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By Linus Aleke, Abuja
Despite security challenges confronting the nation and it attendant socio-economic consequences on the living standard of average Nigerians, the former minister of Sports Development and the Chairman governing council Federal College of Education (Technical, Gusau Zamfara State) Engr. Bawa Ka’oje has expressed hope in the unity of the country.
Ka’oje expressed this optimism when National Association of Nigerian Student (NANS) gave him a distinguished leadership award in recognition of his selfless and sterling contribution towards societal transformation, education, development, commitment to youth development and empowerment as well a grass root development for the benefits of humanity in Abuja.
The Kebbi state governorship aspirant used the occasion to lament the fallen standard of education in the country and promised to give education a priority if elected come 2015, saying that education is the key to success, development, peace and unity as well as antidote to insecurity.
His words, “If we do not have peace and unity within our country, it means we have no hope but having people like you who are working assiduously to ensure that peace and unity endures in Nigeria is highly commendable. We are happy because that gives us a lot of encouragement and make us realize that we have a future in this country. When you see youths becoming more enthusiastic in respect of maintenance of peace and unity within any nation then you know that there is hope for such a nation at the end of a tunnel. But when they keep quite then you know that there is a time bomb that is about to explode but fortunately I must say that we thank God Almighty for making Nigerian youths focused in the right direction to be able to bring bout positive change that will bring about national development.
“I express surprise for this award because I never expected it. I never thought that I am doing anything that deserves this kind of commendation and award winning. I just thought I was offering my widows might in terms of trying to do what is right so that we can re-focus our country for the better and for the future generation. Not knowing that a lot of group have identified me and have found me worthy to bestow on me this kind of award. I appreciate this wonderful honour bestowed on me this afternoon.”
The former National Treasure of the ruling People’s Democratic Party also promised to continue to encourage the group whenever they called on him, saying that he believes in the ideal of the organization which is to promote quality education, democracy, peace and unity of the nation.
Earlier in an address by the Chairman Award committee National Association of Nigerian Student (NANS) Comrade Ayobami Isah said that the nation will overcome the security challenges confronting it God willing.
He described the award recipient as a truthful, competent, zealous and dogged politician who had distinguished himself among his peers.
“We are here today to identify with you because we believe that identifying with you is identifying truth, competent, zeal and doggedness. Our association believes in unifying Nigeria and building one nation because there is no other place we can call home. No matter the challenges confronting the nation at the moment the country will triumph by the grace of God. Traditionally this award is reserved for distinguished personality who had made their marks in the sand of time. Therefore Ka’oje deserves the award and more for his outstanding contribution to nation building and youth empowerment.”