President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries yesterday lauded former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon and the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) for their contributions to nation-building.
Gen Gowon and other prominent Nigerians living and dead were honoured by BOBA at its 2024 Annual Dialogue and Honours Award in Abuja yesterday
The event was particularly held in honour of Gowon, yesterday at the Armed Forces Officers Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented by the minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said his administration was committed to repositioning the education sector, adding that Nigeria would progress through inclusiveness.
He said this year’s BOBA annual dialogue and honours with the theme; “Nigeria march to renaissance: Lessons from the life of General Yakubu Gowon” aime a better Nigeria, adding that Gowon remained a symbol of national unity.
“The contributions of Barewa Old Boys Association, the alumni Association of the century-old Barewa College, Zaria, cannot be quantified and the nation is grateful to the collage who have produced several leaders, including General Gowon and many others in different sectors of the society.
“The theme for this year’s national dialogue and honours awards which symbolises the life and leadership of General Yakubu Gowon is quite commendable and very appropriate,” he said.
Reflecting on the school’s profound contributions to nation-building, the president said, “Barewa alumni were instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to independence, shaping constitutional development and contributing to key political movements. Many of them took leadership roles during pivotal moments in our history, offering stability and guiding principles.”
Different speakers at the occasion urged leaders across the country and at various levels of governance to emulate the virtues of integrity and good governance of General Gowon, saying his nine years of leadership was an inspiration for all.
The key note speaker, Prof Ango Abdullahi, described him as an exceptional leader who has left an indelible mark both in character and integrity on Nigeria’s history, saying his legacy would continue to serve as a source of inspiration to current and future generations.
A total of 25 alumni members, including the immediate past head service of the federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, late Alhaji Yusuf Maima Sule, late Maj.Gen. Amadi Rumi, late Justice Muhammed Bello, late Mr Sunday Dankaro, Late Dr Umaru Dikko and several others were honoured.
The panel of discussants —Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr Usman Bugaje, Reverend Professor Yusufu Obaje and General Abdurrahman Dambazau—said Barewa College, regarded as a ‘cradle of Nigerian leadership’, produced prominent figures who had shaped the country’s trajectory, trained people to be disciplined and the elements of the discipline and humility are found in General Gowon, who is a product of the college.
Gowon commended the association for honouring him and pledged his continued commitment to the unity of Nigeria, while urging members of BOBA to remain committed in contributing immensely to the development of the college.
The former Head of State who is also the chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, stressed the need for all old students to be ambassadors in all their human endeavours to face global challenges.
Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, who is an alumni, expressed appreciation to various groups for their interventions.
National president of BOBA, Engineer Dahiru Ibrahim, said the association had recorded tremendous achievements in the college and across the nation.
He assured of the commitment of association in championing causes that align with Nigeria’s aspirations for a prosperous and inclusive society.
Barewa College, established over a century ago in Katsina, has an unmatched legacy of producing leaders who have influenced Nigeria’s social, political and economic landscape.
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