By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in collaboration with the Arewa Youth Forum For Liberty (AYFL), on Saturday conferred ”An Icon of Humanitarian Service,’ award on an Abuja-based businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Ridwan.
Statement by Alhaji Bashir also further the association also conferred Ridwan with the ‘Garkuwan Matasan Arewa’ title which means ‘The Mayor of Northern Youths’.
While speaking, the Deputy Senate President of NANs ,Kabiru Aminu ,stated that the awardee was nominated due to his immense contributions towards the development of students and youths across the country.
He also extolled the myriad of invaluable contributions of the renowned philanthropist, especially as regards women and youths empowerment, as well as the promotion of the Islamic religion.
Aminu described the the awardee as ”God fearing , upright and generous whose mission is to help the under-previleged and empower the youths of Nigeria.”
Similarly, the AYFL President, Abdulmalik Zakari explained that the association identify people who were doing exceptionally in terms of community development and nation building
According to hum, such a trait found in Ridwan is too scarce in the contemporary Nigeria, saying, ”so, he should be duly recognised and honoured.”
Zakari added that the award and the title would serve as a motivation to encourage the awardee to do more and for others to emulate him.
” We also have a huge burden of expectation on you; we know you have the capacity ” We want to tell you that what you are doing is in line with the yearnings and aspirations of the Northern youths,” he said.
In his remark, an Islamic cleric, Prof. Mansur Yalwa advised the awardee to continue doing good for the sake of God and not for praises and awards.
He commended the organisers for recognizing people like Ridwan who have contributed to both Islamic and western education, saying such uncommon gestures would motivate others to do more good.
While responding, the awardee expressed his appreciation to NANS and AYFL for finding him worthy of the award.
He said that as a Muslim, his faith enjoined him to help the people and be good to them, adding that he does his philanthropy for the sake of God.
” Nowadays, people don’t like helping their neighbours and family or the community they come from,that is why when they see someone helping, they perceive political gain in it.
” To be honest, I am not doing this because I want to join politics or vie for any political office,” he said.
