first holder of the title, Dan Iyan of Ilorin. He held the title between 1993 and 2018. He was also the immediate past Daudu Agaka of Ilorin .Engr Kawu’s mother was Alhaja Salimata Kawu, who died in 1986.

This remarkable professional was educated at the Ansarul Islam Primary School,Oke-Aluko, Ilorin, from 1974 to 1980. He also attended the famous Government Secondary School, Ilorin, from where he graduated in 1985. His mates at the institution included the Chairman of Sobi 101.9 FM, Ilorin, Mallam Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha and the Secretary to the Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin, who doubles as a Member of the Governing Council of the University, Barrister Mansur Alfanla and, of course, my late brother and friend, Alhaji Lateef Isiaka of Pakata, who worked at Unity Bank PLC.

Engr. Kawu attended the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; and the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He also bagged a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, in 2012.

Sequel to the completion of his NYSC programme at the Ilorin District of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), Engr. Kawu joined the services of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). He was subsequently posted to the Rural Electrification Department of the succeeding Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

After working at the Lagos and Port-Harcourt Zones of the Agency between 2012 and 2015, Engr. Kawu was appointed the Zonal Co-ordinator of the South West Zone of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria domiciled at Osogbo. Engr Kawu is currently the Director of Projects, Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, where he coordinates and oversees the planning and execution of the rural electrification projects nationwide.

This illustrious son of Ilorin has attended many conferences and courses across the world, which have further sharpened his engineering and leadership competencies. He has also authored many technical papers, which have been presented at professional fora within and outside Nigeria.

Apart from being a Member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr Kawu is also a celebrated Fellow of several professional bodies. These include the Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development (f.hcd), Civil Society Network for Good Governance and the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE).

As a man who is committed to human capital development, this generous professional has bagged so many awards and honours in appreciation of his distinguished contributions to several organisations and societies.

Engr. Kawu is one of the several sons and daughters of Ilorin who are doing very well in their different callings .He is not only in office but also doing everything to ensure that the alluring image of Ilorin is not smeared for whatever reason.

Several “adugbos” in Ilorin would find it difficult, if not impossible, to forget the interventions of this unassuming patriot in the facilitation of the provision of electricity infrastructures. I recalled about 15 years ago when those of us from Pakata Area discovered that the only way we could enjoy better electricity was to have more substations (transformers) installed in our community. As a staff of the PHCN then, yours truly was contacted for possible way out. I discussed with a senior colleague who advised that Engr. Kawu was in the best position to assist. Fortunately, his elder brother and the present Daudu Agaka of Ilorin, Alhaji Hanafi Omotosho Kawu, who is a friend to some of my brothers was contacted. And before we knew it, the facilities were installed with the community spending no Kobo for the supply and subsequent installation.

I learnt that many other communities also experienced similar gestures due to his epochal interventions in various times. The same way his interventions in that direction are being felt at the Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque and Police Secondary School, Ballah in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State to mention a few.

Engr. Kawu is a chip of the old block. He is not like just the ordinary. He is happily married to two wives and blessed with promising children.

The title of Dan Iyan is peculiar to Emirates of Northern Nigeria. It is one of the few traditional titles reserved for only the blue blooded ones. It is only conferred on deserving princes. Engr. Kawu truly deserves it. He is not only a prince but an outstanding one and promising statesman who despite his privileged backgrounds always serve the interests of the common man.

The honour being conferred on Engr. Kawu would surely spur young men and women to always remember the children of whom they are. It would encourage the upcoming elders to always give back and it would stimulate greater community services in the emerging leaders for the benefit of the present and incoming generations.

Once again, I congratulate the new Dan Iyan on the honour and consequent turbaning. I wish him a very fruitful and rewarding tenure as I pray Allah to preserve His blessings on him the more to enable him discharge the responsibilities of the title far beyond the expectations of the Emir and the people of Ilorin Emirate.

Imam is National Secretary, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union

Arewa Agenda is a Publication of Young writers/journalist from Northern Nigeria towards Peaceful Coexistence and National Development through positive narratives