By Francis Nansak, Lafia

Stakeholders from across the federation gathered at the GRA Keffi residence of the first executive governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, as he marked his 80th birthday on Thursday.

Under tight security, the compound of the former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress was filled to capacity as dignitaries, serving and former politicians, came together regardless of political differences to celebrate a man described as a pillar of politics in Nasarawa State.

Prayers and wishes for longevity and good health were offered by Governor Abdullahi Sule, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, Hon. Labaran Maku, his former deputy governor and one-time Minister of Information, the Federal Minister for Women Affairs, Hon. Dr. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Chief Philip Dada, Secretary to the State Government, the Chairman of Kokona LGA, Mek Agbawu, Ambassador Sam Jimba, the current Librarian of Phoenix University, Agwada, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, and others.

Governor Abdullahi Sule, who was present at the celebration, wished Senator Abdullahi Adamu long life and continued good health. He prayed that Allah would sustain him to continue playing the role of elder statesman for which he is known as a father of democracy.

Speaking on behalf of Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, Dr. Murtala Adogi prayed for long life, good health, and the capacity to guide the younger generation. He said the presence of dignitaries from across the country demonstrates that Senator Abdullahi Adamu is a national figure and a nationalist.

“Even though I am here representing Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the 80th birthday of our father and mentor is commendable. We wish him more prosperous years and good health,” Senator Wadada stated.

Contributing, the Federal Minister for Women Affairs, Hon. Dr. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, prayed for more fruitful years and congratulated the Turakin Keffi, whose life she described as a legacy of impact on society. She added that Senator Adamu is focused, determined, and compassionate about achieving set goals that bring development to the people.

The minister also used the occasion to call on the people of Nasarawa State to continue praying for the country’s leaders to succeed, especially the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who she said has laid the foundation for rejuvenating the nation from past lost glory through his Renewed Hope Agenda.

In their remarks, Hon. Labaran Maku, Chief Philip Dada, Dr. John Mamman, who worked closely with him, and Ambassador Sam Jimba, who also worked closely with the former minister, former governor, senator, and later former APC National Chairman, said Senator Abdullahi Adamu is more of an institution: a practical, disciplined, and respectful leader.

They said throughout their time working with him as governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu was not a man given to mediocrity, and he always sought advancement in every facet of his administration’s programmes.

The Chairman of Kokona LGA eulogized the senator for his doggedness and congratulated him for reaching 80 years while still thinking about how best Nasarawa State can prosper without division.

Hajiya Khadijat Abdullahi Adamu and her daughter also spoke on Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s home management as a husband who ensured that the right thing was done at the right time.

The daughter appreciated God for his long life and for how he disciplined them to ensure they were not carried away by his status as a public figure.