Minister of State Works, 7 others bag Unimaid Alumni award

By Ochiaka Ugwu and Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu and seven other eminent Nigerians were conferred with Outstanding Achievement Award by the University of Maiduguri Alumni Association.
In a press statement released by the ministry yesterday and signed by its Deputy Director Press, Mr. Stephen Kilebi noted the award was conferred on him at the Maiden End of Year Dinner and Awards Night of the University held at Africa Hall, International Conference Center, Abuja Friday.
The statement informed that elected Executives of the Alumni Association of the Federal Capital Territory Chapter was also inaugurated at the award night.
According to the statement, “The recognition on Engineer Aliyu was based on his remarkable achievements in his chosen career and well deserved appointment as the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Engineer Aliyu was described as a shining inspiration to the Alumni and a personality worthy of emulation.
“Special Guest of Honour at the occasion and the President of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim Ahmad Lawan presented the award to the Honourable Minister”.
Senator Lawan who was also among the awardees responded on behalf of other recipients said, “University of Maiduguri Alumni Association, we cannot thank you enough, those of us that have been given the awards now have additional responsibility, I want to say we are not going to abuse our positions, we are not going to allow our opportunity slips through our fingers , we will make sure University of Maiduguri gets the best deal wherever we find ourselves.’’
“The Senate President also remarked that the 9th Assembly was united on national interest and have resolved to work for Nigeria” the statement read in part.
“He stated that the economy of Nigeria must work for Nigerians, adding that the senate would resolve all matters with the executive in national interest.
“Ahmad praised President Muhammadu Buhari for showing tremendous respect for the National Assembly by ensuring that all ministers came to defend their 2020 budgets in October 2019.
“He disclosed that all ministries, departments and agencies defended their 2020 budget proposals successfully, and that the 2020 budget would be passed in November 2019, so that January to December budget calendar could be maintained.
“The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadiri Mohammed; Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum; Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of State for Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri and Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri, Professor Aliyu Shugaba were among the eminent personalities honoured at the event” the statement concluded.