By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe.
Renowned stockbroker, philanthropist and investment expert, Umaru Kwairanga, has redeemed his ₦5 million pledge made at the unveiling of five books authored by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau.
The pledge was fulfilled during a courtesy visit to the deputy governor, accompanied by family members, friends and well-wishers.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Kwairanga said the purchase of the books was intended to support education and promote intellectual development in Gombe State.
He directed that the books be distributed to secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the state to benefit students and young scholars.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Jack Tasha, the books were unveiled during Dr. Jatau’s 70th birthday celebration at the Nigerian Air Force Event Centre in Abuja.
The event was organised in his honour by officers of the Nigerian Customs Service, where he served and retired as a Deputy Comptroller-General.
Dr. Kwairanga commended the deputy governor for combining public service with scholarship, describing the publication of multiple books while in office as a remarkable achievement.
He noted that the books would help reshape the mindset of young people and inspire them to emulate Dr. Jatau’s discipline, humility and dedication to service.
He also praised Dr. Jatau’s enduring relationship with people and his commitment to humanity, describing it as noteworthy that the Nigerian Customs Service continues to honour him years after his retirement.
Dr. Kwairanga further applauded the cordial working relationship between the deputy governor and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, attributing the stability and progress of the administration to loyalty and mutual respect.
The philanthropist reaffirmed his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his deputy in their efforts to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Gombe State.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Aisha Umar Maigari, appreciated Dr. Kwairanga for donating the books to educational institutions, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to educational development.
She expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children in the state due to poverty, noting that interventions by well-meaning individuals would help improve learning outcomes and inspire youths.
Other speakers, including retired Permanent Secretary Alhaji Umaru Gurama and several associates, congratulated the deputy governor on his 70th birthday and literary achievements.
They described him as a loyal, people-oriented leader and commended Dr. Kwairanga for his commitment to education and youth development.
Responding, Dr. Jatau expressed gratitude to Dr. Kwairanga for redeeming his pledge and supporting the distribution of the books to students.
He described the gesture as an investment in the future, noting that it would enable students who might not otherwise afford the books to access them.
On his relationship with Governor Inuwa Yahaya, the deputy governor said his role was complementary rather than competitive, stressing that cooperation, rather than rivalry, was essential for effective governance and national security.
Dr. Jatau also praised Dr. Kwairanga’s contributions to the stock exchange and his role in projecting Gombe State through investments and educational initiatives.
He urged him to consider establishing a stock market training centre in the North-East to equip young people with investment and wealth-creation skills, assuring him of the state government’s support for initiatives that promote education, economic empowerment and socio-economic development.
