The elder statesman never saw it coming. He was never prepared for it as it came in a public gathering and particularly at the point when he was called up to be honoured as an inductee into the ARISE IGALA HALL OF FAME; a very rare category that features only once in a while in the annual event. It was a category slated for those who without an iota of doubt have contributed their quota positively to the land and humanity in general and as such, they are graded as true role models and icons in view of the reasons for the honour.
A moment of silence followed just few seconds after his profile was presented to the public and he was standing on stage, facing the audience, waiting for the honour but the protocol was “breached” as the lady could no longer hold back – it was her chance to let it out to the world. An opportunity to speak out of an act that took place over 30 years ago. The lady, a veteran actress and broadcaster of high repute. She eventually succeeded in convincing the team on stage because she must talk at once as she was already emotional at that point. And, so, it was the yesterday of Senator Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri proven to be his character that was revealed again. Maimuna Abaji confessed about Senator Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri’s unimaginable love and care to see an ordinary girl like herself who walked into his office with slippers succeed at all cost; he sent her straight with a note to University of Jos to meet the then Vice Chancellor directly for Admission into the institution. This, the elder statesman did without asking her who she was, her family background et al but for the future he saw ahead of the young lady – and, today, 30 years down the line, she is what she is because of that act of Senator Dr. Alex Usman Kadiri.
The Ladi Kwali Conference Hall, Sheraton, Abuja, venue of the 9th edition of the ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS & LECTURES went emotionally quiet for a moment as the octogenarian was in awe of the positive result of what he did many years back. An act he did without asking for anything in return and neither expecting anything. His expression showed how he had even forgotten his contributions to the lady’s life. So, his yesterday revealed to him at the event is a great lesson to everyone who cares about the goodness of our dear future.
ARISE!
ONOJA, Publisher
ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE