As part of activities to mark the Commissioning of Projects embarked upon and completed by the Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Foundation (SAAF) across Kogi State, the Grand Patron of Foundation, Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu paid homage to the Ogohi Onu Ayingba, HRH Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo.
Upon the receiving the team, comprising of a United Nations (UN) Special Envoy, Mr. Philip Bonn Africa Edward, SAAF Chairman – Prince Ogacheko, Members of SAAF, youth and women Groups and other supporters, the elated traditional ruler embraced Alhaji Shuaibu Audu through presentation of collar nut, describing him as a replica of his Late father and former Governor of the Confluence State, Late Prince Abubakar Audu.
HRH Alhaji Abu Okolo explained that Ayingba is the Centre of Igalaland and centre of academic activities, noting that Late Prince Abubakar Audu has brought unprecedented development to the Area while he was alive.
The Ogohi Onu Ayingba pointed out that the legacies of the former Governor cannot be forgotten in the history of Kogi State, stressing that generations yet unborn will live to hear of the good deeds of the exceptional son of the Igala extraction.
“Late Prince Abubakar Audu has created an unbeatable record of all round development across Kogi State, the footprints of the Late Governor are visible in all nooks and crannies of Kogi State and in the heart of men, Late Adoja is a hero who lives forever”
The traditional ruler expressed satisfaction with the developmental leadership style of the incumbent Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, describing him as a detribalized leader.
He commended Governor Bello for renaming the Kogi State University (KSU) to Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), describing such move as efforts geared towards keeping the name of the Late Governor alive.
The Ogohi Onu Ayingba also commended the Executive Governo of Kogi State for putting several structures in place that was ignored by others, stressing that Governor Bello has been able to change old narratives for the good all.
Speaking about the Grand Patron of SAAF, the traditional noted that Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu’s commitment to serving humanity was not far-fetched from the moves of his late Father, calling on him to sustain such spirit.
“It is popularly said that the son of a lion is also a lion that was why I took permission from other activities to receive you and your entourage
“I am indeed very happy, it is my prayers that may Allah make you mightier than your late father because it is always the prayers of every father that their children should do greater than them”
While appreciating Mr. Philip Bonn Africa Edward for accepting to come to Nigeria for the first time, he enjoined the United Nations Special Envoy to sustain his relationship with Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, whom he described as a man of impeccable character.
Earlier, Alhaji Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, who is the Grand Patron, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Foundation (SAAF), appreciated the Ogohi Onu Ayingba for upholding peace in his domain, stressing that such has contributed immensely to the growth witnessed in the Area.
Alhaji Shuaibu Audu noted that his Foundation has remain committed to bringing succor to the lives of the people of Kogi State, promising that SAAF will not relent efforts at impacting the lives of others positively.
The SAAF Grand Patron and experienced Banker prayed Allah to continue to sustain the life of the traditional ruler and grant him success all through his reign.
