By Adamu Yusuf
The Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, has urged civil servants, youths and journalists to embrace lifelong learning, stressing that age and retirement should not be barriers to educational advancement.
Kanmade the call at a reception organised in honour of Dr Abdullahi Aliyu Yar’adua, who recently obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in English Literature from Al-Qalam University, Katsina, following his retirement as a director in the Katsina State Civil Service after 35 years of service.
The traditional ruler described Yar’adua’s academic achievement after the age of 60 as an inspiring demonstration of determination, self-development and commitment to knowledge.
He urged serving and retired civil servants to take advantage of educational opportunities to improve their competence and contribute meaningfully to society.
Kankara noted that retirement should not mark the end of personal development but should provide an opportunity to acquire new knowledge, share experiences and mentor younger generations.
He also appealed to Al-Qalam University to consider engaging Yar’adua as a lecturer, citing his wealth of public service experience and academic qualifications.
In his goodwill message, the chairman of the occasion, the Wazirin Katsina V and Wazirin Ilimin Kasar Hausa, Professor Sani Abubakar Lugga, congratulated Yar’adua on his retirement and academic achievement.
He urged him to remain committed to honesty and service to humanity, stressing that knowledge becomes more valuable when shared for the benefit of society.
The reception attracted prominent personalities, including a former Katsina State Head of Service, Idris Tune; former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa; traditional rulers; serving and retired permanent secretaries; civil servants; journalists; friends and family members.
Also in attendance was the member representing Katsina Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Aliyu Albaba.
Highlights of the event included the reading of Yar’adua’s citation and the presentation of an Award of Honour by the Committee of Friends in recognition of his distinguished public service career and academic achievement.
Kankara wished the celebrant continued good health and success, urging him to apply his experience and newly acquired knowledge to the development of Katsina State and humanity.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
