Hon. Gbenga Oyekunle Power took center stage at a historic event at the Hajj Camp in Ilorin, Kwara State launched Nigeria’s first-ever flagship journal dedicated solely to the Hajj pilgrimage — a publication that chronicles the rich history and spiritual journey of Kwara pilgrims since the state’s earliest involvement in the exercise.
Describing the journal as a “monumental stride in the documentation of our Islamic heritage,” Hon. Power expressed deep admiration for the initiative, calling it a testimony to the visionary and pace setting leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
In a powerful show of support and commitment, Hon. Power donated a princely sum, stating that the journal reflects “not only the spiritual evolution of Hajj operations in Kwara but also the administrative discipline and foresight Governor AbdulRazaq has brought to governance.”
“Governor AbdulRazaq is not just building roads and schools — he is building legacies,” Hon. Power declared.
“This journal is one of such legacies. For the first time in Nigeria, a state has documented its Hajj history in such a scholarly and accessible manner and that is my state, it is one thing to be proud of, a bold step in preserving our faith, culture, and identity.”
He continued by applauding the Governor’s commitment to religious inclusiveness, infrastructural development, and human capital empowerment.
“Under Governor AbdulRazaq, Kwara has witnessed reforms that blend tradition with modernity.
You can barely recognize the capital city if you had stayed away for 6 months, the massive development in every nook and cranny of the capital city is beautiful and right here, the only thing we can do for him is to Pray for him at all times and in a peculiar way, this administration has deepened the dignity and efficiency of Hajj operations, ensuring that our pilgrims are treated with the utmost care and respect.
So, my plea is that all pilgrims while at the holy land should pray for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. ”
Hon. Power further commended the Prof. Mahmood Jimba who is the Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and other Board members for its dedication and innovation in spearheading the publication.
He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Editors, Islamic scholars, historians, and administrators who contributed to the magazine.
The 2025 Ameerul Hajj and the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo on his own part commended Hon. Gbenga Power for his show of support and commitment, ” I want to thank Hon. Gbenga Power for his commitment and show of support, I am really impressed and it is my prayer that the Almighty God will grant all your heart desires.
I want to let you know that the mere fact that you honoured our invitation with your physical presence, you have been called to your greatness and for honouring this invite, the Almighty God will honour and grant all your heart desires without reservations.”
The event which was held on Thursday, May 1, was chaired by the Asiwaju of Igbomina land and founder of Al-Hikmah University, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, was attended by key personalities including the 2025 Ameerul Hajj and Olupo of Ajase-Ipo. HRM Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu; Chief Launcher, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki; the 2024 Ameerul Hajj, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe; the Grand Khadi of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen; Elderstateman, Dr. Mohammed Ghali Alaaya; Alhaji Saadu Salahudeen, Senior Advisor and Counselor to the Governor; the Olojoku of Ojoku, HRM Oba Abdulrazaq Adegboyega Afolabi.
Other dignitaries included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Abdulrazaq Jiddah; the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Shaykh Lukman Jimoh and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion(Islam), Alhaji Danmaigoro.
Hon. Power concluded his remarks by calling on well-meaning individuals and organizations to support initiatives that elevate religious understanding and historical documentation.
“With this journal, Kwara has once again set a national precedent under GovernorAbdulrahman Abdulrazaq. It is now our duty to sustain it, promote it, and ensure it reaches every corner of Nigeria and beyond,” he said.