From Segun Babatunde in Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya was among the distinguished guests who attended a special convocation ceremony for the conferment of honorary doctorate degree on Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, OFR by the University of Maiduguri.
The conferment of the Doctor of Letters ( Honoris Causa) on the business magnet and Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, according to the university authority, was in recognition of his commendable efforts in the development of education, humanitarian services and in particular, his landmark contribution to the progress of the institution.
According to a Press release issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General Press Affairs), Government House,
Gombe which was made available to newsmen yesterday, the ceremony coincided with the 75th birthday anniversary of Indimi.
The event had in attendance, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and visitor to the University, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali among other dignitaries.
The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi were among prominent traditional rulers in attendance.
President Muhammadu Buhari, in a message delivered by Prof. Gambari, noted that Indimi has contributed hugely to the advancement of education both at home and abroad, and therefore deserves the honour by the University. He also described him as a proud son of Borno and a distinguished Nigerian who has made an enviable mark and earned global accolades and recognition.
Also, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, rejoiced with the business mogul in congratulatory message, describing him as an iconic figure, an example of doggedness and a phenomenon in all spheres of human endeavours who has impacted on the lives of many.
While wishing Indimi long life in good health, the Gombe State Governor said the honour done to the philanthropist by the University of Maiduguri on the occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary was well-deserved and a reward for goodness.
There were goodwill messages from other guests, including former president Obasanjo.
Earlier, the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of the University of Maiduguri, Ballama Manu said Alhaji Indimi has committed immense resources and built a state-of-the- art learning centre and conference facility in the University in addition to many contributions to the institution.
He urged other people of means and goodwill to emulate his humanitarian and philanthropic disposition.
Governor Inuwa was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri.