Gombe Urges Youths to Put Character Above Politics After Arewa Honour

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has urged Nigerian youths to prioritise integrity, character and selfless service over divisive politics, saying the country’s future depends on leaders with proven values.

Gombe made the call in Abuja after receiving the highest honour of the Arewa Students Forum, the Grand Commander of the Arewa Students Forum (GCASF). He was also inducted into the forum’s Hall of Fame as a patron and presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.

The SDP chairman described the recognition as an honour for the party’s leadership, saying it reflected the organisation’s commitment to purposeful and people-oriented leadership.

He commended the Arewa Students Forum for promoting peace, unity and leadership development among young people, adding that its activities gave him confidence in the future of the country.

According to him, education without integrity is incomplete, stressing that character remains the greatest asset any individual can possess because it shapes legacy and earns lasting respect.

Reflecting on his days as a student union leader at Ahmadu Bello University, Gombe said the experience instilled in him the values of service, sacrifice and constructive engagement.

He urged young Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious and regional considerations when choosing political leaders.

“Support only those with proven competence, integrity and commitment to public service,” he said.

Gombe also encouraged members of the forum to mobilise eligible youths to participate actively in elections, noting that a well-organised youth voting bloc could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

He praised the forum for maintaining a non-partisan stance while promoting civic responsibility, adding that the emergence of credible leaders would depend largely on informed electoral choices.

Earlier, the National President of the Arewa Students Forum, Comrade Abubakar Abdullahi, said the organisation has more than 2.1 million members spread across the 19 northern states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora.

He said the forum promotes peace, leadership development and humanitarian service through seminars, mentorship programmes and campaigns against drug abuse, examination malpractice, cultism and violent extremism.

Abdullahi said Gombe was selected for the honour after what he described as a thorough assessment of his contributions to education, youth empowerment and humanitarian service.

According to him, the award was based strictly on merit and not on political office.

Also speaking, the SDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Senator Ugochukwu Uba, described Gombe as a humble and accessible leader whose commitment to integrity and service distinguished him from many politicians.

He said the recognition further underscored the SDP’s growing reputation for credible leadership.