Makinde, Zulum other govs storm Lagos for Hallmarks of Labor book launch

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, on Friday, joined other state’s governors at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, for the launching of Hallmarks of Book 11 written by Patricia Otuedon Arawore.

The occasion, which also marked the 26th anniversary of a singular, exceptional, and most prestigious leadership in the national field of recognition of men and women of renown who by widespread acclaim are considered deserving of being role models, was attended by Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum; Governor of Nassarawa State, Engineer Sule; and the chief host state governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, who was ably represented by Lagos State SSG, Mrs Folashade Sherifat Jaji.

It equally featured eminent personalities and all the awardees including Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari CFR; Professor Akinwande Bolaii Akinyemi; former minister of petroleum, Izoma Philip Asiodu CON, CFR, HLR; Former Secretary for Petroleum and Mineral and also the book reviewer Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello who is the Vice Chancellor Lagos State University.

In their separate remarks, the governor of Borno state, Professor Babagana Zulum, and his counterpart from Nassarawa state, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule described Professor Ibrahim Gambarri, who was among the recipients of the Hallmarks of Labour awards, as a very humble man and one of the eminent Nigerians who have contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria.

However, on his part, the governor of Oyo state, who was well represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, maintained that Nigeria in the past was known for integrity, honesty and handwork unlike what is being witnessed today calling for a redirection of the Nigeria’s youths.

He praised Professors Gambarri and Akinyemi for their diligent hard work describing them as an uncommon patriots and men of integrity who worked hard and made enormous contributions to the progress of Nigeria.

The deputy governor equally commended the former minister, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, chairman of the event Philip Asiodu; Anyaoku, and other notable figures and wished them a long life and happiness in good health and wealth.

He assured that his principal, Seyi Makinde, would not fall short in supporting the laudable project.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Hallmarks of Labor Foundation Executive Secretary, Mrs Patricia Arawore, said the Foundation marked its 25″ anniversary in December 2021 and on June 2,2022, formally presented Hallmarks of Labour Volume 10 – a befitting tribute to hard-work and resilience.

“Twenty-six years gone so quickly, thanks be to God Almighty. It has not being without challenges particularly in our operating environment, but the Foundation remains determined in its resolve that our country Nigeria is not a lost case. We believe against all odds, Nigeria boasts of men and women who can match their counterparts elsewhere in the world.

“Among others, report by the US Migration Policy Institute, on the percentage of US adults with at least a first degree grouped by country of birth (age 25 and older) ranked Nigerian immigrants as highest with 59%, followed by South Korea with 56%, China 51%, United Kingdom 50%, Germany 38% and USA with 33%. (Migration Policy Institute Tabulation of US Census Bureau’s ACS Data, 2018).

“Every country has their share of men and women of note, who have made their marks and left their foot-prints on the sands of time. However, their achievements are not always adequately celebrated or chronicled.

“We at the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation believe that this should not be so; that there should be a Roll of Honour of great achievers who in their areas of specialization have done Nigeria proud, and become veritable tole models for our young and aspiring generations.

“The Foundation will continue to project and document the achievements of these worthy patriots for the present and future generations”.

The highlights of the ceremony were donations from several donors, including N10 million each from the governors of Borno and Nassarawa, N15 million from the governor of Ogun State, and pledges of gifts from the governments of Oyo State and Lagos State respectively.