By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Nigeria National Volunteer Service, established under the Federal Government, targets individuals in communities who make impactful contributions and establish meaningful connections, not based on personal gain, but rather an inherent desire to help, and NNVS strives to acknowledge and showcase this outstanding quality to the nation.
In Kogi State, Hon Abdulrafiu Yakubu was encountered by a volunteer group, where his philanthropic efforts have been concentrated, targeting critical needs such as water accessibility through borehole drilling, educational support via scholarships for the disadvantaged, and hope revitalization through his exemplary stewardship in distributing palliatives to mitigate the impacts of hunger and economic struggles within Nigeria’s current developmental context.
As they sought to understand Hon Abdulrafiu Yakubu, a young man blessed with a rare philanthropic spirit, our findings revealed that he is naturally inclined to enrich the lives of others, gifted by God Almighty with a genuine willingness to give without seeking personal gain, a quality that sets him apart from the prevalent political culture in our country.
The qualities that captivated us were his impressive resilience, dexterity in building relationships, humility, devotion to God, and passion for improving lives, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, or geographical location.
The combination of resilience, interpersonal prowess, humility, and commitment to the greater good that defines Hon. Abdulrafiu Yakubu inspired us. His selflessness in providing essential services, including water, road access, scholarships, and healthcare, has earned him the moniker ‘Okuma,’ meaning ‘Government,’ among community members, who recognize his unwavering dedication to improving lives, transcending religious, ethnic, and sectional divides.
The exemplary stewardship demonstrated by Hon Abdulrafiu Yakubu is impressive, leading our team to seek insight into the motivations guiding his selfless service to disadvantaged populations, to which he credited his faith and desire to mitigate gaps in governance, reflecting loyalty to the All Progressive Congress (APC) and steadfast backing for Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, an outstanding servant leader, who embodies commitment, acknowledging inherent limitations in government’s capacity to reach all areas simultaneously.
Abdulrafiu has demonstrated exceptional character and competence, exemplifying selflessness in his commitment to positively impacting lives, and his exemplary volunteer work and philanthropic endeavors warrant recognition as a model for others to emulate.
The Nigeria National Volunteer Service, operating under the auspices of the Office of the Secretary to Kogi State Government and the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government (OSGF), expresses admiration for your selfless service and will soon bestow upon you the esteemed ‘Uncommon Stewardship Award to Humanity’, acknowledging your transformative impact and encouraging sustained dedication to the betterment of your community, securing your enduring legacy.
