At old school convention, SGF enjoins patriotism, tolerance
By Daniel Obaje
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to be patriotic and tolerant of each other for a secure and peaceful country.
Akume, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Christopher Tarka, stated this at the convention of the Government Secondary School Otukpo Old Boys Association.
He said the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu was committed to transparency and open to criticism that would move the nation forward.
“This government, this administration, is a listening government, whatever is said to us, whether it be truth, whether it be bitter, we listen. When we need to take corrective measures, corrective measures are taken.
“We as a society need to start taking some responsibilities for security within our communities. It is sad, for some of the things that are happening in Nigeria now, it is sad that it’s Nigerians doing this to themselves”
According to him, security remains one of the top priorities of the present administration.
“The president, his Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has taken high on his list and one of them has been security. We have noticed since the inception of this government, the insecurity that was prevalent in the Northeast has decreased drastically.’’
Akume also called on Nigerians to value their national identity and heritage.
He praised the Old Boys Association for sustaining the legacy of the school and for using the gathering to foster unity and development.
Mr Elijah Salifu, National President of the Old Boys Association, said the reunion was deeply emotional and inspiring, bringing together former classmates from over five decades.
He highlighted the association’s commitment to educational development through various projects.
“Today we see very old men hugging themselves like children, that gives us joy and the younger ones are also getting to know the older ones.
“We have renovated hostels, the school’s assembly hall and the library, we even provided water. Most importantly, we now have a digital library that gives students access to the same information available to students anywhere in the world.’’
He urged the school’s leadership to raise academic standards and build on its legacy.
“The school administration can see the quality of people this school has produced. They must now do even more, so we can produce students greater than ourselves.’’
In his keynote address, Dr Daniel Adekera, said the convention serves as a platform for reflection, bonding and growth, describing the school as more than just an academic institution.
“This gathering gives us the opportunity to reflect, network and discuss ways to improve our lives individually and strengthen our bond as a group.
“The school did not just teach us mathematics and literature. It taught us resilience, respect, discipline, and the subtle art of survival in a competitive world,’’ he said.
He added that values learned through simple routines, like morning assemblies and inter-house sports shaped their success in life.
Mr Oche Egwa, Assistant Director of Information, office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said the school laid a solid foundation for discipline and leadership.
He praised the school’s legacy of discipline and patriotism, noting that many of the alumni have gone on to occupy top positions in different spheres of life.
“The school refined us into responsible adults, today, we have senior advocates, professors and even the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume as products of this school. That speaks volumes.”
He encouraged current students and the school’s leadership to uphold its core values of excellence, responsibility, and continuous learning.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
