By Grant Onyeke
The Arewa Students Forum has conferred the title of Grand Patron on the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Gombe, in recognition of his contributions to leadership, education and service to humanity.
The award was presented on Monday in Abuja, with the students saying Gombe’s commitment to national development and good governance had earned him widespread respect.
Presenting the award, the National President of the forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi, said the organisation was a non-governmental, non-political body established to promote peace, unity and harmony among Nigerian students.
Abdullahi said the forum had more than 2.1 million members from tertiary institutions across Nigeria and beyond, adding that it was focused on developing responsible young leaders.
He said the organisation organised seminars, symposia and awareness programmes across campuses to address challenges affecting youths, including drug abuse, alcoholism, examination malpractice, cultism and other social vices.
According to him, the forum also provides career guidance for secondary school students to help them make appropriate academic choices and improve their chances of gaining admission into suitable programmes.
He added that the organisation carries out humanitarian activities through visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and correctional centres, where it provides support materials to vulnerable persons.
Abdullahi said the forum recognises individuals based on their contributions to society and not political positions.
“We do not honour people simply because they occupy political offices or hold public positions. We recognise individuals who have distinguished themselves through selfless service to humanity,” he said.
He said Gombe’s nomination was considered before his emergence as SDP chairman, adding that his record of service and commitment to national development informed the decision.
The students also admitted Gombe into the forum’s family of patrons, which includes prominent academics and former university administrators.
Responding, Gombe thanked the forum for the honour, saying the recognition would motivate him to continue contributing to society.
He commended the students who travelled from different parts of Nigeria and countries including Canada, South Africa and Tunisia to honour him.
Gombe said he was impressed by the confidence, eloquence and quality of presentations made by the students, adding that their commitment showed that Nigeria’s future remained promising.
“As young men and women who are the leaders of tomorrow, your responsibility goes beyond honouring those you believe deserve recognition. You must also strive to emulate the values and qualities that earned them that honour,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience as a student leader, Gombe said the period remained one of the most fulfilling times of his life because it allowed him to contribute to addressing challenges affecting students.
He recalled working with student leaders from various institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University, to address campus welfare concerns, including food shortages.
The SDP chairman urged young Nigerians to place character above academic qualifications, saying integrity remained the foundation of effective leadership.
“Your university may award you a degree based on your academic performance, but society will ultimately judge you by your character,” he said.
Gombe identified leadership as Nigeria’s major challenge, adding that effective leadership would create opportunities for other sectors to thrive.
He urged young people to participate actively in democracy by supporting leaders with credibility, competence and integrity.
According to him, the reported 2.1 million membership strength of the Arewa Students Forum gives the organisation a strategic role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He said the figure was significant considering the narrow margins recorded in previous elections, adding that informed and united youths could influence national outcomes.
Gombe expressed concern over insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment in the northern region, urging youths to work collectively towards addressing the challenges.
He called on student leaders to avoid unhealthy rivalry and focus on unity, national service and good governance.
Also speaking, Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, Deputy Chairman of the SDP, commended Gombe as a humble leader whose contributions to governance and human development reflected the values promoted by the organisation.
He said the recognition demonstrated the students’ appreciation of Gombe’s leadership qualities and commitment to service. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade