From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed joy over the decision of the Federal Government to rename the University of Abuja after General Yakubu Gowon.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, ACF, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
He said ACF is further elated that the befitting and worthy honor is coming on the heels of General Dr. Gowon’s 90th Birthday Anniversary, adding that the gesture is also a Christmas gift of sorts from the FGN to the General.
The ACF therefore, urged the National Assembly to accelerate passage of the necessary legislation to concretise the renaming.
“It is with much delight that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) received news of the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to rename the University of Abuja after General Yakubu Gowon, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, during the years, 1967 – 1975.
“Especially pleasing is the honor being bestowed on ACF’s Grand Patron. More than this, ACF notes that General Dr. Gowon is a nationalist of quintessential extraordinaire, an icon of Nigeria’s struggles for national unity, a man of great humility, a symbol of military professionalism, a revered hero who gave his all to Keep Nigeria One, even as his (and our) particular dreams remain very much a work-in-progress.
“That the FGN is, by the gesture, honoring such a deserving National Hero while he is still alive to savor the recognition is also most commendable.
“Finally, ACF congratulates General Dr. Gowon and his family and friends on the honor and also extends the same felicitation to the University of Abuja Community and Nigeria at large.
