Honouring the 61st Birthday of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki recently commemorated his 61st birthday, and as supporters of the former Governor of Kwara State, we wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge his exceptional leadership and dedication to the state and Nigeria as a whole. Dr. Saraki, born in 1962 into the esteemed political lineage of the late Abubakar Saraki, a prominent figure in the second republic, received his education in Lagos and London before pursuing a distinguished career as a medical doctor. He later ventured into business and politics, serving as the Executive Director and Executive Vice Chairman of Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria (SGBN).
In the year 2000, he assumed the role of Special Assistant on Budget Matters under the administration of then President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he made significant contributions to economic policy formulation and implementation. His tenure as Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011 was characterized by transformative initiatives in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and healthcare, resulting in numerous achievements across various sectors.
One of the key accomplishments under Dr. Saraki’s leadership was the substantial progress in healthcare, including the implementation of various programs such as a home-based health record book for pregnant women, a statewide polio program, and the Community Health Insurance Scheme. These initiatives led to a marked decline in maternal and infant mortality rates, demonstrating the impact of his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare access and services.
In the education sector, his administration focused on enhancing the quality, accessibility, and affordability of education for all citizens of Kwara State. Initiatives such as the Teacher Development Needs Assessment and the establishment of the Kwara State University demonstrated his commitment to advancing the educational landscape in the state.
Furthermore, Dr. Saraki’s emphasis on large-scale commercial farming and agricultural development in Kwara State led to the establishment of Shonga Farms and the introduction of a cashew processing industry, bolstering economic growth and fostering a conducive environment for agricultural exports. His dedication to infrastructure development and governance transparency also earned him accolades, including a national long-term credit rating of AA by Fitch Ratings.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Dr. Saraki played a pivotal role in driving extensive collaboration and initiatives to address critical issues such as polio eradication, public health, and education. His commitment to fostering international partnerships and legislative advancement further solidified his reputation as a leader dedicated to sustainable development and good governance.
In his role as a Senator, Dr. Saraki continued to champion various legislative agendas focused on health, education, environmental governance, and the reform of the oil industry. He spearheaded critical interventions in the Senate, resulting in the passage of pivotal bills and the enactment of impactful laws with significant implications for the nation’s development.
Throughout his career, Dr. Saraki has received numerous awards and honors, including the Waziri of Ilorin and the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). His personal life, marked by his marriage to Mrs. Toyin Ojora–Saraki, also reflects a commitment to philanthropy and social impact through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a charitable organization focused on maternal, newborn, and child health.
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s remarkable journey and contributions to public service underscore his enduring legacy as a leader of integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of the people he served. As he celebrates his 61st birthday, we join his family and well-wishers in honoring his legacy and the indelible impact of his leadership on the lives of Nigerians.
Note: The content of this blog post is based on publicly available information about Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s career and achievements.
