Formers Nigerian leaders Friday night paid tributes to the late Professor Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, a former political adviser to ex-president Ibrahim Babangida, for his excellent leadership contributions to national development.
The late Prof Elaigwu was a world-renowned scholar of federalism and one of the few experts on Nigerian federalism.
Described by many as a “national intellectual treasure,” Prof. Elaigwu was until his passing the president of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Jos.
The event brought together leaders from across the country, including former military Heads of State General Yakubu Gowon; Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, chairman of ADC David Mark, former governor of Bauchi State Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu and former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, among other dignitaries to pay tributes in Abuja on Friday night.
Chairman of the occasion David Mark described Elaigwu as a hero who contributed immensely to the development of political science in Nigeria, saying he had been a major contributor to the development of federalism in Nigeria and around the world.
Mark said Prof Elaigwu was a world-renowned scholar that thought us what the nation needs, especially at the hard level were the country is facing a lot of challenges.
He said, “He was a teacher of men, a mentor of minds, a builder of institutions, and a bridge between knowledge and nationhood. His legacy continues.”
General Yakubu Gowon described the late Prof Elaigwu as a patriot, a scholar and a great teacher, researcher, and advisor in his chosen field of political science who sacrificed for nation building.
General Babangida in his tribute said the nation had once again been thrown into mourning with the loss of a man who was in every way a national intellectual asset.
The former military leader emphasised that nations usually count their weights in terms of economic power, military clout, and resource base. But a few nations can boast of being endowed with a variety of intellectual resources in addition.
