Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, over the weekend, hosted his classmates from the Government Secondary School (GSS Gombe) class of 1979 tagged as ‘Nation 79’ to a banquet to celebrate 50 years of enduring friendship.
The event, which was held in Gombe, marked exactly five decades since the Governor and his peers began their academic journey together at GSS Gombe in 1974, an experience that fostered lifelong bonds and unity.
The celebration was not only a reunion of old friends but also an occasion for the ‘Nation 79’ to reminisce and renew connections formed during their formative years while highlighting the legacy and impact of GSS Gombe, one of the state’s most historic educational institutions.
Speaking at the event, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, a proud member of the GSS Gombe Old Students’ Association as well as the ‘Nation 79’, used the occasion to recount the memories he made with his friends during their stint at GSS Gombe.
He described the school as not just a place where they were moulded to pursue their individual dreams but as a foundation for lifelong beneficial relationships.
He further expressed deep gratitude to the ‘Nation 79′ class for their continued friendship and shared accomplishments that stemmed from their early days at the school.
“Today marks a unique milestone for all of us. Fifty years ago, we began a journey that would define who we are, and it is truly heartwarming to see how far each of us has come. This occasion is proof of the power of unity and the value of lifelong friendships,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya said.
In his remarks, the National President of the GSS Gombe Old Students’ Association, Dr Muhammed Bose Ahmed, applauded the spirit of togetherness displayed by the 1979 class and emphasised the critical role members of alumni of the school played in supporting the school.
He particularly commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his various projects and programmes targeted at repositioning education and other sectors, and in particular, his support to his alma mata, emphasising the need for alumni to give back to the institution that shaped their lives.
According to him, “This association is a community of men and women committed to each other and to the progress of our dear school. I am proud to say that the Old Students’ Association has renovated the school clinic and reequipped it with modern facilities.”
“It is inspiring to see leaders such as His Excellency giving back to the very foundation that laid the groundwork for our futures. He has constructed roads, built classes and hostels, and improved the overall academic atmosphere of the school,” Dr. Bose said.
Muhammad Bose added that, “As an association, we are proud to see one of our own not only leading but also preserving the legacy of education that GSS Gombe has championed.”
“Let today be a reminder of our collective responsibility to give back to our communities and empower the next generation”, Dr. Bose added
In his address, the Chairman of the 1979 Set (Nation 79), Abubakar Umar Gorofi, shared his reflections on the journey that began exactly half a century ago, expressing gratitude for the enduring friendships among the classmates while praising the Governor’s hospitality and contribution to the progress of Gombe state as a proud reference point of the set.
In his remarks, The Emir of Gombe, Alh. (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, who is also the Grand Patron of the GSS Gombe Old Students’ Association, lauded the alumni’s commitment to maintaining the legacy of their alma mata and congratulated the 1979 set on their milestone celebration.
Represented by Dr. Sani Jauro (Dan Lawan Gombe), the Emir further encouraged the alumni to continue their efforts in supporting education, especially teachers of the GSS Gombe, underscoring the importance of quality education in shaping responsible and capable citizens.
“This golden jubilee is not only a celebration of friendship but also a reminder of the role education plays in shaping society. GSS Gombe is proud to have produced leaders like Governor Inuwa Yahaya who have shown commitment to our state and our nation”, the Emir said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari, told the friends of the governor that his principal has become a proud ambassador of not only the 1979 set but also the GSS Gombe as he has been transforming education sector in Gombe state while urging them to feel at home, especially for those who came from other states.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of awards of excellence to the Governor as well as His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gombe, and then the unveiling of the ‘Nation 79’ album and its presentation to the members by the Governor as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General
(Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe).
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