Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has fulfilled his promise of a N250 million gift to Auwalu Salisu, a Kano-based commercial tricycle rider, in recognition of his honesty in returning N15 million he found in his tricycle to its rightful owners,leadership reports.
Governor Bago made the pledge in March during the LEADERSHIP Annual Conference and Awards, where Auwalu was honored as the newspaper’s Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2023 for his exceptional act of integrity. Bago had committed to providing Auwalu with a N50 million scholarship each from himself, President Bola Tinubu, ministers, the APC Governors Forum, and the Niger State government, a promise he has now fulfilled.
Additionally, Auwalu received a scholarship offer to Baze University in Abuja, covering up to the PhD level, from fellow awardee and Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, during the LEADERSHIP Annual Conference Award.
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To ensure the proper management of Governor Bago’s cash gift, a trustee has been established, comprising representatives from the Niger State government, LEADERSHIP, the Sam Nda-Isaiah Foundation, and Auwalu’s family.
Representing Niger State on the board will be the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Digital and Strategic Communications, Abdulberqy Usman Ebbo. Auwalu has chosen his uncle, Auwalu Tukur, and Shehu Bala Kabara to serve on the committee.
In a statement, Zainab Nda-Isaiah, chairman of LEADERSHIP Group Ltd, announced that the Trustee would be inaugurated at a later date.
“The Trustee will oversee the use of the fund, including provisions for Auwalu’s education and skill development, among other important initiatives aligned with the purpose of Governor Bago’s gift.”
She added, “By fulfilling his pledge, the governor has shown that his word is his bond, a rare and commendable quality, especially in public service.”
