By Daniel Ayantoye
Emotions ran high on Tuesday at the colourful send forth ceremony organised in honour of former deputy speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Mohammed Gana Yisa.
Not many faces were left dry as deluge of tributes were showered on the celebrant.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from within and outside the state, among whom were monarchs, politicians, captains of industries and educationists.
Gana, a former deputy Provost of College of Engineering and Technology of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the 45 Ambassadors for foreign missions in April, 2017.
The bowing out event which was held at KWASU was declared open by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Abdulraheed Na’ Allah.
In his goodwill message, the Etsu of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta said, “We the Nupe people and the entire Kwarans are proud to celebrate with Prof. Yisa as a true son of the soil.
The Etsu who was represented by Seriki Samari of Patigi, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed acknowledged the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed for the opportunity giving to Prof. Gana to serve the state and country at large at ambassadorial capacity.
The monarch called on the celebrant to be committed to the task ahead of him adding that he surely has the qualities to make the country proud.
In the same vein, the Oluju of Iludun Eju, Oba Moses Ayodele Adewuyi noted that his experience with the celebrant’s doggedness and hard working made him to merit the appointment.
He called on the students of KWASU to emulate the attributes of their outgoing lecturer to be celebrated in the future.
Similarly, the former Ambassador of Nigeria to the Netherlands, Mrs. Nihinlola Akanbi testified that Prof Gana lived a humble life and a father to all.
She said, “I believe in him handling the new task effectively and he will also strengthen the country’s relationship with Japan.
Also speaking, the President of Kwara State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), Dr Ahmed Adeoye Raji stressed that the state is lucky to have such a man of versatile experience.
He said, “One interesting thing is KWACCIMA is already partnering with Japan and this development will enhance our solid interaction to improve our economy.
The representative of Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMINNA), Prof. Salau Sadiku said, “His experience will speak more for him in the tasks ahead.”
Responding, Prof Gana expressed appreciation to God for the appointment while assuring the people of selfless service.
He also appreciated the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the state government for their contributions towards his achievement in life.
The Don however betrayed emotions when he told the wife of his late brother to stand up for recognition.
He said, “this is my late brother’s wife. My brother supported me all through the struggle and he always wanted the best for me,” he said. Just as he was about to continue, he burst into tears and it took the intervention of Prof Na’Allah and other guests, who rapped themselves around him before he could continue.
Earlier, Prof Na’Allah, didn’t mince words in eulogising his former colleague.
Among dignitaries who graced the event were Nigeria’s Ambassador designate to Malaysia, Alhaji Nurudeen Muhammed, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Dr Aminat Ahmed, Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, Representative of the Estu of Patigi, Representative of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.
