Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the demise of a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Gen. Tunde Idiagbon (rtd), the Paul Erinne Foundation has donated 1,000 bags of rice and scholarships to five indigenes of Ilorin Emirate.
The chairman of the foundation, Paul Erinne, an engineer, stated this in Ilorin yesterday during his maiden visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at his palace at Oja-oba, Ilorin.
According to him, the scholarship is for five selected youths from the Ilorin Emirate to study engineering courses in any federal university in Nigeria.
He also said that the 1,000 bags of rice are to be distributed among the people of Ilorin Emirate to support them during the month of Ramadan in honour of the late Idiagbon, stressing that the gesture was meant for the ‘poorest of the poor’.
He added: “I never met late Gen. Idiagbon during his lifetime but I am happy to be associated with him, even at death. The day the Buhari/Idiagbon-led government was overthrown, I shut myself in the house for three days. It was that they that I knew that Nigeria has entered the dark.
“Idiagbon was known for humility, compassion and honesty. I hope political offices holders will imbibe his nationalistic principles in order to make the nation better.
“We gather to commemorate the 25th memorial of Idiagbon, a remarkable leader whose legacy continues to inspire us all. As we reflect on his life and contributions, we honour his memory with gratitude and reverence.
“He was not just a military leader; he was a visionary, a patriot, and a symbol of integrity. His unwavering commitment to duty, discipline, and the welfare of his country left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.”
Erinne further stressed that during his tenure as the chief of staff to Buhari, Idiagbon exemplified leadership at its finest, stressing that he was a man of principles who led by example, instilling discipline and order in every aspect of governance.
“His dedication to rooting out corruption and restoring accountability set a standard that still resonates with us today.
“Beyond his military prowess, Idiagbon was known for his humility and compassion. He had a genuine concern for the well-being of his fellow citizens and worked tirelessly to uplift the nation, especially during challenging times.
“As we honour his memory today, let us not only remember Idiagbon for his accomplishments but also for the values he embodied. Let us strive to emulate his courage, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.
“Though, he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives in the hearts of those he inspired and the nation he served. Let us carry forward his legacy with pride and determination, ensuring that his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria remains alive.
“In closing, let us pay tribute to Idiagbon by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for. May his memory continue to serve as a guiding light for generations to come,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Ilorin, Sulu-Gambari confirmed that Idiagbon was a patriotic Nigerian and worthy ambassador of Ilorin Emirate for him to have been remembered with such a laudable support for his people by another good friend after 25 years of his demise.
