ED NCDC, Bilqis Jumoke Sanni Celebrates UNILORIN Honours Bestowed on Dr Abdulwahab Ibraheem, Dr Sarah Alade, Mr Tunde Arisekola, Barr. Rafiu Balogun

The Executive Director of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Bilqis Jumoke Sanni, has extended congratulations to four illustrious sons and daughter of Kwara State—Dr Abdulwahab Adebayo Ibraheem (popularly known as “Brimo”), Dr Sarah Omotunde Alade, Mr Tunde Arisekola, and Barrister Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun (Asiwaju of Igosun)—on their investiture as Distinguished Alumni and Ambassadors of the University of Ilorin.

The recognition was conferred at a colourful ceremony held inside the university’s main auditorium, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary celebration of the institution.

Describing the honour as “a fitting tribute to excellence, leadership, and service,” the NCDC Executive Director said the honourees’ achievements represent the finest values of the University of Ilorin and reflect the industrious spirit of Kwara South communities.

Bilqis Jumoke Sanni recalled her personal connection with two of the awardees. Speaking of Dr Abdulwahab Ibraheem, she said, “Brimo is not only my brother, we were together at UNILORIN. While he was already a senior lecturer, I was a graduate assistant during my NYSC in 1984. Beyond the academic setting, I will never forget how I was a beneficiary of his philanthropic act. His generosity and compassion are simply unmatched.”

Turning to Dr Sarah Alade, former Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a trailblazer in financial policy, she noted, “Aunty Sarah is more than a mentor; she’s my adviser and my big sister. She was the Head of the Accounting Department when I was a graduate assistant. She not only encouraged me but was instrumental in my decision to pursue a master’s degree. Her brilliance is only equaled by her humanity.”

“Also Barrister Rafiu O. Balogun is a prominent legal practitioner, human rights activist, and current National Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Known for his fearless legal advocacy and commitment to justice.”

Bilqis Sanni continue by lauding him as “a thoroughbred legal luminary and a social conscience for the voiceless in our society. Hicontribution to legal jurisprudence and human rights in Nigeria is worthy of emulation.”

“Also, Tunde Arisekola is widely regarded as a pillar of Africa’s geosciences and mineral resource governance. Through his work at AMDC, he continues to drive harmonization of reporting standards (PARC) and classification systems (AMREC), which are key tools in implementing the African Mining Vision and promoting responsible, equitable mineral development across the continent.

“I’m glad that Unilorin where he earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology in 1987, bestowed such an awesome award on him in 2025. Mr Tunde Arisekola’s professional contributions across public and private sectors continue to inspire a generation of young Nigerians.

“Each of these individuals has, in their own way, carried the torch of excellence and service. Their stories are deeply personal to me and to many others across Kwara and Nigeria,” Sanni concluded.

She prayed for their continued good health, higher accomplishments, and deeper impact across Offa, Oyun, Kwara South, the state, and the nation at large.