Dr Hassan Gimba, anipr, Chief Executive Officer of Neptune Prime, described Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni as a leader who has remained consistent in humility and character despite his rise in politics and leadership, during a courtesy visit by student leaders on Friday, 19th September.
The governor has been widely praised as a model of humility for young leaders to emulate in previous discussions across the country.
“Always be humble. So that God will elevate you. Always do away with the devil. Just like our governor, Mai Mala Buni, he has remained humble since we’ve known him for over 25 years. He interacts with people now the same way he did back then.” Dr Gimba advised the group of visiting student leaders.
The remarks came during a courtesy visit to Dr Gimba’s residence by leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES). The delegation was led by NANCES National President, Comrade Kur Isaac Ushahemb, and the newly elected Senate President, Comrade Isah Yusuf, joined by other student representatives and youth advocates.
In his counsel, Dr Gimba celebrated the diversity of the delegation, noting that it included representatives from different states across the country.
“I feel honoured. It’s not just you people from my state Yobe, but you have brought along some people from other states, not only in the North but even from the South as well. It also shows that you are becoming more Nigerian rather than being secluded. You’re expanding and networking, and these are the kind of things that make Nigeria united and developed.”
He further noted that the student leaders were already practising democratic values that would prepare them for greater responsibilities in the future.
“You’re now practising what’s called democratic leadership. You go into elections and identify offices you want to run for, then solicit support. This will come around to help you. It’s a micro thing now but it will expand and help you to become a governor or senator. By the time you’re on a bigger stage, these experiences will serve as lessons.”
But Dr Gimba also cautioned against copying the negative examples of the older generation of leaders. He urged the students to resist the temptation of corruption and materialism.
“Most of our youth see what the older generation is doing and want to copy them. Many people look for offices because they feel they can make money. This is what’s happening in Nigeria and what we need to change. The way Nigeria is growing, you have to start fighting corruption now. You must be self-disciplined. Go to offices not for the designer clothes but for service to humanity.”
He concluded by reminding the student leaders to keep their faith and remain grounded. “You should never take yourself to where God has not taken you. Allow yourself to be led deservedly by God. When you go back to school, don’t look down on the students. Always be humble so that God will elevate you.”
For the young leaders, the visit to Dr Gimba became more than a symbolic gesture. It was a moment of learning from a seasoned voice, with humility, unity, and service placed at the centre of their leadership journey
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