Arewa students forum honours SDP national chair

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, on Monday received the highest honour of the Grand Commander of the Arewa Students Forum (GCASF).

The group also inducted Dr Gombe as a patron of the organisation and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation.

Receiving the award, the SDP national chairman urged the Nigerian youth to place character, integrity and competence above ethnic, religious and political considerations when choosing leaders.

He stated that the nation’s future depended on responsible leadership and active youth participation in the democratic process.

Describing the recognition as an honour for the entire leadership of the SDP, Gombe said the award reflected the collective commitment of the party’s National Executive Committee to responsible leadership and national development.

He hailed the Arewa Students Forum for promoting peace, unity and leadership development among young Nigerians, noting that the quality of engagement demonstrated by the students reinforced his optimism about the country’s future.

According to him, education without integrity offers little value, stressing that character remains the most enduring asset any individual can possess because it shapes reputation, leadership and legacy.

Reflecting on his days as a student union leader at Ahmadu Bello University, Gombe said the experience helped shape his leadership philosophy through advocacy for students’ welfare and constructive national engagement.

He called on young Nigerians to reject divisive politics and support leaders with proven records of competence, integrity and commitment to public service, while urging them to participate actively in elections.

“Young people have the numbers and the capacity to influence Nigeria’s democratic process. If they are united and focused, they can determine the future of this country through credible electoral participation,” he said.

Earlier, National President of the Arewa Students Forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi, said the organisation, with over 2.1 million members across the 19 Northern states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora, honoured Gombe after assessing his contributions to education, youth development and humanitarian service.

Abdullahi said the award was based strictly on merit and recognised the SDP chairman’s commitment to leadership, peacebuilding and community development.

Also speaking, SDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, described Gombe as a humble and principled leader whose commitment to integrity and public service had earned him widespread respect.

The event featured Gombe’s induction into the Hall of Fame as a Patron of the Arewa Students Forum and the conferment of the title of Grand Commander of the Arewa Students Forum (GCASF) before party leaders, students and invited guests.