By Ebriku John Friday
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission Rev. Yakubu Pam has been honoured with an award of Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna) Distinguished Leadership Award as an Icon of Nation Building.
Speaking during the presentation of the award, the National President of the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria (NYAN), Comrade Godiya Adams commended the Executive Secretary for his positive contribution and commitment on social security, youth and human development. He described him as a genuine patriot.
The Northern President informed that the Association was aware of the Executive Secretary’s good deeds in the North. According to him: “ we are not ignorant of your unblemished records and antecedents, you are a man who has been so friendly and have empowered the youth because you found solace in us, your unadulterated values of humility, hard work, integrity and utmost patriotism has been our source of motivation and moral upbringing”.
He congratulated the NCPC Boss for his appointment, adding that the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria are strongly in support of his administration and standing by him.
In his response, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam thanked the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria for the award. According to him: “I know I have gotten many awards, but this specifically is very important to me, it goes with my yarning heart desire, it tells that the little efforts I am giving back to the country, some people, somewhere, somehow have been watching it and you are able to recognize it by giving me this award”, he added, “I’ll return back this award to NCPC and the President Muhammad Buhari who appointed me as the Executive Secretary of NCPC”.
He informed his guests that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow and should exercise a little more patient. “In his words “A lot of youth are being destroyed today by people who do not have their future in mind.”
According to him, “great result will come and part of it might even come when you are very old, but the most important part of it is for you to be patient”.
The NCPC Boss also informed that his administration would ensure that pilgrimage is more spiritual and developmental by reviving and injecting youth pilgrimage, adding that they are lots of benefits attached to embarking on Holy pilgrimage.
He affirmed that he would ensure zero tolerance on abscondment of pilgrims during pilgrimage.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Award of SIR AHMADU BELLO (SARDAUNA) DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP to the Executive Secretary by the Northern Youth President for his contribution toward peace in the North.
