An article sent to us by an astute Nigerian... |  |
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DINNER
PARTY FOR PROFESSOR ISA ODIDI,
ORGANIZED BY UNIC CLUB OF CANADA
ON THE CONFERMENT OF CHIEFTAINCY TITLE IN NIGERIA: THE SARDAUNA OF ZUBA,
- June 11, 2005 at Renaissance Hotel in Toronto, Canada
The
Unic Club of Canada organized a dinner party for Prof. Isa Odidi, who
is their Patron and a community leader on his newly acquired
chieftaincy title - the Sardauna of Zuba.
The
Sardauna Title exemplifies family Values, Leadership and commitment to
community Progress and prosperity.
The Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna)'s Vision has always been the golden
opportunity to salvage and move Nigeria forward (all regions) from the
maladies of the past to the future of progress, unity, prosperity and
economic development that is sustainable. "Anyone who fosters these
qualities and build consensus around them deserves no more less than the
SARDAUNA himself" Anyone who listened to this erudite Leader (Gamji -
Sarduna of sokoto) would think he is talking to the like of Prof. Isa
Odidi.

Little wonder then that, when Prof. Isa Odid came to the podium to deliver a speech
at the dinner party, he started like this:" I, first of all pray to God
and will continue to do so because without God, we are helpless. My family,
and my wife dr. Amina Odidi, whom I owe my life to, who stood by me at
all times and who is an inspiration to me. My friends and well
wishers, and indeed, the Unic Club, words cannot describe my
appreciation on your support, and I will continue to do all I can to
continue to earn your friendship. My words to you today are for you to
be united irrespective of differences, to preach against violence,
intolerance on the basis of differences because we have a role to play
in the well being of our country. Nigeria belongs to you, me and our
children and so we must not allow some few differences to shatter our
unity. A fragmented Nigeria is not in your or my interest, and neither
the interest of our children and grand-children. We must all do out part
to unite the people of Nigeria in honour of the Sardauna of Sokoto who
died fighting this cause. We must also live exemplinary life, with great family
values and find simply solution to ever challenging issues that confront
our societies today. This new title only serves to reinforce my full
commitment to following the footsteps of The Sardauna of Sokoto himself, whose
leadership consists not in degrees of technique but in traits of his
character; requiring moral rather than athletic effort, and who imposed
on both himself and his followers alike the burden of self-restraint.
These are indeed cardinal principles of a great leader and I intend to
emulate, and help in anyway that I can to foster those spirits of
togetherness, forgiveness and consensus building. May God guide and
help us in all our endeavours, God bless you all and may Allah rest The Sardauna of Sokoto
[Gamji] 's soul in perfect peace. Amin, and thank you all".

The occasion was grand. People came from all over, from the United
States, from Nigeria, Canada and Europe. Also, a rare happening in
Nigerian gathering, the occasion started on time, at 6:00 PM prompt,
quickly followed by prayers and entertainment by Chief Bisi Adedeyi.
Few highlights of the occasion were, first a speech by the Unic Club
President, Mr. Franklin Omoruna and the key note address by Professor
Ike Azogu, who flew specially from the United States. There were also
representatives from the Government of Canada, a goodwill message from
Hon. John tory (MPP) by Ms Megan Harris and of-course all the Executives
of the New Democrats (ND -
www.ndnigeria.com), a registered political party in Nigeria
and which its Chairman is the celebrant, Prof. Isa Odidi.
There was also a speech by Akeem Bello, the Presidential Aspirant 2007
under ND.
Dr. Idris Dag-Ellams, the erudite surgeon, an astute gentleman profiled
the Sardauna of Zuba, capturing his achievements from bringing Biovail
into limelight, the multi-million dollar drug company to the forming of
his own drug delivery company, IntelliPharmaCeutics -
http://www.intellipharmaceutics.net/ , that went public, the first
African owned company to go public in Canada.
Dr. Idris Dag-Ellams also gave highlights on other achievements received
by Prof. Isa odidi, like the Prestigious
Harry Jerome
Awards in the category of Innovation, and as one
of the 50 delegates chosen by President Obasanjo at the National
political reform conference (www.nprc-online.org)
and who is also a member of the Conference Economic Committee , the Chairman
of a registered political party in Nigeria -
www.ndnigeria.com and a
Board Member and Executive of the Canadian ICT African development
Project. The list went on and on..
The occasion ended with the presentation of gifts and a vote of thanks
by Mr. Dennis Ediae
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