By Yahaya Idris, Kogi.
June 18th 2022 was another historic day in the annals of Kogi State as the famous Ohinoyi of Ebiralnd, HRM, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, showered encomiums on Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, a son of the Former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Late Prince Abubakar Audu.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland who received Alhaji Shuaibu and members of his Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Foundation (SAAF) and other members of his entourage that were in the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State to commission a school project renovated by his Foundation, said accorded attention to the development of the society was the right thing to do.
In an emotional atmosphere, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland took turns to pay glowing tributes on the personality of the Former Kogi State Governor, Late Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as a man of great virtue whose good deeds and leadership quality cannot be forgotten in the State, Nation and the world at large.
The elated King described Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu as a young man who has garnered the experience, exposure and intellect to impact the lives of others positively, and enjoined him to stay committed to the aims and objectives of his Foundation.
”Your father was a good friend of mine, great philanthropist, an industrialist per excellence, and a great leader whose name is synonymous with progress and stupendous wealth
“A lot of people are here today because even though they were never opportune to meet him but one way or another, they have benefited from his largesse, though he’s gone but your presence and sincere commitment and benevolence shows your Late father dream and legacies leaves forever
“Unfortunately, I didn’t see him after he left Okene for Ogbonicha on the eve of 2015 gubernatorial election, only to hear that he is gone. He is one among the few powerful leaders that has passion for adding value and creating opportunity where there are none
“My good friend, the Former Kogi State Governor and progenitor of the Audu while alive lived up to his name because he was known for courage, innovations, entrepreneurship among others, so do not derail from the raider, impact the lives of others positively” he said.
Another traditional ruler – Ohi of Eganyi in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, HRH Alhaji Isah Achuja, who received Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu and his team at his palace, described the Late industrialist as a reputable leader and praised his son, Alhaji Shuaibu Abuabakar for following the footsteps of his Late father.
“Late Prince Abubakar Audu was a great leader and a Philanthropist, he stood by his people and he championed so many projects in Kogi State. He truly brought development across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State”
He commended Prince Shauibu Abubakar Audu for establishing SAAF with the aim to replicate his late father’s good gesture, leadership prowess in terms of development and entrepreneurship.
On his part, a United Nations (UN) Special Envoy, Mr. Philip Bonn Africa Edward who was in the entourage of Alhaji Shuaibu, thanked the traditional rulers for their roles especially at maintaining peace in their domain.
Mr. Edward said coming to Nigeria for the first time and visiting Kogi State was to assist his friend to achieve his aims and objectives of his foundation and vowed to ensure the Foundation get all the necessary support required to be able to make contributions to the society and the people effectively.
Speaking, Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, who is the Grand Patron, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Foundation (SAAF), told the traditional rulers that he established the Foundation on three key factors; education, health and empowerment.
Alhaji Shuaibu said he involved his friends across the world in order for the Foundation to source for more funds so as to actualize the set goals and provide more meaningful development to the People of Kogi State.
Alhaji Shuaibu who is the Executive Director and CEO, with Stanbic IBTC Group Lagos Nigeria, has vowed to continue to keep the memories of his late father alive in the heart of the people of the Confluence State by contributing his quota to the development of the State.
Recall that the Banker has engaged in critical infrastructure development to touch the lives of the people in the areas of health, education, youth/women empowerment, provision of portable drinking water, among others.
The prudent resource manager, philanthropist, politician and business mogul, was on an official engagement to the Central Senatorial District to Commission a renovated school project at Emiworo Community in Ajaokuta Local Government Area by his Foundation as part of his passion for development.
The massive crowd followed Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu on the visit including his foundation team headed by its Chairman, Hon. (Prince) Idoko Daniel Ogacheko, supporters, and his late father’s political family also added colour to the success of the event.
