Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello has said that former Head of State , General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s conflict resolution, peace building and peace brokering efforts at local, national, regional, continental and global levels have continued to earn him recognition and awards around the world as a global peace advocate according to Jibrin Baba Ndace, Chief Press Secretary, Niger State
Governor Sani-Bello stated this while speaking to journalists in Yola shortly after the conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degree on the former Head of state , Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar by Modibo Adama University of Technology, MAUTECH Yola.
The Governor said the award by the University was a clear indication that performance in public service and selfless decision taken in the course of leadership have far –reaching impact and resonates far beyond the corners were such decisions were taken.
“The recognition and awards Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar have received at various times were indications that decisions taken by leaders at strategic levels must be selfless, nationalistic and futuristic. ”
“Gen Abdulsalami as a strategic leader and strong advocate of democracy, has demonstrated diplomacy, tact and statecraft in handling intricate issues at local, national, regional, contienetal and global levels.
Gov Sani-Bello congratulated the elder statesman urging him to continue to play role of peace builders across the globe.
The Governor also congratulated other recipients, the university and graduands; and advised them to contribute to the development of Nigeria.
Two other distinguished Nigerians were conferred with honourary degrees: Alhaji Muhammadu Mubi, a teacher and Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu, a labour leader. The award was in recognition of their distinguished , meritorious and dedicated service to the nation and humanity.
The University orator described Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar as a global peace activist who played prominent role along other Nigerians to ensure smooth elections and transition of power in 2015.
While the University described Alhaji Muhammadu Mubi as a disciplined and dedicated teacher, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu was described as a principled and dedicated labour leader.
The Sokoto State Government says it has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kent University, USA on academic and cultural exchange.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said this in a statement signed by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam in Sokoto on Sunday.
Imam said the agreement was signed by the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Muhammad Kilgori and Dr Linda Robertson of Kent University’s Gerald Read Centre for International and Inter-cultural education in Sokoto.
According to Imam, the scope of the agreement is also to exchange students between Sokoto and the university for traditional exchange programmes and exchange of academic personnel for teaching and research.
Speaking when she paid a courtesy visit to Tambuwal in Sokoto, Robertson said the agreement also involved organisation of joint seminars and conferences and hosting of faculty members from partner institution.
Development of joint research and publications is also part of the agreement, according to the governor’s aide.
“It also involves development of specialised degree completion programmes, accelerated attention for girls to girls’ education and teacher-improvement activities,” Robertson said.
She said that her visit to Sokoto had also provided her the opportunity of assessing government’s commitment to turn around the fortune of the educational sector in the state.
“Your decision to declare a state of emergency in the educational sector shows fully how committed you are to addressing the challenges facing the sector.
“I am happy that you have followed up on the declaration by implementing recommendations offered by professionals to help the sector improve.”
Responding, Tambuwal said that Sokoto had reputation for keeping to agreements entered into with various organisations at home and abroad, and assured that the MoU would be implemented to the letter.
He commended Robertson for visiting Sokoto and interacting with stakeholders and youth organisations, saying that the state was open for further agreements with interested entities to move all sectors in the state forward. (NAN)
