Saliu Mustapha: A Worthy Icon

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

Senator Saliu Mustapha’s leadership styles and exceptional humanitarian gestures stand him out from the crowd or mere capable elected office holders.

Saliu Mustapha, an engineer, politician, patriot, humanist, one of the finest ‘Omoluabi’ and the current Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, just stepped on the tenth floor and has decided to be a cynosure of all eyes in the Red Chamber.

Mustapha became famous when he was elected to represents the good people of Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja.

As a distinguished Senator who was elected under the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mustapha’s democratic credentials and political sagacity were easily noticeable among the party’s establishment in the state and his colleagues in the house, that it is not difficult for him to emerge as best among equals and a change agent of our time.

At the senate, he was very vocal in championing progressive agenda and was always at the forefront, using the legislature to fight on issues that will improve the quality of lives of ordinary Nigerians. You can be sure that Saliu Mustapha will not sit on the fence when it comes to issues of national importance or matters that bother on the development and growth of the country.

He was neither a passive legislator nor one that will be absent at duty post. He gives his constituency a robust and effective representation. He is always commended by Nigerians many times as one of the stars in the upper chamber.

Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha is a community leader, the Turaki Ngeri of Ilorin, a compassionate family man with manifest devotion to families and friends, a news and homemaker who has played a tripartite role in our society insightfully and impactfully.

He is described by many as a leader’s leader, one who leads by exemplary and sterling leadership qualities. He is a man of all moment who have positively affected all those associated with him, particularly in his senatorial district, state, communities, religious linage and traditionally.

He enjoys relating with people in solving their problem(s) at the same time proffering solutions to it almost immediately. Saliu Mustapha in his almost two years of qualitative representation as maintained a robust relationship with many people in Kwara State irrespective of political affiliation, ethnics coloration, while stretching hand of friendship across the divide.

He is constantly in touch with his people and on ground to address grassroot problems, which has become his characteristics corporate services to his communality, which includes continuous empowerment of the downtrodden, job placement for graduates, provision of food and other basic amenities to his people, cash gift and support to different categories of people, contract awards to professionals etc.

Little wonder the downtrodden show solidarity and allegiance to him each time he is around, and this act include Islamic scholars, opinion leaders, traditional and religious leaders, students/youth, women groups/associations etc.

In my piece in an Abuja based newspaper, The Nigerian Pilot, of Monday, November 1, 2021 page 23, shortly after the Turbaning of Mall. Saliu Mustapha as Turaki of Ilorin Emirate, I emphasized that the new Turaki will be politically, economically and traditionally be responsible on behalf of his people at the National Level if given the opportunity to cater for their needs because that is his main responsibilities – seeing to the upliftment of his people in all ramifications.

Alhamdulilahi! The golden boy in almost two years in saddle at the National Assembly has performed creditably and excellently. This journalist sound the sentiments of most Kwarans that the people are very proud of their young promising shining and superstar, Senator Saliu Mustapha whom they promised to entrust their political destinies to continue to give an insightful and impactful political leadership that is all encompassing, delivering dividends of democracy to nooks and crannies of Kwara State.

This journalist is encouraged to write this piece because of the level of acceptance, fame and popularity Senator Saliu Mustapha enjoys in Kwara State, across all strata that is obvious, fresh air and soaring geometrically.

Today and always, the Turaki of Ilorin has won the people’s confidence and assurance this shows with the level of loyalty, respect and disciplined followership that radiates around his personality and political organization.

Mentioned must be made of Barrister Abdulkarim Alabi – the Senior Special Assistant to the distinguished Senator and their Ilorin political office workforce for consolidating a formidable base and structure at home to continue to effectively engage the people/party faithfuls and giving authentic information(s) to their principal in Abuja for effective planning, programmes, projects and proper monitoring.

Senator Saliu Mustapha a successful and sound Mineral Resources Engineer, a politician by choice, a community leader of note, a key stakeholder in Ilorin Emirate and Kwara project, a nation builder whose security intelligence should be recognized as a national asset.

A philanthropist of exceptional calling with cheerful disposition, brimful vision with courage remains an outstanding public servant who will continue to be celebrated on a higher pedestal.

As this worthy Son of the soil of Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and indeed Nigeria matches on he remains a positive example to our democracy, while enjoying people’s support at all times. Senator Saliu Mustapha good of you. Keep it up!

Ayangbayi, JP is a journalist/Media Consultant based in Ilorin, Kwara State.