Over N265 million was raised from the book launch of the biography of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, at his 50th birthday party yesterday, in Abuja.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and his Bauchi State counterpart, Mohammed Abudullahi Abubakar, led a long list of dignitaries to the birthday luncheon.
President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was represented by Aso Rock Villa chaplain, Seyi Malomo.
Also present at the ceremony during which Dogara’s biography, A Reed Made Flint was presented to the public were former speakers of the House, Dimeji Bankole and Patricia Etteh.
The birthday marked with pomp and pageantry at the famous International Conference Centre (ICC), had Dogara receiving support from Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, wealthy businessman Capt. Hosa Okunbor and Chrome Oil founder, Emeka Offor.
Dangote crowned the evening of generous donations by purchasing 100 copies of the book written by the Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, for N100 million.
Earlier, Okunbor announced a N50 million donation on behalf of friends of the speaker in the private sector. For Offor, who was represented by a member, Austin Chukwukere, he made a personal donation of N20 million.
Bauchi State governor, who made a surprise appearance at the event, pledged to give N10 million on behalf of the people of his state. Tambuwal announced a N30 million donation from himself and two other governors. The Edo State government pledged N20 million.
House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the members will purchase 359 copies of the book at N50,000 each with a total of N17,950,000.
On his part, Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan said all 109 senators will purchase the book at N60,000 each, amounting to N6,540, 000.
Dogara, who also made food and cash donations to 19 orphanage homes yesterday, had pledged to donate the proceeds from his book launch and an earlier held charity football march towards the funding of interventions targeted at the less privileged, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Speaking at the book launch, Saraki said Dogara’s biography is a must read for aspiring leaders. The Senate president, who described Dogara as a reliable and principled politician, expressed hope that youths would be inspired by his story.
Buhari, in his speech, delivered by his representative, dubbed Dogara a true embodiment of the change ideology.
He commended the Speaker for playing an integral role in keeping the relationship between the Executive and National Assembly cordial.
“Since we began the journey of change in 2015, not only has Dogara been a worthy colleague, he has made himself a contributor to national stability,” Buhari said.
|Sun
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