The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has eulogised the late Emir of Patigi in Kwara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, calling him a man of tradition who was very passionate about the development of the state.

The Minister, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the Fidau prayers for the late Emir in Patigi on Saturday, said the late monarch was particularly interested in the infrastructural development of Patigi.

“I had cause to interact with the Emir on several occasions and he always struck me as a man who stood for tradition and was passionate about Kwara State.

“He was very passionate about the development of Kwara North Senatorial District in particular, and he kept emphasising on the need to upgrade the infrastructure in Patigi, and generally he was passionate about improving the lives of the common people,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed urged the people of the state not to forget those things that the late Emir stood for.

“The people should remain united and continue to uphold the values that he stood for, especially his passion for seeing rapid development in Patigi,” he said.

The Minister prayed that God will forgive the late Emir's sins and also grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Elder Peter Sara Kisira; the Emir of Ilorin and the Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II.

Until his death, the Emir of Patigi was the Vice Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council.

•Photo shows, L - R; Special Assistant to the President, Office of the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Williams Adeleye; Alhaji S.Y Abdullahi, Danmasani Shonga, Hon Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the MD, White Waters Maritime Services, Abdulkadir Attahiru Adamu, at the Fidau prayers for the late Emir of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, in Patigi on Saturday.