Address
by His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON
(Madauchin Doma), Executive Governor,
PROTOCOL:
It
is with gratitude to Almighty Allah that I have the distinguished honour and
privilege to welcome His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of
the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to
2.
I
also heartily welcome all our distinguished guests, particularly, members of
the Keffi Old Boys Association (KOBA), who have returned home to organize and
participate in this event.
3.
I
am impressed, but not surprised that this occasion has attracted such a galaxy
of personalities from all walks of life and from all parts of the federation,
and even beyond. Yes, I am not surprised, because this is the acknowledged centre
of learning that has produced distinguished captains of the Nigerian enterprise
in almost every aspect of human endeavour and who have made their marks in the
annals of our history.
4.
What
is more, this is the
5.
Mr.
President, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, permit me to pay tribute
to the vision and foresight of the founding fathers who established this
institution sixty years ago as an educational nursery to raise future leaders
and to serve as a leading light in academic, sporting and moral development. Indeed,
the tree of knowledge which they planted has blossomed and we here present are
proud beneficiaries of their foresight and sacrifice.
6.
The
example of Government College Keffi reaffirms to us that education is the most
fundamental social and economic enterprise which no individual, no family, and
no nation, can afford to neglect and yet hope to survive and prosper. It remains
the best investment for human development, economic growth and social
stability. All hands must therefore be on deck in ensuring that our children
and youth receive qualitative education for self-development and progress.
7.
At
this juncture, I would like to commend Mr. President for the wisdom in
according human capital development, priority, as one of the 7-point agenda of
your Administration.
8.
Mr.
President Sir, in tandem with the national policy, we in
9.
Mr.
President, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is obvious that no
Government can single handedly shoulder the educational responsibilities of its
citizens. It is, therefore, essential that all stakeholders should partner with
Government towards the realization of our educational objectives, since education
for all is the responsibility of all.
10.
It
is in this context, Mr. President, that I would like to commend the initiative
and foresight of the Keffi Old Boys Association (KOBA) in raising funds to
upgrade facilities in the College, as well as endowing the institution with an
enduring and sustainable life-line through public-private partnership.
11.
I
am confident that this event will go down as a major landmark in the history of
educational development in this part of the Country, in particular, and Nigeria
as a whole, as we open a new chapter of institutional self-sustenance through a
partnership arrangement between Government and Alumni Associations.
12.
Mr.
President Sir, I cannot thank you enough for personally attending this ceremony.
Your visit would no doubt add value to our commitment to educational reform and
development. I pray that this grand reunion of Keffi Old Boys will further
strengthen the bonds of brotherly interaction and unity among the Alumni and
open a window of cooperation between the Association and the Government and
people of
13.
Mr.
President, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you all to
14.
Thank
you and God bless.