By Ralph Omololu Agbana, with additional reports by NAN
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, rtd, Second Republic Minister of Transport, late Alhaji Umaru Dikko, one time Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Dan Masanin Kano, late Dr Yusuf Maitama Sule, Priivate Secretary to Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and former Minister of National Planning, late Chief Silas Bandele Daniyan and the last Governor of Northern Nigeria who also served as Chief of Army Staff during the Nigerian Civil War and later became the Deputy Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, the late Major General Hassan Usman Katsina,rtd, were amongst distinguished members of Barewa College Old Boys Association (BOBA) who received awards during this year’s BOBA Annual Dialogue and Honours Award held in Abuja, at the weekend.
The event with the theme: “Nigeria’s March to Renaissance: Lessons from the life of General Yakubu Gowon” was in honour of the ex-head of state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu, in his remarks eulogised General Gowon on attaining the age of 90, describing the elder statesman as a gentleman extraordinaire who led Nigeria during a challenging period, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on our country’s history. The president, who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa said the ex-head of state was one of the longest-serving Nigerian leaders, who has done a lot for the country and served meritoriously in various capacities within and outside the military.
Tinubu added that as a brilliant officer trained at Sandhurst and reluctantly became Nigeria’s leader at 32, his life story has inspired many Nigerians.
Tinubu also praised Barewa College for grooming such a great personality and global icon as Gowon, adding that members of the BOBA must continue to honour his legacy and strive to emulate his example of service and leadership, ensuring that the values of Barewa College remain at the forefront of the Association’s efforts.
The Chairman of the occasion, Sen. (Prof) lya Abubakar noted that Barewa College was not merely an institution, adding that it is a symbol of excellence, resilience, and unity.
Abubakar stressed that Barewa College has been a beacon of knowledge and a crucible for leadership, producing individuals who have gone on to contribute significantly to the development of the country.
“As I reflect on the journey that has brought us here today, I am reminded of the values instilled in us duing our formative years at Barewa. The discipline, the pursuit of knowledge, the commitment to service, and the unwavering sense of community were not just lessons taught wthin the classsoom walls; they were ingrained in our very being.
These values have guided us in our various paths,whether in public service, academia, business, or other fields some of us have ventured into,” he said.
In his response, Gowon said he was honoured and humbled to have been celebrated as one amongst other distinguished members of the association to receive the honorary award.
“It is with great honour and humility that l accepted the invitation to be an honoree and Special Guest of this august gathering of our Alma-mater. Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) has through the years hosted the greatest minds in Policy, Advocacy, Governance, Administration, Sciences and Arts. These lectures have shaped and continued to shape the character and content of Nigerian development and growth.
In our own modest way, we have collectively grown the nation and placed it on the right trajectory to greater height,” he said.
He noted that the contritbution of members of BOBA to Nigeria’s growth was not only profound but also essential in the collective unity they had managed to attain.
He said that as a member of the Association, his career had been one of service and sacrifice for our common good.
He thanked the Board of Trustees of BOBA, the National Executive Council ofthe Association, the National Secretariat and all BOBA members for their goodwill messages, kind wishes and honor to him over the years.
Gowon said: “I thank you for your understanding support and collective pursuit for our National Development. l am mindful of the myriad challenges we faced as a nation, the obstacles we overcame, and the successes we celebrated.
Each step of this journey has been an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to excel. We must not relent to stand together once again to overcome the economic challenges we are facing
“The memory of our journey is an acknowledgment of the resilience and determination it takes to succeed, and I pray that together we shall succeed as a Nation once again.
To be honoured by my Alma-mater brings me tremendous joy and fulfilment, and I thank you all for your individual service to this nation and our dear Association. May the Almighty Lord continue to bless us asa Nation and empower us to do more that is best for Nigeria”.
NAN also reports that no fewer than 21 other distinguished members of the Association received hononary awards.
They 2024 honours awardees include; Late Alhaji Abdu Gusau, Late Mr. Sunday Dankaro, Late Maj Gen Amadi Rimi Rtd, Late Justice Muhammad Bello, Late Engr Abdulqadir Yalwaji Saleh and Late CP Usman Faruk. Others are: Late Shettima Liberty, Late Alhaji Hussaini Hayatu, Dr Lema Jibrilu, Late Malam Turi Muhammad, Late Alh. Abdulkadir Ahmed, Alh Shehu Mohammed Kaikai, Late Charles U. Ochima, Justice Tukur Mu’azu, Malam Mustapha Muhammad Ibrahim and Engr. Dr. Charles Tabansi.
The rest are; Alh. Abubakar Suleiman, Late Malam Baba-Ahmed, Malam Ishaq Nuhu, Late Chief Cyril Tolefe Ogboli and Captain Oseni Mako.
