Zumunta Association, a Northern Leaders' Forum based in the United States of America, has paid a tribute to the former governor of Kaduna state, late Patrick Yakowa.
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In the tribute, a copy which was made available to our correspondent on Tuesday morning, the Northern group sayd: “We the members of Zumunta Association USA Inc. grieve over the sudden and tragic departure of the Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa. ?His passing has come at a time when the people of northern Nigeria , and indeed, the entire country, must rely on bridge builders like Governor Yakowa who are imbued with immense experience, talent and dedication to the ? peaceful coexistence of the nation. ?With his death, the country has lost a seasoned and deliberative administrator who dedicated his skills in a variety of critical areas of both state and federal administrations with great passion”
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“It is with this zeal for purposeful leadership that Patrick Yakowa tackled the affairs of Kaduna State when he assumed his position as governor. ? He saw to it that his policies and actions positively impacted all sections of the state. ?Mr. Yakowa believed that the transformation of Kaduna state into a viable economic and industrial entity was contingent on a harmonious relationship among the people of Kaduna state. ?The constitution of a peace and reconciliation committee, following the aftermath of last year’s elections, was a clear demonstration of the governor’s commitment to this dictum”
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The tribute which was signed by the PRO of the association,?Mrs. Lami Dogonyaro,?further reads that “The members of Zumunta USA Inc. recall with fondness the ease with which this amiable governor and his wife Amina Yakowa, mingled and interacted with the crowd at our association’s Atlanta convention last year”
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“More ?importantly, we note with sufficient pride the confident manner in which late Governor Patrick Yakowa described and defended his vision for his people, including the resuscitation of ?the moribund textile industry, the provision of potable drinking water and the enhancement of the capabilities of state dams to supply the state with electricity”
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“While we mourn the passing of this illustrious son of northern Nigeria, we urge the government of Kaduna state to memorialize Mr. Patrick Yakowa by bringing to fruition his goal of pacifying his people, and leaving for posterity a prosperous and vibrant economy. ?We pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. ?Patrick Yakowa, and for God’s consolation to his family, and friends”
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“May the memories the governor has left behind, comfort his widow and children. ?We also condole the families of those who died with the governor, including the former national security adviser General Andrew Owoye Azazi, Governor Yakowa’s assistant Mr. Dauda Tsoho, Mohammed Kamal, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi Sowole pilots of the ill-fated helicopter”
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“We applaud the president’s decision to investigate the causes of the air-crash, and urge that he implements all recommendations of the investigative panel to avoid any more tragic incidents. ?We also urge the president to bring succor and relief to the families of the deceased; for it is only through such practical steps would the families feel they have not been forgotten”
