The Vice President, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo has urged the Kaduna State Government to consolidate on the good works that the Late Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa had started.
The Vice President made this call in Kaduna during the Wake-Keep of the late governor which took place at the St. Patrick’s Chaplaincy, Government House, Kaduna.
He said “allow me to seize this opportunity to call on the state government to consolidate on his legacies by continuing the good works he has started for the good people of Kaduna state. ”
The Vice President while eulogizing the qualities of late Sir Patrick Yakowa stated that he would miss his invaluable advice, noting that the shock of his death made him cry and grieve for the country as it had lost one of her rarest breeds.
“Kaduna State in particular and the nation in general have lost a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist, a highly detribalized Nigerian, a bridge builder, a seasoned public servant and thoroughbred politician with an unrivalled pedigree of service to state and humanity.
A man of the people, Sir Patrick Yakowa was humility personified. He was affectionate and loving and loved by all. His love knows know bound and cuts across tribe, gender and creed. No wonder, the slogan Yakowa Nakowa literally meaning “Yakowa the man of the people” has become the most popular mantra of the people in the State. Children sing it; adults chant it; and the aged memorize it.
This mammoth procession of people from all walks of life that has gathered today on this wake-keep for this great man is a testimony that Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa has lived a life dedicated to the service of humanity,” the Vice President said.
VP Sambo maintaining that Sir Yakowa would remain dearest in the hearts of the people stressed that “We fervently pray for the repose of your soul. Sleep in the bosom of thy lord. We pray for the repose of your soul. May the Lord continue to give us the strength, the comfort and the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
In his homily the Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Reverend Mathew Man-Oso Ndagoso urged Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the life and times of the late governor whom he described as a gentlemen who was loved and cherished by all. He challenged the new leadership in the state to build on his legacies.
The event which witnessed a Mass, had readings from parts of the Holy Bible by several personalities including the wife of the late governor Dame Amina Patrick Yakowa, who read from the Book of Prophet Daniel. (Daniel 12:1-3).
Dignitaries at the event included Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, new Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramallan Yero and his wife, the Governor of Bayelsa State Mr. Seriake Dickson
