In an inspiring display of unity, sportsmanship, and exemplary leadership, the Sokoto State chapter of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has successfully elected a new nine-member executive committee today, Saturday 28th September 2024. The election, held in one of the esteemed chambers of the Sultanate, set a benchmark for smooth and transparent democratic conduct, reflecting the core values of integrity, professionalism, and leadership that AANI has championed since its inception.
Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni ,AANI National Publicity Secretary disclosed this in a statement.
The election was conducted under the watchful eyes of the AANI National President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni his entourage, as well as the Chairman of the AANI Heritage Council, His Eminence Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, Sultan of Sokoto III. Also in attendance was His Excellency, Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim OON mni, SEC 2, 1980, former governor of old Sokoto State, a highly respected and pioneering member of AANI, whose presence lent further gravitas to the occasion. Their oversight ensured not only the smooth conduct of the election, but also the maintenance of the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
The election atmosphere was also qa harmonious blend of camaraderie and mutual respect, with members coming together to ensure the seamless selection of capable leaders to guide the chapter for the next two years. The newly elected executive committee, entrusted with the responsibility of steering the affairs of the Sokoto State chapter, includes:
- Alhaji Shehu Usman Ladan mni FCNA, SEC 38, 2016 – Chairman.
- Hajiya Aisha Umar Hassan mni, SEC 25, 2003– Vice Chairman.
- Hajiya (Mrs) Aisha Mohammed Dantsoho mni, SEC 43, 2021 – Secretary General.
- Mallam Mallami Ahmed mni, SEC 45, 2023 – Assistant Secretary General.
- Professor Mansur Ibrahim mni, SEC 41, 2019 – Treasurer.
- Bello Abubakar Wammako mni, SEC 34, 2012 – Financial Secretary.
- Colonel Bello Abbas Yahaya mni, SEC 45, 2023 – Auditor.
- Gandi Umar Muhammad mni, SEC 29, 2007– Legal Adviser.
- Hajiya (Mrs) Amina Yusuf Garba MON mni, SEC 41, 2019– Publicity Secretary.
After the successful conclusion of the election, the newly elected officers were sworn in by Alhaji Muhammad Nasir Ladan mni, Director of Administration at the AANI National Secretariat. The ceremony marked a seamless transition of leadership, with the outgoing chairman, Dr. Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni, graciously handing over the reins of office to the newly elected chairman, Alhaji Shehu Usman Ladan mni. This symbolic exchange bears eloquent testimony to the spirit of continuity and commitment that defines AANI’s leadership across the country.
In his congratulatory remarks, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR mni, praised the outgone executive committee for their dedication to leadership and service and congratulated the newly elected executive committee. He highlighted the importance of unity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, urging the new leadership to continue building on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors. He also commended Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, mni, for his enduring contributions to the Sokoto State chapter, acknowledging his role as a guiding force for its success.
Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, the National President of AANI, also lauded the smooth conduct of the election, emphasizing the chapter’s role as a key player in advancing the objectives of the Alumni Association. He reiterated the need for continuous collaboration between the National Executive and the chapters, particularly in areas concerning national development, policy advocacy, and strategic research.
The event culminated in a renewed sense of purpose, with all members pledging their continued support to the new leadership. As the Sokoto State chapter embarks on this new journey, it remains poised to contribute significantly to the development of both the state and the nation at large, embodying the principles of leadership and service that have become synonymous with AANI.
Thereafter, the chapter proceeded to its Annual General Meeting, where members deliberated on the end-of-tenure report, finances, and charted the way forward for the chapter. The discussions reflected the chapter’s commitment to accountability and a shared vision for its continued growth and contribution to both state and national development.
This momentous election is not just a triumph of internal democracy within the association but a reaffirmation of AANI’s mission to nurture and promote leadership excellence across all spheres of Nigerian society toward a better society.
