Adamu @80: Balarabe Describes Former APC Chairman as Role Model and Bridge Builder
By Yahaya Idris, Lafia
The immediate past Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, has paid tribute to former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, describing him as a pillar of leadership whose contributions laid the foundation for the growth and development of Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, Balarabe said the former governor’s legacy continues to shape the state’s political, educational and socio-economic development more than two decades after he became its first democratically elected governor.
The former Speaker, who also holds the traditional title of Wali Opanda, described Senator Adamu as an asset to Nasarawa State and Nigeria, commending his decades of public service and political leadership.
According to Balarabe, Adamu’s administration established key structures that provided a foundation for governance and development following the creation of Nasarawa State in 1996.
He said the former governor played a significant role in expanding educational opportunities and creating an enabling environment for growth during the state’s formative years.
“Senator Abdullahi Adamu laid the solid foundation for the development of Nasarawa State, and history will continue to remember his contributions,” the statement said.
Balarabe also praised Adamu’s efforts in empowering citizens, promoting economic opportunities and supporting community development, describing him as a leader whose influence extended beyond politics.
“He has done greatly in empowering the people, served humanity diligently and contributed to wealth creation and development across the state,” he said.
The former Speaker further described the Turakin Keffi as a bridge builder, political icon, mentor and role model whose contributions to the state and the country remain enduring.
“He is a great leader, a bridge builder, an icon of the people, a pillar and role model. We will continue to stand by him, pray for him and support him as our political leader,” Balarabe stated.
Reflecting on Adamu’s broader impact, Balarabe credited the former APC National Chairman with helping to establish a strong educational foundation in Nasarawa State, saying his policies created opportunities that continue to benefit residents.
He also acknowledged Adamu’s contributions to national politics, noting his service as Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator of the Federal Republic and National Chairman of the ruling APC.
Balarabe prayed for continued good health, wisdom and long life for the elder statesman, expressing hope that he would continue to provide guidance and contribute to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria.
“May Almighty God continue to bless Senator Abdullahi Adamu with sound health, wisdom, long life and strength to keep serving humanity and providing wise counsel for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu, one of Nigeria’s prominent political figures, served as the first democratically elected Governor of Nasarawa State before representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
He later became National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, leading the party through a significant period in its history.