By Onogwu Mohammed Galacticus.
Buoyed by the united front through which he works with his Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has challenged members of University Alumni Association in Nigeria, to envision ways of entrenching the unity of the country.
Speaking when the leadership of University of Jos Alumni Association paid him a visit in his office, the Governor, who described University of Jos as one of the leading universities in the country, said the north central region in particular and Nigeria in general were proud to have it.
He was particular about the sorts of finished products the university provides the society, and said he is proud to have the calibre of Edward Onoja as his Chief of Staff and alumnus of University of Jos.
Governor Bello, who described his own alma mater, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) as one of the premier universities in the country, said UNIJOS produces some of the most vibrant, progressive and resourceful individuals in the society.
The Governor, while describing the North Central as the anchor of the Nigerian Federation, stated that efforts to achieve a common front for the country and create a sense of belonging can be achieved through the alumni body across the country.
He informed them that Kogi State is moving forward despite the alternative narrative being peddled by critics, saying that the state’s development is highest on his priority and not the negative narratives of his opponents.
Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who praised the body for bringing their 2017 National Executive Council and Central Working Committee meetings to the state, said it would open their eyes to some of the economic potentials and encourage them to latch on the clement investment climate that has been created by his government.
He used the occasion to praise the former Students of University of Jos that are in his cabinet, one of which is his Chief of Staff, Hon Edward Onoja, for their commitment and exemplary leadership styles.
Earlier in an address, the National President of University of Jos Alumni Association, Idris Yakubu said the body was encouraged to bring her three-day NEC and NWC events to Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, in view of the great exploits of its members in the cabinet of the present government in Kogi State and the role played by Edward Onoja who led other delegates from Kogi State to Jos for the national delegate election that produced the current Exco of the Association.
According to him, the national body is proud of the manner members of the body are impacting the state positively, and congratulated the Governor on the sterling roles he has continued to play in general governance. He added that the University of Jos Alumni Association has slated September 28th, 2017 for her global Reunion and Dinner night which shall take place at the Umaru Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.
