The Arewa Consultative Forum has commended the Federal Government’s decision to rename the University of Abuja after General Yakubu Gowon(retd.), Nigeria’s former Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
In a statement, ACF National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba issued in Kaduna on Tuesday, praised the honour bestowed upon General Gowon, describing him as “a nationalist of exceptional stature, an icon of Nigeria’s struggles for national unity, a man of great humility, a symbol of military professionalism, and a revered hero who gave his all to keep Nigeria united.”
“The Arewa Consultative Forum received the news with delight, honouring our Grand Patron and nationalist icon.
“General Gowon’s dedication to national unity, development, and education makes him a deserving national hero.
“ACF is further elated that the befitting and worthy honour is coming on the heels of General Dr. Gowon’s 90th Birthday Anniversary.
“The gesture is also a Christmas gift of sorts from the FGN to the amiable and charismatic General!
“That the FGN is, by the gesture honouring such a deserving National Hero, while he is still alive to savour the recognition, is also most commendable,” said ACF.
According to the northern body, General Gowon, who ruled Nigeria from 1967 to 1975, played a crucial role in the country’s civil war and subsequent reconciliation efforts.
Consequently, the forum urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the necessary legislation to formalise the renaming of the University of Abuja after the former Head of State.
“The ACF commends the Federal Government for this befitting honour, especially on the heels of General Gowon’s 90th birthday anniversary.
“We urge the National Assembly to accelerate passage of the necessary legislation to formalize the renaming,” the statement added.
