The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has explained why he once sought for change of the name of the Kwara State football clubside from Kwara Bombers to Kwara United Football Club some years ago.
The Emir, who doubles as the Chairman of the Traditional Council in the state, made his reasons known on Thursday.
Sulu-Gambari spoke in Ilorin, while he received the technical crew, players and members of staff of the club in his palace.
He explained that the club, which started way back in 1974 as Kwara Water Corporation Football Club, later underwent various metamorphoses and as at the time he ascended the throne, it was known as Kwara Bombers Football Club.
It was during the time, the Emir, who is the Grand Patron of the club, led a powerful delegation to the authorities concerned for the removal of the word “Bomber” from the state’s team’s name.
He said the request for the removal had become necessary then because the word “Bomber” usually brought to memory, the sad event of May 31, 1995 when a bomb suddenly went off inside the Mainbowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex during the launch of the Kwara State chapter of the now rested Family Support Programme.
“I always pray to hear the new name of the club,” said the first class traditional ruler.
The Emir also told the players the story of how Nottingham Forest forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, visited and presented to him a branded jersey, the last time he was in London.
“I also pray that every one of you will play abroad,” Emir Sulu-Gambari said as he charged them to remain focused and be serious always.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Emir later blessed the team and prayed for the players, coaches and staffers, especially on all the matches they will play, for safe trip always and playing without injuries.
The Technical Adviser of the club, Coach Kabir Dogo, who is the Mogaji of Odo-Okun, had earlier sought for the blessings of the Emir, pointing out that whatever he does, he always asked for the blessings of the Emirate, especially now that he is at home.
Dogo also presented the State Federation Cup trophy the team won on Wednesday to the Emir.
