From Julius B. Kezi, Kafanchan
The Kaduna State government and Jema’a Local Council have erected and commissioned the statue of late Sir Patrick Yakowa in honour of his service to the state.
Speaking while unveiling and commissioning the statue on Wednesday in Kafanchan, Governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai, who was represented by His deputy, Arc Barnabas Bala Bantex, said Yakowa contributed immensely to the sustenance of peace and development of the state and the country in general.
El-Rufai explained that Yakowa constituted an elders panel, which produced a white paper report on how to end violence and restore peace among the multi-ethic and religious communities in the state.
He urged people, the youth in particular, to understand the need to leave behind good legacies when in position of leadership, which they would be remembered for.
Fielding question from journalists on why an APC-government was immortalising Sir Yakowa, who was a PDP member, Governor El-Rufai replied that “when a person assumed leadership, he is for all, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences,” pointing that “APC recognises good leadership and legacies, hence the immortalization.”
Governor El- Rufai appealed to the people of the state to understand and cooperate with government in its efforts to restore the state, especially in a hard times like this, assuring that steps have been taken to ameliorate their plights.
He re-iterated that health centres and schools were being rehabilitated and provided with all that is needed for effective service delivery.
The governor then solicited for prayers and peaceful co-existence from all citizens for the wellbeing and prosperity of the country .
Interim management council chairman, Jema’a Local Government, Dr. Bege Katuka, said the good legacies of Yakowa prompted the council to seek ways and means to immortalize him, which will also motivate people of the state, especially the youth to emulate the late governor when they get into leadership positions.
He thanked Governor El-Rufai for granting him the permission to erect Yakowa’s statue at the NEPA roundabout in Kafanchan.
Responding, Dame Amina Yakowa, the widow of the late governor, expressed profound gratitude to God and the government for immortalising her husband, pointing that it would go a long way in comforting the family.
She prayed God to protect, reward and prosper those who initiated and contributed to immortalising and honouring the late Yakowa, especially the current administrations of Kaduna State and Jema’a Council.
The occasion, which also featured traditional dances, was attended by prominent dignitaries including Bishop Joseph Danlami Bagobari and the Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Isa Muhammadu.
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