My foremost gratitude goes to God almighty, the all-immaculate in whose palm the timing of every man ticks for the unabridged enablement to begin and end such a ginormous adventure.
Politics, either at students or societal level is a voyage that a single head no matter it’s valiance can never accomplish without the stut of men of good will and of course the numerous well wishers who found myself and my set of executives worthy of the privilege to spearhead NAKOSS at that particular moment, especially to set the pace as the first woman to hold such capacity in the history of NAKOSS, an end to which I’m bound by morals and common sense to extend sincerest appreciation to our leaders; the state actors, non state actors, former NAKOSS leaders and present stakeholders across Nigeria who have over time stood with the association firmly, now and even going forward.
Foremost, His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello who in his copious magnanimity, political wit and phenomenality raised the placement of women in political participation, a gesture from which luck found me to break and set the record as the first woman to ever lead NAKOSS globally – Also, None of the numerous kindness of His Excellency that we enjoyed can be swept under the carpet; It is most importantly worthy to recall how His Excellency came to the aid of our students stranded in Jos during the short religious crisis in 2021 that business and academic activities had to be shut down, during this period, the proactive governor reacted swiftly to students cry for assistance to be evacuated back to their respective homes. On his behest, more than fifteen Coaster Buses and thirteen 18-seaters vehicles formed the convoy led by security personnels to have Kogi State students returned to their parents. To ease mobility too, Governor Yahaya Bello in his immeasurable generosity gave a sienna bus to the presidency which aided our movements across the country to have first hand information about the welfare of our students on campuses. These and many more we are grateful to Governor Yahaya Bello for.
The Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Chief Edward Onoja’s collaborative effort with the governor’s office to assist NAKOSS is highly lauded.
Words can never be enough to describe the admirable personality of the highly distinguished Chief of Staff, Pharm. Muhammedjamiu Abdulkareem Asuku from the beginning to the very end of my tenure for the unflinching support and rare privilege we were accorded by the unassuming, ebullient and sagacious builder of men.
The SSG, Dr. Mrs Folashade Arike Ayo-Ade, Hon.Wemi Jones; the State’s Education Commissioner, Hon Musa Idris; the State Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Hon Abubakar Bashir Gegu; the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Hon Victor Ade Omofaiye; the state Commissioner for Environment, Prof Olayemi Akinwumi; The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Hon Prince Zak Otokiti; the former Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Hon Mohammad Ali, Hon Murkta Bello (D Senator), Hon Aiyelabowo Adebanji Austin (Senior Special Assistants on Boundary to the governor), Hon Onogwu Galacticus, Hon Zakari Musa(D Number One), Hon Abah Samuel Eleojo (Leader Skappy), Alhaji Taofik Isah; Executive Chairman Ijumu Local Government/ Algon Chairman Kogi state, Hon Muhammad Dansebe; Executive Chairman lokoja Local government, The SA to the Governor on Youth and Student’s affairs, the SSA on students affairs to the governor, Hon Yahaya Dutchman , Hon Precious Matifo, Comrade Foluwasayo Josh Mesele, Amb Dele Nihi, Hon Omotayo Ishaya, Hon Sunday Faleke, Hon Yemisi Oshaloto, Hon SethYomi Yaro, Comrade Adeyeye Bamidele, Comrade Fanwo Tunde and numerous state actors and stake holders who contributed immensely to my administration both in kind and monetarily. Thank you for your service to the students of Kogi State.
To past and present stakeholders, my executives and the parliament, I appreciate your cooperation within this period of my humble service to the association.
My journey in the NAKOSS presidency which began on the 29th of Aug. 2021 has finally came to an end. Indeed, power as they say is transient and of course whatever has a beginning must have an end but what however is of utmost pertinence is in the words of ‘Guy Finley’ who says “You must learn to stop thinking in terms of beginnings and endings, successes and failures and begin to treat everything in your life as a learning experience instead of a proving one.
In essence, my NAKOSS voyage is one full of lessons and experiences which shall serve as useful guide in my future engagements especially as this opportunity has helped me greatly to learn the ropes of leadership on a bigger platform. Flaws and little dark spots, as akin to every leader took no exception on me because I’m human, I remorsefully take full responsibility for them without having to hide under the guise of the internal factors that spectators from the outside cannot understand.
Moreso, I commend the committee charged to oversee the transition process, capturing the election and the necessary arrangements leading to the handover.
I send warm congratulations to my brother, Comrade Yaqub Enesi Ahmad-Tijani, the new National President of NAKOSS and the entire new executives voted to serve in different capacities for the next one year. I have assurance in your wit and ability to deliver efficiently.
On a personal note, I draw strength from the words of Jonathan Lockwood that says “Celebrate endings, for they precede new beginnings.” I celebrate this particular milestone which has in the last one year broadened my perspective of leadership and I promise to forever walk in the experience I garnered.
Most importantly, I’ll forever hold dear the very many people on whose wings I flew to this height. Thank you!
Aluta Continua,
Victoria Ascerta.
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