By Emmanuel Awari,Jalingo
Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente expressed gratitude on behalf of awardees after receiving an honorary doctorate degree in public service from Kwararafa University, Wukari, during the university’s 2nd combined convocation ceremony.
Kente, speaking at Elim Top Suites, emphasized the significance of receiving an award from his local community, calling it “a deep honor” and acknowledging it as the first from an African community university.
Kente declined honorary degrees from other institutions but accepted this one due to its local importance.
“The Igala people are part of the Kwararafa Kingdom, so this honor, especially alongside the Ata Igala, is meaningful,” he said, encouraging recipients to support the university and Kwararafa Kingdom’s development.
Addressing the university’s needs, Kente highlighted efforts to mobilize resources. He announced that awardee Engr. Andrew Yakubu, former NNPC GMD, pledged NGN 10 million for new programs, while Kente himself donated two boreholes from friends to support the campus infrastructure.
On national economic challenges, Kente acknowledged the difficulties arising from subsidy removal but noted that Nigerian fuel prices still compare favorably to other African nations.
“While it’s tough now, Nigerians are resilient,” he stated, underscoring the need for a skilled government team to address current issues effectively.
Kente also reiterated his commitment to Kwararafa University, mentioning scholarships and past contributions, including a garden and classroom blocks funded by his foundation.
He urged Kwararafa Kingdom members, locally and abroad, to invest in the university, calling it “a community university” for all Taraba State and Kwararafa Kingdom residents.
Honorees included Yakubu, awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science, Kente, awarded a Doctorate in Public Service, and HRM Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche, Atah-Igala and Chairman of Kogi State Traditional Council, awarded a Doctorate in Letters. The event was marked by goodwill messages from supporters across Nigeria.