From Julius B. Kezi, Kaduna
A state of emergency on Education has been declared by the people of Ham Chiefdom in Kaduna State, with a view to exploring ways and means to improving the quality of education in the area.
The decision was taken on Sunday in Kwoi, during the 84th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service and launch of a book on the autobiography of His Highness the District Head of Ngumkparu and Tafidan Jaba, Mal. Gyagai Barau Gandu.
Speaking at the occasion, which was attended by prominent personalities, including sons and daughters of Ham, the Chairman, Interim Management Council (IMC) Jaba Local Government, Mr. Ben Kure, said the community is blessed with rich culture, cash crop and people who because of quality education and favour of God have reached the peak of their career.
The IMC Chairman lamented the fallen standard of education in Kaduna state, which has affected negatively on the present generation of children of the chiefdom, which he said, should not be allowed to continue as it would affect future generations.
Mr. Ben Kure, who also represented the Deputy Governor of Kaduna, Architect Barnabas Bala Bantex, said it was an account of the poor education standard that prompted Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai to declare a state of emergency on education in the state.
He called on sons and daughters of the chiefdom to brace up to the challenge and sow seeds for the improvement of education in the area by supporting and donating in cash or kind to the cause.
Acknowledging the contributions of the Chief of Jaba, Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, the District Head, Mal. Gyagai Barau Gandu, Dr. Christopher Abashiya and many others to the development of education, the IMC Chairman said all hands must be on deck for the restoration of quality of education, to give hope to the present and future generations.
Retired General Martin Luther Agwai, the former Chief of Army Staff in remarks, described the autobiography as an exposition of a focused, hardworking, peace loving and caring father, Mal. Barau Gandu, whose legacies will transform the youth.
Gen. Agwai (RTD) therefore called for generous purchase and donation of copies of the book for wide circulation for the achievement of set goals.
Ambassador Bulus Lolo said Baba Gyagai Barau Gandu is a patriot, who used education and deep rooted faith acquired to assist many to realize their potentials.
The autobiography of the icon, Ambassador Lolo said, was a certain raiser for more written contributions of many sons and daughters of Ham Chiefdom.
Dr. Christopher Abashiya, a friend/primary school classmate of Mal. Barau Gandu described him as a mentor, who stands for truth, bridge builder and dependable leader that waged war against illiteracy in Kaduna state by establishing Joy International College Kaduna.
Parents are advised to pray and mentor their children as God will use them for the prosperity of society, Abashiya said.
His Majesty, the Kpop Ham, Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, acknowledged the great contributions of Mal. Barau Gandu to society, describing him as an exemplary leader.
Rev. Emmanuel A. Dowyaro, E.C.W.A Gospel Church Kwoi, where the celebrant worships, described him as a teacher, committed to spiritual life, tasks and educational development of children.
Expressing profound gratitude to God for a life well spent, and sparing him from accidents that could have killed him before now, Mal. Gyagai Barau Gandu thanked people who turned out enmasse to grace his birthday thanksgiving service.
He explained that the title of his biography “Growth by Growth” was given because he did not merit the favours God gave him, saving him from many accidents, enabling the establishment of a private primary and Secondary Schools, and becoming a district head, among many others.
Mrs. Bilhatu Gandu, wife of the celebrant urged spouses, particularly women, to honour God in their marriages, for the Lord to grant them graces to overcome challenges and bless them with good health, salvation, eternal life and enablement to contribute meaningfully to the cause of humanity.
In a sermon tagged “Never Forget God, after you have arrived or blessed,” Rev. Samuel Leo Ndam, the Chairman E.C.W.A Kwoi District Church Council (EKDCC) warned people not to mock God, but reverence Him in whatever they do.
Taking the message from Deuteronomy 8:7-23 and Luke 12:1 he admonished members of the public not to take credit for their achievements but glorify God in everything, stressing that God is a jealous God and humans are only stewards in the world.
Applauding Mal. Barau Gandu for using his position and wealth, to cater for the needs of others and appreciating God, instead of being proud, Rev. Ndam urged leaders to love God, reach out to the needs of citizens, and stand for justice, truth and peaceful co-existence.
The critique and review of Mal. Gyagai Barau Gandu autobiography “Growth by Growth”, written by A.B. Jones was done by Professor Alexander Kure, Kaduna State University (KASU), who recommended the book for public patronage.
The occasion was crowned with cutting of the 84th Birthday Anniversary cake and 65th marriage anniversary of Mal. Gyagai Barau Gandu with his dear wife Mrs. Bilhatu Barau Gandu and supported by their children, one of them Mr. Timothy Barau Gandu a former commissioner of economic planning Kaduna State.
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