During a grand reception held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, delivered a significant message to individuals occupying leadership positions at all levels.

He emphasized the importance of wholeheartedly serving the masses and extending support to the less privileged within society.

While encouraging office holders to prioritize the well-being of the people, especially those in disadvantaged circumstances, Adamu issued a cautionary note against engaging in corrupt practices merely to gain favor with the public or political interests.

Adamu delivered these insightful remarks as part of his address at the grand reception organized to honor Prof. Maiwalima Haruna, a former executive chairman and chief executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.

He said, “When the Federal Government gives you appointment, the idea is to extend patronage to the people. The more you do to raise their standard of living, the better for the society.

“There is no position in which you cannot serve the masses. Neither former President Muhammadu Buhari nor President Bola Tinubu can give patronage to every citizen.

“Give patronage to the people but not through corrupt means. What people expect as patronage is good service delivery, provision of amenities, jobs and what will make life meaningful for them.

“Those in leadership positions must see it as a duty to patronise those who are not as privileged and as lucky as they are.

Adamu said Haruna was being celebrated for identifying with the state and the people while in office.

“This reception is an expression of gratitude to him. What he has done should be a lesson. If copying is not allowed elsewhere, copying is allowed here. Let us emulate Haruna.”

During his speech, Prof. Maiwalima Haruna expressed his appreciation for the Students Loan Bill that was recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He highlighted the significance of this legislation in promoting equal access to education for Nigerian youths. According to Haruna, the President’s decision was timely and would remove barriers that hinder the learning process for young people.

While acknowledging the importance of education, Haruna also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the development of home-grown technology. He emphasized that technology plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable industrial development, which aligns with the objectives outlined in Tinubu’s Renew Hope Agenda. By focusing on technology, Haruna believes that Nigeria can advance its industrial sector and bring about long-term economic growth and prosperity.

He said, “Let me use this opportunity to commend President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for signing the Students Loan Bill to facilitate quality affordable education towards poverty eradication and equal opportunities for the youth. 

“This demonstrates Mr President’s love for the youth and understanding of the role of education in nation building.”

Haruna earnestly appealed to the President, emphasizing the need to prioritize the development of indigenous technology as a catalyst for expediting the nation’s industrial progress.

He added: “The determination of His Excellency, Mr. President to populate his cabinet with competent professionals with proven track records is undoubtedly a renewal of hope for the nation. 

“I urge Jagaban to prioritise the implementation of home-grown science, technology and innovation as well as capacity and skill acquisition and development. This is the only way for sustainable industrial development contained in his Renew Hope Agenda.”

He however urged political leaders in Nasarawa State to work for peace and stability in the state.

He said: “May I remind the political leaders of Nasarawa State to fear God and remember the day of reckoning, the day of accountability before Allah.

“They should work for the legacy of peace, progress and stability. They have to cooperate and support the administration of His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule; they should know that the people are taking note of their actions.

“The youth organisations, labour unions, traditional and religious leaders should remember that Nasarawa is our only state; Nigeria is the only country we have, and only unity and support for the leadership can take us to the promised land.”

Concerning his career, Haruna thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan for “shunning sentiments and primordial” to appoint him as the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI in 2013 after emerging the best out of 63 candidates

He added, “I thank former President Muhammadu Buhari for the renewal of the tenure and for an on-the-spot assessment of my performance and announcing the conferment of national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic and Excellent Public Service Award on me.”