By Nahum Sule (Taraba State Correspondent, in Jalingo)
The Taraba State Governor, Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku, was honored on Wednesday in Abuja by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) for his outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria and support for architecture through public policies.
The governor's media aide, Bala Dan Abu, in a statement, described his boss as an architect of immense stature and repute. He said governor Ishaku is a fellow of the Institute who occupies a prominent position on NIA's list of professional architects, stating that the governor has made the most impact on society through works of architecture.
In a remark before the award presentation, Arc Sonny Echono, president of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, said the Institute was proud of the achievements of Gov Ishaku as governor of Taraba State. He specifically commended him for what he described as the remarkable progress the governor has achieved in the development of education especially at the Taraba State University under the administration.
Gov Ishaku's water revolution, empowerment programs, and road construction were particularly acknowledged. Echono described Ishaku as a good ambassador and pride of NIA.
In a short remark after receiving the award, Gov Ishaku said he is proud of the contributions of architects to the development of Nigeria and said he was proud to be part of this great achievement. He said if he was to come back to this world a second time, he would still like to be an architect.
He praised the leaders and elders of the profession for maintaining high standards of professional practice and promised to do everything possible to promote the growth of architecture in the country.
The ceremony was witnessed by a large delegation of the Senate led by Senator Ahmed Lawan who himself also received an award.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was also given an award for his role in developing his state. NNL.