By Valentine Amanze
Former Nigeria Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has appealed to all Nigerians to join hands and end the security challenges in Nigeria.
Abubakar made the plea in Kaduna at the 2020 lecture and award of honours from the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) to some distinguished Nigerians.
He urged Nigerians to strive hard and ensure that they eradicate the menace of insecurity by giving information to the appropriate authorities about those involved in such acts, as they live in communities with the people.
Acknowledging that the country is at a crossroad and requires that peace be restored through collective responsibility, Abdulsalami Abubakar urged Nigerians to address the issue.
He also commended the foundation for keeping alive the indelible mark of Sir Ahmadu Bello, pledging his support to them as he congratulated members for the annual lectures.
The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, while presenting a posthumous award to the late Sunday Awoniyi, commended the activities of the Sardauna Foundation, which he described as a vision that has united Nigeria.
Chairman Board of Trustees of Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, who is also the former Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said this year’s awardees of the Foundation were role models who distinguished themselves in selfless services and uncommon achievements in their respective chosen profession, and which has also impacted greatly to the development of the North and Nigeria at large.
“It is beyond argument that tonight’s awardees are role models and shall remain mirrors of exemplary qualities to the present generation, and even generation yet unborn. In fact, it is an undeniable fact that the 2020 awardees have either individually or collectively been key players in rewriting and determining the history of Nigeria”.
Recipients of the awards include former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, whose award reads, “The epitome of excellence and good leadership”. He was represented by Lt. Gen Abdulrahaman Danbazau.
A Posthumous award of Exemplary leadership and commitment to democracy and accountability was bestowed on the late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari and was presented by former Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.
Another posthumous award was presented to the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi for his excellent service to humanity, progress and unity of Nigeria which was performed by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State.
The former first lady of Nigeria and the first female Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, mother of the First lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar Sani-Bello, became the first recipient of award of Excellence in Public and Administrative Justice in Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Justice Fati Abubakar described the event as prestigious and a great honour to them, saying that they were highly humbled.
She however added that her recognition among great Nigerians whom she can’t stand their pedigree was indeed a rare privilege and applauded the organizers.
She then dedicated her award to her husband who stood by her to ensure that she pursues a career that has made her who she is today.
She also thanked the former Governor of Niger State and the Chairman, Board of Trustee of SABMF, Dr Babangida Aliyu, for his support and all other members of the foundation.
According to her, through her Non-governmental Organization, she will continue to advocate women’s rights especially in the areas of education, empowerment and their dignity.
