By Matthew Dadiya, Abuja

Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said President Bola Tinubu was a Captain with the required experience to steer the ship of Nigerian State safely to the shore.

“The beginning may be turbulent, but we know where we are going.

The pristine event, which held at the International Conference  Centre, Abuja was organised by the North Central Governors Forum.

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu, Senate President Godswil Akpabio and Deputy Speaker, House pf Representatives led the retinue of government officials including Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors of North Central States-Kwara, Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, Plateau, Kogi and those of Osun and Enugu states. In attendance also were serving and former Members of the National Assembly, Ministers designate, and former Governors especially, the set of 1999 who served with Akume  and Tinubu.

The Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh James Iorzua Ayatse, led  numerous traditional rulers from North Central states and beyond to also grace the occasion.

“From a very simple background, I am being celebrated by the North Central Zone as SGF. I thank President Tinubu for finding me worthy for this appointment. This is a rare privilege to have been considered for appointment as SGF out of over 200 million Nigerians. This is a gesture I and my family can never forget,” Akume said in his speech at the occasion, punctuated by loud applauses.

He said Nigeria was a great country with enormous potentials and a robust human capital base, which was contributing to the socio- economic development of other countries.

He cited the case of United States of America, where he said over 22,000 Nigerians were Consultants making contributions to the health care needs of that country as evidence of Nigeria’s potentials.

“We are better together than we choose to go our different ways,” he stated and called on the North central people and indeed all Nigerians to pray for and support Tinubu to succeed as President.

In his speech at the Occasion, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima  urged political office holders to put the interest, unity and progress of the nation above personal or sectional gains.

Shettima also called on present and aspiring political office holders to emulate the virtues of Akume,

In a  goodwill entitled ‘a life of honour’,  Shettima described Akume as “an idea, a man of honour, a beacon of unity, loyalty and integrity in our nation.

” Let’s not only celebrate his appointment but also learn from his life. Sen. Akume’s political longevity is not by an accident.

” It is the result of his unwavering pan-Nigerian principle, reflecting his wisdom and vision of a peaceful, stable, and safe Nigeria.”

Shettima also eulogized the virtues that have endeared the SGF to so many across political and ethnic lines adding  ”we are not here to celebrate an individual; we are here to praise the potency of an idea; to raise a toast to a shining beacon of unity and integrity in our great nation.

” On the path that has led our honouree to this strategic position, we find woven the threads of unshaken belief in the ideals of a united Nigeria.

“It is this belief that has been the driving force behind his every endeavour.

” The conviction that our strength lies in our unity and diversity, that together we are stronger than the sum of our parts, has guided his steps and fuelled his determination.”

The Vice President described Akume “as the ally you can count on with your eyes closed, and that’s the highest compliment you can receive in politics.

” His journey to this height exemplifies his fidelity to the pact he has signed.

“It’s what you do when you have agreed to uphold the values that our great nation holds dear.

” It’s what you do when you subscribe to the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.”

He advised those aspiring to political office to build good character.

” There are offices for which no amount of academic and professional qualifications is sufficient to earn you.

” Our honoree here today occupies one such office, an office that makes you understand why our learning institutions emphasize character when issuing degree certificates to their graduating students.

” Our honoree is here today because of his loyalty to a cause greater than himself.

“In a time of wavering political loyalties, Sen. Akume is both a model and a source of inspiration for all those who seek to understand the importance of cooperation in public service.”

Shettima said what truly sets Akume apart was his belief in fostering unity across the rich tapestry of religions, ethnicities, and regions that make up our nation.

” In a land of diverse cultures and traditions, his examples have transcended boundaries, bridging gaps, and nurturing understanding.

” His commitment to building bridges between different groups and backgrounds in one of the most challenging places to do so is the reason he is not just a man but an idea,” the VP added.”

Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of North Central Governors Forum. Engr Abdullahi Sule in his remarks, the grand reception was organised to show appreciation to the President for recognising the zone with the appointment of Akume as SGF.

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, who also spoke at the occasion said Benue and the North Central Zone were proud of Akume’s accomplishments in public office and were resolved to support him in the present position to succeed.