By Peter Adelowo
The Arewa Students Forum has conferred its highest honour, Grand Commander of the Arewa Students Forum (GCASF), on the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, in recognition of his contributions to education, youth development and humanitarian service.
The forum also inducted Professor Gombe into its Hall of Fame as a Patron and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation during a ceremony at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
Presenting the awards, National President of the Arewa Students Forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi, said the honour followed a thorough assessment of Professor Gombe’s record of service, long before he assumed office as SDP National Chairman.
Abdullahi said the organization, which has more than 2.1 million members across the 19 Northern states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora, reserves its awards for individuals whose impact on society is built on merit, integrity and selfless service.
He explained that the forum promotes peace, unity and responsible leadership among students through mentorship, career guidance, humanitarian interventions and campaigns against drug abuse, cultism, examination malpractice and violent extremism.
Responding, Professor Gombe dedicated the honour to the National Executive Committee and members of the Social Democratic Party, describing the recognition as a challenge to continue serving Nigeria with transparency, integrity and commitment.
The SDP chairman urged students to place greater value on character than academic qualifications, stressing that integrity remains the foundation of credible leadership and lasting success.
He recalled his days as a student union leader, saying the experience shaped his commitment to public service and convinced him that student leaders can influence national development through constructive engagement.
Professor Gombe challenged young Nigerians to reject ethnic, religious and political divisions by supporting leaders with proven competence, honesty and the capacity to deliver good governance.
He also called on members of the forum to mobilize eligible youths to participate actively in elections, noting that organized youth participation has the capacity to determine electoral outcomes and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the future of the country depends largely on the choices young people make today, urging them to become ambassadors of responsible leadership in their campuses and communities.
Also speaking, SDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, described Professor Gombe as a humble servant leader whose accessibility, simplicity and commitment to people distinguished him from many political office holders.
Uba commended the Arewa Students Forum for identifying and rewarding exemplary leadership, saying the recognition reflected the quality of leadership within the SDP and should inspire more Nigerians to embrace selfless service.
The ceremony attracted members of the SDP National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, student leaders from across Northern Nigeria and other stakeholders, who applauded the forum’s efforts to promote leadership, unity and nation-building among Nigerian youths.
