ABU Alumni Kaduna to honour outstanding members, partners

The Kaduna State Branch of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Alumni Association will on Saturday hold its annual get-together and awards ceremony to honour distinguished alumni and supporters for their contributions to national development.

The event, scheduled for Aug. 8 at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation Hall, Kaduna, is expected to bring together alumni, government officials, traditional rulers, academics and business leaders.

In a statement jointly signed by the branch chairman, Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, and the secretary, Dr. Hadiza Bello Abdullahi, the association said the annual gathering is designed to strengthen fellowship among members, promote professional networking and celebrate excellence.

The statement said the programme would feature a keynote lecture, goodwill messages, award presentations, cultural performances, dinner and networking sessions.

It added that between 300 and 350 guests are expected at the event.

According to the organisers, retired Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Hon. Justice Ishaq U. Bello, will chair the occasion, while Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, will serve as co-host, while the President of the Worldwide ABU Alumni Association, Alhaji Adamu Mamman Kontagora, will be the chief host.

The statement further said Prof. Quirix Barnabas would deliver the keynote address, while the Emir of Lere would serve as the Royal Father of the Day.

District Heads of Doka, Gabasawa and Kawo are also expected to attend as royal guests.

The association said the event would also recognise Gov. Uba Sani's support for education, particularly ongoing infrastructure projects at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and other development initiatives across Kaduna State.

Speaking on the preparations, Gambo Umar said the gathering would provide an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, strengthen partnerships and mobilise support for the growth of the association.

He said the branch had embarked on stakeholder engagements, including visits to government institutions, ministries, agencies, corporate organisations and prominent individuals to garner support for the event.

The chairman added that the association had introduced ABU Alumni mufflers as the official dress accessory for members to promote unity and reinforce the association's identity during the ceremony.

He said arrangements had been concluded for 300 registered participants, with additional seats reserved for invited dignitaries and special guests.

The association called on alumni and friends of the university to attend the event, which it described as an opportunity to celebrate excellence, strengthen relationships and renew commitment to the ideals of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.