Atiku Honored On 77th Birthday As AUN Marks Founder’s Day

By Ibrahim Abubakar

Yola, the capital city of Adamawa State and its environs, was in a festive mood to celebrate the 77th birthday of its illustrious son, Atiku Abubakar, who was being honored by the American University of Nigeria (AUN), the institution that he established to advance the course of education in Nigeria, on its founder’s ceremony.

In his address, Atiku did a critical appraisal of the performance of the university in its 19 years of existence.

He noted that 19 years is the age of accountability, stating that it is time for stock-taking.

Quoting Socrates, the legendary Greek philosopher, he said that: “unexamined life is not worth living.”

The 2023 PDP presidential candidate raised some fundamental questions about whether the school has followed the vision of its founder in providing American-styled educational system that focuses on leadership development, critical thinking and problem solving and skills, noting that even if the school is not established for profit making purposes, it should generate enough revenue for self-sustenance and to plough back for future development.

Atiku declared that part of his vision was to make the university grow and serve humanity and not to make money for him, stating that he has never collected any money from the school in the 19 years of its establishment.

He said the school is a gift from him to the society and humanity to provide world-class educational platform to develop future leaders.

Atiku therefore enjoined the university administration to be more dynamic and align more proactively to the changing economic and technological world.

He charged them to re-examine their strategies, define their priorities and look for new ways and tools to generate revenue to be self-sustaining.

The high point of the occasion was the commissioning of the Law Faculty of the university by the founder.

In the welcome address at the event attended by many dignitaries from across the country, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Senator Ben Obi welcomed the guests while wishing Atiku Abubakar a happy birthday.

He explained that the purpose of the occasion was to celebrate the founder and the former vice president of the country (1999-2007) and to inaugurate the new president of the university.

Speaking at the occasion, the keynote speaker, Dr. Steven Titus, who is a veteran college administrator and the President Emeritus of the Iowa Wesleyan University, hinted on the importance of the occasion.

He praised the founder for his commitment to education and the vision of establishing the university.

And while presenting a birthday gift to Atiku on behalf of his family, he said that he was moved by the founder’s passion and love for education, describing Atiku as a gift to the world of education.

In his own speech, Professor De Wayne Frazier who is installed as the 6th President of the University thanked Atiku for his vision, generosity for establishing the University, and the opportunity given to him to be part of that vision.

He also thanked the chairman of the governing council for the support, stating that his inauguration marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the university.

He promised to uphold the values of excellence and integrity as enshrined in the foundation of the university, pledging to build on the already laid foundation to move the institution to greater heights.

NEMA, SEMA distribute food items to Sokoto flood victims

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has commenced the distribution of food and non-consumables to victims of the 2023 flood in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Wednesday and made available to newsmen by SEMA’s Information Officer, Abubakar Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the distribution which started on Tuesday, was part of efforts to leverage the pains suffered by residents of the Kebbe Local Government Area of the state over the flood.

SEMA Special Adviser,  Nasiru Kalambaina, who was represented by the Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mustapha Umar, urged the beneficiaries to make use of the items judiciously.

While speaking in his remarks before the flag-off, the Sole Administrator, Kebbe LGA, Sanusi Kebbe, used the medium to thank and commend the Sokoto SEMA for the quick facilitation of items brought to them by the NEMA.

Read Also: NEMA, SEMA begin sensitization against floods in Adamawa

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen commended NEMA and the state government for the timely arrival of the items.

Meanwhile, SEMA and the state’s NEMA  operation office jointly assessed the situation of banditry incidents that led to the displacement of various communities in the Sangi, Ungushi, Girkau and Margai wards of the LGA.

During the assessment, the joint team discovered that over 200 households were affected by the banditry incidence out of which many were said to be killed by the bandits.

Speaking during the inspection, Kebbe commended the joint team for coming to assess the situation.

In his remarks, Umar sympathised with the affected communities on behalf of the state government and assured them that after the assessment, a report would be compiled by both agencies to be forwarded to the appropriate concerned authorities for further necessary actions.

The assessment was witnessed and also coordinated by SEMA’s Director of Finance, Kabiru Garba, while NEMA Sokoto’s head of operation was represented by Amìnu Ambursa.

NEMA, SEMA distribute food items to Sokoto flood victims

In Memoriam: A Farewell To Professor Ben Obi Nwabueze, SAN, 1932-2023, a true titan of the law and a beacon of wisdom

Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON

Today, I feel a profound sadness as I receive the news of the passing of a mentor and an extraordinary man, Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN.

His departure leaves another void in my world, and I cannot help but gather my thoughts to pay tribute to his remarkable life, his immense contributions, and the profound impact he had on the legal profession, Nigerian society, and the entire world as a whole.

Professor Ben Nwabueze was not merely an attorney or an academic; he was a force of nature—a versatile attorney, a cerebral academic, an authority, and a Professor of Professors in constitutional law.

His brilliance and expertise in his field were unparalleled, making him a colossus among his peers. His deep understanding of the intricacies of the law and his unwavering commitment to justice were the hallmarks of his illustrious career.

I had the privilege of crossing paths with Professor Nwabueze as an undergraduate at the University of Jos, where I came across some of his works. I instantly became his shadow mentee without any introduction or prompting.

His works greatly influenced me, to the point where I breathed and spoke of his indelible thoughts and teachings. However, I had a near falling out with him during the reign of President Goodluck Jonathan. I vividly recall the moment when he made a suggestion, calling for a Kamal Ataturk-like revolution in Nigeria. In my youthful enthusiasm, I demanded that he be sanctioned for his audacity as I can’t juxtapox his various thesis in constitutionalism to his new found application of Ataturk Revolution to resolve Nigeria issues.

However, it was Chief E.K. Clark who reprimanded and brought me back from my wilderness, revealing that Professor Nwabueze had been his lecturer in London. It was a powerful reminder of the profound respect and admiration that his peers and student held for him—a testament to his intellectual prowess and his enduring impact on the legal community.

One of the indelible moments etched in my memory is Professor Nwabueze’s appearance at the 2019 Presidential election tribunal in a petition between Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Gen Muhammadu Buhari. Despite his frailty, he made a surprise entrance, seated in a wheelchair. It was a poignant and powerful sight—a symbol of his unwavering dedication to upholding justice, even in the face of personal challenges. His presence in that courtroom spoke volumes about his commitment to the principles he held dear and his resolute belief in the power of the law to create a just society.

Professor Ben Nwabueze’s influence extended far beyond his legal career. Born on December 22nd, 1932, in Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, his academic journey began at a young age. He pursued his education with diligence and determination, attending renowned institutions such as the London School of Economics and Political Science and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He excelled in his academic pursuits, earning his Doctor of Laws (LL.D) at the University of London in 1978, becoming the second Nigerian and African to hold a higher doctorate degree in Law based on published works.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Nwabueze authored over thirty books and treatises, covering a wide range of legal subjects. His publications, including “Constitutionalism, Presidentialism, and Judicialism,” became essential references in the legal community, and his scholarly contributions shaped the discourse on constitutional law in Nigeria. His dedication to publishing and his commitment to sharing his knowledge and insights were unparalleled.

Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Nwabueze was actively involved in university administration, serving in various leadership roles in universities across Nigeria and beyond. He held professorial chairs in esteemed institutions and played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the country. His impact as a teacher and mentor cannot be overstated, as he inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in law and to embrace the pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong endeavor.

Professor Ben Nwabueze’s commitment to the Igbo cause was unwavering. He co-founded Ohaneze Ndigbo, a non-partisan Pan Igbo pressure group, and served as its Secretary-General for over two decades. His advocacy for the rights and welfare of the Igbo people earned him the respect and admiration of many. He was a true patriot, dedicated to the advancement of his people and the unity of Nigeria as a whole.

Today, as I reflect on the remarkable life of Professor Ben Nwabueze, I salute him as an academic giant, a legal luminary, and a true role model. His contributions to the Nigerian legal system and his tireless efforts to promote justice and constitutionalism will forever be remembered. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers, academics, and advocates for years to come.

I humbly extend my deepestcondolences to Professor Nwabueze’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, knowing that he has left an indelible mark on our hearts, our legal system, and our nation. Farewell, Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN, a true titan of the law and a beacon of wisdom.