Immediate past Acting National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje (CON) has said that he saw the national honour conferred on him by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as a great challenge to him.

Baraje said further that without doubt the award would in no small way spur him to continue contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of the nation.

It will be recalled that Baraje was conferred with the Commander of the order of Niger (CON) along with other notable Nigerians, who had in their various professions contributed positively to the growth of the country by President Jonathan last week.

He said this while speaking with journalists shortly after a thanksgiving prayer organized for him at his family house, Baboko, Ilorin West Local Government Area, on Friday.

The former PDP acting chairman who stressed that he felt humble to have been considered worthy for the award among several millions of Nigerians, pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him for such honour.

According to him, I believe that it is my patriotism, loyalty and honesty to my immediate community, the state and by extension to Nigeria that have paid off. Therefore, it is an honour for me to be found worthy for the national honour and I will do everything within my capacity to continue in that regard.

He thanked the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfattah Ahmed, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Kwarans for the love and support shown him, which he pointed out had helped him to discharge his duties effectively anywhere he was called upon to serve.

Leading other clerics in the prayer, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammad Bashir Imam Solihu thanked Allah for the life of the awardee, whom he described as a very humble personality despite his affluence.

Solihu, who enjoined Baraje to continue serving his people with the good intention he has, urged other philanthropists, particularly the public office holders to emulate the awardee's gesture in order to have a better society.

The scholar noted that the award was conferred on him to recognise his contributions to the country, adding that he would also receive greater rewards from Allah for his diligence service.

Culled from National Pilot Newspaper