By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
SULTAN of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs(NCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar at the weekend urged leaders in the country to be symbol and beacon of hope for Nigerians in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness to strengthen the bond of unity in diversity among the citizenry.
Abubakar who spoke in his palace when he received a delegation of top members and officials of the Barewa Old Boys Association(BOBA) on a courtesy call led by its Chairman, BOT, General Yakubu Gowon(rtd) represented by Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, said it was cardinal for leaders to own up to their responsibility as a reflection of positive attitudes in fostering the desired unity for the collective existence of the country.
” Without justice, we can”t have a just and developed society”, he stressed.
However, the courtesy visit was part of activities lined up for the association’s annual lecture preceding it’s centennial celebration in 2021.
Abubakar noted that national integration was necessary as important foundation to sustainable peace and unity of the country.
The religious monarch who described Barewa College Old Boys Association as a unique and structured composition and a shining example of true symbol of unity added” BOBA is a shining for what Nigeria should be. Is a family full of fun, love and peace. That is how Nigeria should be.
” It’s unfortunate that Nigeria is characterised by so many misinformations, negative writings on media platforms which are not healthy for our unity and image as a country.”
Abubakar further commended the choice of the topic” The challenges of the Judiciary to Democracy: The Nigeria Perspective,pointing out that it was timely and necessary in view of the prevailing trend of events bordering on the system and processes in the affairs of governance.
” We have to keep extending the rare features of true love among ourselves. No unifying composition and force as prosperous and purposeful as BOBA. Nigeria should reflect same.
” BOBA is a real symbol of northern unity. We are bounded by respect and moral values as a progressives social entity.
” We need to promote and encourage the emulation of same among northern youths. It is important not to fail the expectations and future of our youths and nation as a whole”, he urged.
The reverred leader who is also an old boy with BOBA number 2611, cknowledged the the spirit of BOBA noted with joy how the event coincided with his 12 year anniversary on the throne ” I am happy and most excited to be part of this moment which is unique as double honour”, he remarked.
National President of the association, Engineer Dahiru Ibrahim told Abubakar that they were in the palace to pay respect and show recognition to him as one of them, describing as unequal the humility and treatment given them by the monarch.
” We started the activities for our centennial celebrations last year in Katsina and would be culminated in Zaria by 2021″, he told Sultan Abubakar.
Alhaji Umar Mutallab the immediate past President and representative of the association’s BOT, General Yakubu Gowon(rtd), said there waas the urgent need for the establishment of a premier unity college in the northern region that would foster ties and unity among diverse settings.
He added that” We need to strengthen a unifying bond through encouraging the existence of such school that will admit our students”, he stressed.
Receiving the delegation at his Sama road Sokoto residence, Second republic President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari who spoke throughhis eldest son, Bala Shagari, acknowledged. The giant strides of BOBA in uniting Nigeria through its purposeful vision.
Shagari who is over 93 wished the association a peaceful and successful events in the caliphate.
However, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Nasiru El-Rufa’i graced the ocassion Saturday in Sokoto where an annual lecture, recognition awards and dinner took place.
