Rebecca Mu’azu, Gombe
The Boys Brigade Nigeria has been called upon to intensify its role as mentors to young people, guiding them with discipline, moral values, and positive life skills to curb youth crime and build a more responsible society.
This call formed the central message at the Gombe State Council Investiture Ceremony, where the Chairman of Kaltungo Local Government Area, Honourable Suleman Iliya, was formally installed as State Vice President.
The occasion began with a solemn church service at ECWA Church, Kalarin, Kaltungo, followed by a colourful gathering at the Township Stadium, attracting a wide array of religious, traditional, and government dignitaries.
Leading the state government delegation, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, conveyed the goodwill message of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and described the event as both historic and deserving, given Honourable Suleman’s record of dedicated service.
Dr. Jatau praised the Boys Brigade and reminded its leadership that organisations such as the Brigade, Man O’ War, and the Boy Scouts were built on discipline, loyalty, and fidelity to noble ideals.
Positive impact
He urged the newly installed officers to lead with humility and sacrifice, stressing that the true test of leadership lies in the positive impact made on society.
The Gombe State Deputy Governor warned against growing social vices among young people, noting that no religion, culture, or family value system endorses drug abuse or criminality.
He called on the Brigade to strengthen its mentorship programmes to ensure that youths uphold the moral standards required for future leadership roles.
The State President of the Boys Brigade, Mr. Caleb Ubale, explained that the venue was moved from Gombe to Kaltungo in recognition of Honourable Suleman’s commitment to service.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s mission of raising boys “in the way of the Lord” through discipline, skills acquisition, and strong moral foundations, adding that adult men in the organisation become boys to train the boys.”
Mr. Ubale appealed to philanthropists to support the building of the Boys Brigade State Secretariat, noting Gombe remains the only state without one.
Chairman of ALGON and Gombe LGA, Barrister Sani Haruna, described Honourable Suleman as a product of Governor Yahaya’s visionary leadership, praising his exceptional performance and urging other chairmen to embrace initiatives that strengthen unity across faiths, ethnic groups, and social classes.
Promote harmony
The Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, congratulated Honourable Suleman on his installation as Vice President of Zone “C,” urging him to promote harmony within the diverse communities of the local government and the state.
Also speaking, the Head of Muslim Clerics in Kaltungo, Malam Adamu Mubarak Umar, described Suleman as a leader who serves without discrimination and whose devotion to God and humanity makes the honour well deserved.
Lateefah Ibrahim