The Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, has called on students to always indulge in activities that will enhance their academic performance and promote peace in the society.
Dr. Akabe, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Aminu Ibrahim Shammah, gave the charge on Saturday during a novelty football match between Nasarawa State Students’ Association, NASSA, versus National Union of Benue State Students, NUBESS, at the Lafia City Stadium.
According to the number two citizen of the State, “This novelty football match is a unique initiative put together by NASSA.
“It’s even more vital owing to the fact that it’s between the youth class as it will help to build bridges of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and progress between the two States.
“I wish to urge you to be agents of positive change and take your academics seriously because that is the essence of your being in school.
“Also, never allow yourselves to be used for negative purposes to the detriment of your society and future.”
He called on both students’ bodies to strengthen the bond that binds them together for a better society, stressing that Government would always support programmes that are geared towards promoting peace and development.
“I pray such synergies are sustained and also emulated by other sections of the society.
“I also hope successive leaderships of your Associations would key into this laudable initiative for its sustenance.
“But rest assured that Government would continue to support any initiative that would foster peaceful coexistence and progress of the society”, Dr. Akabe concluded.
In their earlier separate reactions, NASSA President, Comr. Alkhamis Ladan, explained the rationale behind hosting the novelty football match.
“NASSA is celebrating her 25th Anniversary and we decided to put together this novelty football match in order to promote peace and unity between Nasarawa State Students and Benue State Students.
“Benue shares boundaries with Nasarawa State and we have a lot of things in common. So. We have to consolidate on our diversities, work together and build the kind of society we will all be proud of.
“Hopefully, this initiative will be expanded to the entire
North-Central Zone of the Country, going forward.”
He thanked the Deputy Governor and participants, especially NUBESS, for their contributions to the success of the event.
NUBESS President, Comr. Ogah Harmony, said he was overwhelmed by the hospitality accorded to his Association, pledging to sustain the relationship.
“I wish to establish our appreciation to the good and peace-loving people of Nasarawa State, especially, NASSA, for their hospitality and this noble initiative.
“I thank my colleague, the NASSA President, for thinking towards this direction.
“Our moment is worth it in every aspect. And We hope this cordiality continues to grow as we progress in the journey of development and peaceful coexistence.”
Comr. Alkhamis Ladan later presented an appreciation plaque, on behalf of NASSA, to his Benue State counterpart.
The novelty football match which was part of activities to mark the Silver Jubilee of NASSA ended 4-3 in favour of the host.
