Nigerian Senator Abdulaziz Yari Honoured with Prestigious Leadership Award in Ghana
Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, the former governor of Zamfara State and current Nigerian senator, has been honoured with a distinguished Award in Leadership and Services by the All African Students Union (ASSU) in Accra, Ghana. The prestigious recognition was presented during an elaborate ceremony held over the weekend at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs auditorium in the Ghanaian capital.
Ceremony Marks Union President Inauguration
The award presentation coincided with the inauguration of Comrade Osisiogu Osikenyi as the new president of the All African Students Union. The event brought together student leaders from across the African continent, creating a significant platform for recognizing outstanding leadership contributions.
According to an official statement released on Sunday, February 1, the award highlights Senator Yari's remarkable achievements during his tenure as Zamfara State governor, his leadership as chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, and his current service as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Recognition for Humanitarian and Political Contributions
The All African Students Union celebrated Senator Yari as an icon of modern Nigeria, acknowledging his substantial contributions toward humanitarian activities, political development, and critical infrastructural improvements across Africa. The union emphasized that these achievements serve as a foundation for African leadership and mentorship initiatives.
The award presentation was conducted by a distinguished delegation of African student union leaders including:
- President Comrade Osisiogu Osikenyi from Nigeria
- Deputy President Maravilha Kapaia from Angola
- Vice President for North Africa Jaber Maataovi from Morocco
- Secretary General Divine Edem Kwadzodeh from Ghana
Distinguished Company of Award Recipients
Senator Yari joined an elite group of African leaders and personalities who received similar honours during the ceremony. Other recipients included Ghana's President John D. Mahma, Dr. Muhammad Ibn Chambers, Secretary General of the Pan African Women Organisation (PAWO) Dr. Grace Majoro Kabayo from Uganda, and Rokel Commercial Bank Managing Director Dr. Walton E. Gilpin from Sierra Leone.
Senator Yari's Representative Delivers Appreciation Speech
At the event, Senator Yari was represented by Honourable Garba Mohammed Gololo, who expressed profound appreciation for the recognition extended to the senator and the entire Nigerian people. Gololo emphasized that Senator Yari's life has been dedicated to service to humanity, consistently prioritizing people's welfare above personal interests.
As chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Water Resources, Senator Yari encouraged African leaders through his representative to collaborate more effectively for the continent's collective interest and development.
Praise for President Tinubu's Leadership Model
In his speech read by Gololo, Senator Yari highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's positive impact on Nigeria, stating that the Nigerian leader is "doing well and leading the country to prosperity." The senator advised other African leaders to emulate President Tinubu's economic reform policies and his determined approach to combating terrorism across the region.
"I believe that with leaders like Tinubu, Africa is indeed blessed," Senator Yari added, underscoring his confidence in the Nigerian president's leadership as a model for continental progress.
Related Leadership Recognition Developments
In a related development, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has accepted his nomination for the Face of Africa Leadership Awards. According to awards convener Otunba Femi Salako, this international platform recognizes African leaders whose governance records demonstrate significant impact, innovation, and people-centred development approaches.
The organizers specifically cited Governor Sanwo-Olu's administrative reforms in infrastructure, transportation, education, and healthcare as key factors in his nomination, highlighting the growing recognition of Nigerian leaders' contributions to African development.
