Yar’Adua, Gowon, Abdulsalami, others honour Awoniyi

Hassan Ibrahim, Kaduna - 01.05.2008

The North on Wednesday stood still for the late Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Chief Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi, who President Umaru Yar’Adua, former heads of state and other distinguished Nigerians described as a crusader for social justice, progress and unity of Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the Sunday Awoniyi Foundation organised by the ACF and the Awoniyi’s family, President Yar’Adua said the late Aro of Mopa was, indeed, a great nationalist who would be remembered for the outstanding role he played in the civil service where he rose to the position of a permanent secretary.

He recalled that the likes of Awoniyi and Chief Philip Asiodu were top civil servants of the country who strengthened and consolidated the civil service after the colonial era.

Yar’Adua, who was represented on the occasion by the Minister of National Planning, Alhaji Sanusi Daggash, said Awoniyi was detribalised and worked for the unity of Nigeria, adding that he was a mentor to many Nigerians in both public and private life

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Saad, said on the occasion that the North was backward educationally and economically and, therefore, called on the Northern Governors Forum to strive and push the North on the path of progress and overall development.

He said together with the Northern governors in the next few months, they would discuss and continue to work together in order to realise their dream of a greater North.

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, paid glowing tributes to the late ACF Chairman, saying the Northern governors must bring about a policy of deliberately laying a foundation for the likes of Awoniyi in the North.