By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
Impressed by his achievements, contributions and support to his alma mater, members of Shendam Old Students Association (SOSA) have thrown their weight behind Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong for his election to the Senate to represent Plateau South Senatorial District.
The members who made their stand known at the 5th National Convention and Award Presentation held at the school in Shendam, said the governor has made the school proud by his personal achievements and success in politics which has resulted in rapid development of the school.
Chairman of SOSA, Comrade Emmanuel Dashe said the governor has proven that with hard work, determination and God’s grace, anyone can rise from humble beginnings to any height.
He said as an ambassador of GSS Shendam, the governor has not only given a good account of himself, but put the school’s name in good light through his performance as Governor of Plateau State, Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Council.
He said they are fully behind him and are sure that he will take Plateau State to prominence in national politics.
In a keynote address, Guest Speaker at the convention and a member of first set of the school (SOSA 1978) Prof. Garba Sharubutu, said SOSA members have come a long way and must appreciate God for raising them from a humble beginnings to greatness.
Prof. Sharubutu who is the Executive Secretary Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, said the school is privileged to have produced many eminent personalities, including the governor, professors, vice chancellor, permanent secretaries, speakers, senior security officers among others.
He praised Governor Lalong for being a shining star of the school and carrying along his school mates in various ways, saying the endorsement for the governor’s senatorial bid as well as his principal, Asiwaju was in order, because he needs to continue his great work at the federal level, where he already has wide contact and commanded influence based on his performance.
Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Elizabeth Wapmuk said SOSA has been united, energised and refocused by the Governor whose passion for education has seen the sector being transformed rapidly.
Wapmuk appreciated SOSA for supporting the school with infrastructure, facilities and even teachers.
Principal of the school, Mrs. Susan Dandam said the old students have made the school proud by constantly completing the efforts of the State Government.
Dandam praised the governor for changing the face of the school through development of infrastructure, manpower and the facilitation of other donor support such as the World Bank assisted AGILE project.
In his speech, Governor Lalong recalled with nostalgia, his days at GSS Shendam, where he said the teachers did their best to instill discipline and also give them quality education.
He commended the pioneer leaders of SOSA for laying the solid foundation upon which the school alumni is standing on. According to him, the school has done a lot to raise people that represented Plateau and Nigeria in various endeavours who need to be recognised and celebrated.
Lalong said the principles of love, tolerance, unity and peace which were taught in the school have continued to guide his conduct as a politician whose passion is for bringing people together irrespective of religion, ethnicity and other differences.
He told them that as DG of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and Chairman Northern Governors Forum, he knows the benefits of national politics and being in the mainstream which benefits more people than being in opposition and always complaining of marginalization.
He thanked SOSA for supporting him over the years and also affirming their willingness to vote for him for Senate as well as for Tinubu/Shettima ticket.
The Governor presented an 18 seater bus to the school on behalf of his class of set 82.
He also visited the students hostels.
He recieved an award for exemplary service and achievement in transforming the state.
