- Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo (left), with the award during the ceremony in Abuja…yesterday
By Anthony Nwachukwu
In recognition of his commitment to the development of transport infrastructure and his zeal to foster unity in the sector, his home state, Taraba, and Nigeria at large, the Federal Character Commission has honoured the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, with an award.
Presenting him the award during a ceremony in Abuja Monday, were the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Dr Muheeba Dankaka, and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Akali.
Alkali commended Sambo for taking charge of the country’s rail and waterways transportation, the rail corridors and by extension the road sector. He said: “You are in charge of the road, rail and waterways, and I must say you are doing a good job. This award is given for your outstanding services in the transportation sector.”
Similarly, Dankaka described the minister as a man of integrity and a man of his word, while thanking him for his guidance, availability and for always extolling the ethos of the commission.
Responding, Sambo thanked the organisers of the event, particularly Dankaka, while also thanking Akali for cooperating with the ministry in providing security along the nation’s rail corridors, especially the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor, since its reopening earlier in December.
He also appreciated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Services, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), for his cooperation with the ministry, noting, however, that was room for more.
“I must say I am touched by this award. Honestly, I was indisposed and was sending my wife to represent me hitherto, but I had to muscle up to be here tonight, and I must say I was ambushed, I never expected such a huge award.
“Thank you indeed for counting me worthy. Thank you, my dear sister, Dr Muheeba, I am deeply touched. I want to use this opportunity to thank IGP Usman Akali Baba for the Force’s commitment to ensuring safety along our rail corridors, as well as our waterways.”
He also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd), for the agency’s partnership over the years, particularly in the maritime sector, while expressing hope for more.
