Olusola Saraki’s virtues extolled

THE need for constant remembrance of the legacies of late political doyen of Kwara state, Dr Olusola Saraki was stressed yesterday in Ilorin by a group known as Saraki Legacy Association (SLA).

The group, during a Ramadan lecture organised in Saraki’s honour, lamented the alleged sudden disappearance of Saraki’s imprint from some Islamic activities associated with him “just few months after his death.”

According to the SLA leader Alhaji Kayode Yusuf, “Saraki used all his life to serve others, especially, the people of Ilorin. During a Ramadan season like this, he would have freely distributed many food items to the people.

“Besides, he would have sent many people on Pilgrimage or Lesser Hajj, organised special prayers and donated money and cloths to those in need. But today, no one is remembering him among the beneficiaries of his kind gestures. That is why we have taken it upon ourselves to organise this lecture in his honour.”

For Yusuf, though over two-thirds of present day politicians in the state caught their political teeth under Saraki but only very few of them are emulating the political stalwart in the area of generous giving to the less privileged.

“Saraki did not leave behind any mansion. He had no industries attached to his name after his death. He worked for others even at the expense of his comfort. Therefore he deserves more than what we are giving him today,” he added.

The lecture, entitled, ‘Ramadan: the Season of Zakat’ was attended by many Islamic faithful in and outside the state.

According to the lecturer, Sheik Sufian Mosadilorun, the act of Zakat should not be the exclusive endeavour of the few privileged Moslem faithful but all those who believe.

Mosadilorun said, “Moslems must give to the poor over all the resources provided them by God. They don’t need to be millionaires before giving to those in need. Even the poor should also give, it is a commitment to be met by all practicing Moslem faithful.”