By Lanre Oloyede
Yobe State government on Friday organized a Grand State reception in honour of one of the illustrious sons of the State, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, who was recently appointed as Senior
Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Disability Matters by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu had on November 9, 2023 appointed Hon. Abba Isa as his Senior Presidential aide to oversee matters of disability inclusion in line with his determination to ensure that every
segment of society is sufficiently catered to within the ambit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
Hon. Abba Isa, a distinguished champion of persons with disabilities with over a decade of unparalleled experience in disability advocacy both locally and internationally, thus became the
first Yobe State indegene to be appointed as Senior aide to the President of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria.
The reception which was initially an initiative of the youth wing of the APC later mertamorphosed into
a State event when Governor Mai Mala Buni indicated his interest in the program.
He eventually sent a representative along with heavy presence of government functionaries, political associates,
allies, family and friends of the SSAP and a mammoth crowd of well-meaning towns men and women who thronged into the arena of the welcoming reception of the Presidential aide.
In his remarks at the event, the Senior Presidential aide described the reception as a priceless honour and a celebration of the collective commitment to inclusivity and empowerment by the
people of Yobe State.
Hon. Abba Isa sincerely appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding a son of Yobe State worthy of this exalted position with enormous responsibility and potentials.
The SSAP thanked the good people of Yobe for the honour done to him, and for their support and encouragement.
He promised to direct Presidential attention to the plight of challenged people and would ensure to add some weight in maintaining the political relevance thatYobe State has since garnered.
The speech read: “I am deeply honored and humbled by this grand reception organized in my honour by the wonderful people of Yobe State, who out of sheer kindness and hospitality put together this grandeur and beautiful occasion, which undoubtedly exemplify the goodwill and hospitality of the Northeast peoplein general.
“For me, this is not only a testament to your warmth and hospitality but also a celebration of our collective commitment to inclusivityand empowerment.
“Our Joy of what Allah has done for us all knows no bound. This appointment proves that indeed we are not forgotten in the scheme of things. Yobe State has shown brightly and has been put in
the spotlight by this administration.
“I can only assure us tonight that Yobe State holds a special place in myheart, not just for being my State of origin but etched in my heart as a symbol of resilience anddetermination. The warm
reception I’ve received tonight speaks volumesabout the spirit of togetherness that define us as a
people.
“My journey into the Disability advocacy started from here after a caraccident changed the cause of my life forever.
“The pain of the twist of fatewas an event that was so unbearable for me and my family, but I managed to take it in stride and to trust the Almighty for what sense can come out of this turn of
event.
“But surprisingly I found solace and comfort in helping other people with disabilities cope with their lives and in no time, I found my own healing. I became actively involved in the struggle for
a better life for People with disabilities.
“This new found zest and activism ledme from my place of relative comfort to a height of glory and honour as Presidential aide. Indeed, this moment is truly gratifying for me and I thank you all.
“I sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding a son ofYobe State worthy of this exalted position with enormous responsibility and potentials both personally and collectively
for all of us.
“In my role as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters, I am driven by the belief that a society’s strength lies in its ability to uplift every citizen, regardless of their abilities. Yobe State exemplifies this principle, standing as a beacon of unity and compassion, our dear governor has thought us this and I must bear the torch forward. Yobe State, with its rich
cultural heritage can be a beacon of progress, setting an example for the entire nation. It is in unity that we find strength, and together we can overcome any obstacle,creating an environment where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive.
“This is the miracle that is on its way to us. I will direct Presidential attention to the plight of challenged people in our midst, and would ensure to add some weight in maintaining the political
relevance that our dear Yobe State since meritoriously garnered.
“Once again, thank you the good people of Yobe for this honour done tome, and for your support and encouragement. I urge us to continue to work hand in hand, breaking down barriers and paving
the way for a moreinclusive Nigeria.
“Together, we can build a nation where every citizen, regardless of their abilities, contributes meaningfully to the progress and prosperity of our great country.
“My daughter and I, and my entire family and extremely grateful for thesolidarity, hospitality, camaraderie. friendship, oneness and love that youhave shown to us today. Thank you so much
and enjoy you evening.”
