Gen. Abdulsalam Charges Nigerian Youths to Cultivate a Life of Service and Commitment like Col. RSB Bello Fadile (rtd)
By Olugbemi Femi – Abuja
The former Nigeria Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar has admonished Nigeria youths to cultivate a life of service and total commitment like Col. RSB Bello Fadile (rtd) did, stressing that at this critical point in the country, the young people need to be more committed, patriotic and rededicate themselves to the ideas of nation building and do away with selfishness in their daily dealings.
The retired General made the calls yesterday in Abuja at the public presentation and launch of Col. RSB Bello Fadile’s (rtd) book titled Nine Lives held at Shehu Yar’Adua Center, he pointed out that the writer is a man whose life exemplified a virtue of commitment and patriotism and used his service to the nation Nigeria.
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He said Col. Bello Fadile (rtd)’s unwavering commitment, even in the face of trials, is an example of how young people can contribute to nation-building, a life of service either in the military, public service, or civil society to serve the country.
He said the sacrifice made by the soldiers to defend the peace, which is often taken for granted, should inspire young Nigerians to adopt the spirit of national service to rise above self-interest and work collectively for the future of Nigeria.
He noted that a book is a window into the world within the writer and the world around the writer read and understood, it is a bridge between the world of the writer and around the world of the writer”
He said in the course of his military career, Col. Bello Fadile (rtd) demonstrated a remarkable dedication to the core values of the Nigeria Armed Forces, which are loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice. “The stories he told in this book shed light not only to the extraordinary challenges he faced but almost the profound role the military plays in upholding democracy, security and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria”
General Abdulsalam said the importance of the military service in protecting democracy and national integrity, stressing that the role of the military is not merely about protecting democracy or defending borders but about preserving the very essence of freedom ensuring that people in different countries live in peace and security.
He said at every critical moment in the country, the armed forces have stepped in to maintain order, protect the constitution, and secure the will of the people. He maintained that Col Fadile’s journey described the deep connection between military service and defending democratic ideas.
He further said at a time when Nigeria faces external and internal threats, the military is not an isolated institution but a guide of national unity, stressing that every citizen is involved in safeguarding national security.
He said the book has further exposed the critical roles the Nigeria Armed forces continue to play in shaping the country’s destiny
He commended Col. Bello Fadile (rtd) for his commitment, patriotism, and dedication while in service and also upon retirement as a seasoned legal luminary of note, a worthy father who continues to seek knowledge to see to the progress of Nigeria and impact the society at large.
He said his pursuit for excellence and sense of duty has made him a role model for all Nigerians, pointing out that his scholars and contributions to the national discussion are an act of continuous service to the nation, reminding citizens that a call to national service does not end with retirement.
“His intellect and friendship are testaments that true service to the nation extends beyond the uniforms”
He noted that at this point the country is facing both economic and social challenges, the nation can look up to people like Col. Bello Fadile (rtd) to give inspiration on how to navigate out of the current quagmire through patriotism, commitment, and sense of duty for Nigeria to emerge stronger, more united and more capable to face future challenges.
Gen. Abdulsalam urged all Nigerians to maintain peace as without peace, there cannot be a country; as the year is coming to an end, he enjoined all and sundry to emulate the life of sacrifice, service, patriotism, commitment, and sense of duty of Col. Bello Fadile (rtd) both within and outside the military service.
Other dignitaries at the event includes,Representative of the secretary to the Government of the federation, Senator George Akume Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida who was represented by his daughter, Aisha Babangida, former Senate President, Senator David Mark who is also a retired General, Former Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), former Kwara State Military Governor, Major General Alwali Jauji Kazir (rtd), Brigadier Tunde Ogbeha, AVM Obadan (rtd) his best friend, former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, (rtd) Col. Yomi Dare (rtd) John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Former Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, Senator Ndoma Egba, Chief Awomolo SAN, Chief OCJ Okocha, SAN Professor Agbo Jerry Madaki, Chief Raji SAN, SDP Presidential candidate in 2023 General Election, Prince Adewale Adebayo, former Governor of Adamawa State, Representative of Oloworan family, Justice Dupe Atoki, former Minister of Sports, Comrade Solomon Dalung, Hon. Salman Idris, National Assembly member, Professor Muris Ewu, former NPS of the PDP, Hon Kolawole Ologbondiyan, Hon. Kazeem Afebua, Hon Olumide Faleke, etc
