•Says late Gov helped shape Kogi’s destiny
• Family set to establish Prince Abubarkar Audu Foundation
By Ojotule Romanus
Ten years after the demise of the first civilian Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubarkar Audu, Kogi State Government, has organised a State Memorial Anniversary to honour the legacies of a man many described as a pathfinder.
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Also, the family of late Prince Abubarkar Audu has confirmed plans to establish Prince Abubarkar Audu Foundation to support citizens of the state attain the greatest heights attainable in various fields.
Speaking at the memorial remembrance held at Ogbonicha, the country home of the late political incon, the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo, described the late former Governor Audu as a man whose life and sacrifices helped shaped the destiny of kogi state.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the governor said though, a decade has passed, the memories of the late former governor, his courage, his passion and his believe that kogi State could become a beacon of hope still echoes strongly, just as he pointed out that late Prince Audu left behind not only physical monuments but an enduring imprints on the hearts of the people of the state.
His words, ” Today, we stand on sacred ground, the home of a man whose life and sacrifices helped to shaped the destiny of our beloved state. This gathering is not just a ceremony but a moment of deep reflection and gratitude as we mark 10 years since the passing of our father, leader and a parthfinder, His Excellence, Prince Abubarkar Audu.
“Standing in Ogbonicha reminds us that while some leaders leaves office, great leaders like Prince Abubarkar Audu’s legacies lives on. His name continues to inspire respect, admiration and love across Kogi State and beyond.
“To Audu’s family, we say thank you for carrying on with his memory, dignity and grace. This memorial, the first of it’s kind in our state reminds us that he did not just lead Kogi State, he became part of our collective identity”. Governor Ododo said.
He pointed out that the decision to honour the past hero, demonstrates that his administration’s leadership style was rooted in respect for history and sacrifice
He further emphasised that the prayers and state memorial was a testament to his dedication, unity and recognition of families who have contributed immensely to the growth of the state especially the family of the late Prince Abubarkar Audu.
“May the Almighty God grant Prince Abubarkar Audu continued rest, comfort his family and guide us as we strive to fulfill the dreams he began for our dear state”, He concluded.
In his welcome address, the eldest son of the late former governor, Alhaji Muhammed Audu disclosed that as part of the efforts to maintain his legacies, the family has concluded plans to establish Prince Abubarkar Audu Foundation in his honour to help support citizens of the state.
The foundation he said when finally operational, would help to deal with issues regarding education, poverty alleviation amogst others, stressing that, “to whom much is given, much is definitely expected”.
Also in a remark , one of the sons of the late Prince Abubarkar Audu and the current Minister for Steel Development, Shaibu Audu, had thanked the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo, the immediate past Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for their tremendous support in putting together a programme alongside the family of Prince Audu.
The memorial prayers and remembrance which took place in Ogbonicha in Ofu Local Government Area of the state featured special prayer session from Islamic clerics, well wishers, friends and family members who had eulogised the imprints of Prince Abubarkar Audu on the state.
Among dignitaries that graced the event were Senator Jibrin Isah, Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Comfort Egwaba, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land and the Vice Chairman kogi State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, Commissioner for Information Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner of Justice and the State Attorney General, Barr. Muizudeen Abdullahi, Commissioner for Local Government and Chietftaincy Affairs, Hon. Salami Deedat, the state Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala and hosts of others.
