AUST Bursar Receives Sir Ahmadu Bello Legacy Award
The Bursar/ financial director of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Mr. Ben Obi Okonkwo, FCA, has been honored with the prestigious, Sir Ahmadu Bello Legacy Award, Garku'matasa Arewa by the Northern Nigeria Youths Organization (NYA).
The award was given to the AUST Bursar in recognition of his immense contributions to nation building.
Prior to the presentation of the awards, the Northern Youth Organization publicly reviewed Mr. Ben’s professional profile, conducted a thorough background evaluation, and affirmed his outstanding contributions to national development, youth advocacy, and educational advancement, deeming him eminently worthy of the honour.
In his speech, the Vice President of the organization, Honorable Mohammed Abdulrazaq, outlined the history, vision, and purpose of the awards, emphasizing Mr. Ben’s role in promoting youth empowerment and nation building.
He reiterated the organization’s commitment in soliciting for increase in budget allocations for education, reducing the rising number of out‑of‑school children, and re-integrating them into formal learning environments in the North.
According to him " our organization’s broader mission is to mobilize, educate, and empower Northern youths through advocacy, leadership development, civic engagement, and strategic initiatives that promote good governance, peace, and sustainable development.”
Abdulrazaak, affirmed the NYO's objective of cultivating a united, empowered, and progressive Northern youth population committed to peace, development and national unity as well as to join government at different level in curbing the spread of illicit drug use among youths and mitigating the risk of radicalization.
“When young people are neglected, they can become susceptible to negative influences, including substance abuse and extremist ideologies,” he noted.
Mr. Ben Okonkwo expressed his profound appreciation to the Northern Youth Organization of Nigeria and pledged to support them in realizing their set out goals.
He also thanked the AUST President and the university community for the opportunity to serve which paved the way for this recognition.
According to him" Without AUST, this recognition would not have been possible.
He encouraged the youths to embrace education, pursue personal development, and explore scholarship and training opportunities at AUST.
The event was well attended by senior AUST officials, including the Acting Vice President, Academic , Dr. Abdulahakeem Bello, Head of Human Resources/Logistics, Mrs. Bolade Igagbo, AUST HoD, Business Administration, Dr. Ugonna Obi‑Emeruwa, Mrs. Buchi Ekpolomo, Chief Librarian; Dr. Mike Amonye, Head of SIWES Programme, and Media Services/PR administrative assistant, Mr.Chidiebere Uchendu.
NYO was represented at the award ceremony by Ambassador Sani Fidelis and the President of the organization, Mr.Isah Ododo.