National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has urged Nigerian youths to make integrity, character and selfless service the guiding principles of leadership, insisting that the country’s future depends more on the quality of its leaders than on ethnic, religious or political affiliations.
Gombe made the call in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Arewa Students Forum, which conferred on him its highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Arewa Students Forum (GCASF), inducted him as a patron of the organisation and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation. He described the recognition as a tribute to the collective efforts of the SDP’s National Executive Committee and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting purposeful leadership.
The SDP chairman commended the forum for fostering peace, unity and leadership development among young Nigerians, noting that the calibre of its members reinforced his confidence in the country’s future. He urged students to build their lives on character, arguing that education without integrity offers little value and that enduring legacies are shaped by ethical conduct rather than personal achievements.
Reflecting on his experience as a student union leader at Ahmadu Bello University, Gombe said student activism had shaped his leadership philosophy through advocacy for students’ welfare and constructive national engagement. He challenged young Nigerians to reject divisive politics and support leaders based on competence, integrity and commitment to public service, while encouraging them to participate actively in elections to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Earlier, National President of the Arewa Students Forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi, said the organisation, with over 2.1 million members across the 19 northern states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora, recognised Gombe for his contributions to education, youth development and humanitarian service. He said the award followed a merit-based assessment and reflected the forum’s commitment to honouring exemplary leadership.
Also speaking, SDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, described Gombe as a leader distinguished by humility, accessibility and integrity, adding that the recognition underscored the party’s commitment to credible leadership and public service.
