Read his speech;
SPEECH DELIVERED BY AMB. ENGR. OMAR SULEIMAN, DOKAJI ADAMAWA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS HONORARY BANQUET AS AMBASSADOR TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) ORGANIZED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELD AT SNOW RESTAURANT, WUSE II, ABUJA – NIGERIA ON SATURDAY, 27TH JULY, 2024
1. I am deeply moved and highly honored tonight, surrounded by my mentors, leaders, traditional fathers, friends, esteemed colleagues, well-wishers and beloved family members.
2. This evening is not just an Honorary Banquet in my honour but a testament to the power of unity, love and support that has defined the success of today’s occasion and my accomplishments that is being celebrated today.
3. Firstly, I thank Allah SWT for making today a reality and a huge success, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family that have been my unwavering support system, pillars of strength through every challenge and triumph. (My beloved Wife, Maman Na’eema, Nabeel and Nabeela, I thank you)
4. Your Excellencies, Invited Guests, I am touched by this Reception I never envisaged such elaborate and colorful event. I can see people I have missed contacts over a decade ago in this hall to celebrate me. The caliber of dignitaries here are my leaders, mentors, friends, and well-wishers which their presence here tonight fills my heart with immense joy. Your belief in me, the encouragement and financial support meant more than words can express.
5. To the Organizing Committee, I thank you for putting up such a flamboyant event that has become a reuniting platform for me and lots of my friends and friends-alike. The extraordinary gesture of hosting this honorary banquet has left me with deep reflection and thoughts of the significance of healthy relationship and good service to humanity.
6. With retrospect, my journey in life has not been without its challenges. From navigating the complexities of the Nigeria Port Authority to stepping into politics and to the realm of diplomacy, each experience has been a profound learning opportunity. I am grateful for the lessons, experience, the growth, and the chance to serve my country in different capacities thus far.
7. Mr. Chairman Sir, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I must confess that I am highly surprised with the generosity shown in pooling together this huge sum of money from Friends, Family and Well-wishers to organize this historic event.
8. It is a testament not just to your kindness, but to the value you place on me, and the assignments I have been privileged to undertake, both as the former Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each role discharged has been a privilege and a great responsibility that I have discharged with dedication, fear of God and commitment.
9. As I reflected on the years, I am reminded of the guidance and support that most of you seated here to celebrate me rendered to me. Your belief in me has deepen my resolve to renew our friendships and the continued service to humanity.
10. I am proud to have had the opportunity to represent our country abroad and to contribute in my own way, to our shared values and goals of progress, peace and diplomacy.
11. In conclusion, let me extend my sincerest thanks to each of you for gracing this occasion with your presence. My special thanks goes to the Chairman of the Occasion, Brig. Gen. Aliyu Kama (Rtd), Former Military Governor of Plateau State, Their Excellencies, Governors and Former Governors here present. My big brothers, the two former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Barr. Boss Mustapha, CFR and his beloved Wife here and Engr. Babachir David Lawal, My leader, Amb. Hassan Tukur, Speaker ADSHA, Dr. Idi Hong and my good friend Senator Lee, other Members of the National Assembly, both serving and former, my former bosses, the former MD of NPA, Alh. Bello Gwandu (the Turaki Gwandu) and Mallam Abdulsalam Mohammed I specially thank you all. The present Managing Director and Chief Executive of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantoho I thank you too. To my royal father, the Lamido of Adamawa ably represented by my big brother, the Wali Adamawa, Dr. Engr. Aminu Abdulkadir, I thank you immensely for coming. My big sister, Amb. Fatima Ballah, I appreciate you and thank you very much for honoring our invitation.
12. To my friend and brother, the Guest Speaker of the day, Amb. Jameel, I thank you for such an interesting presentation. You are truly a reservoir of knowledge. Our Uncle, the Wakilin Alkalai Adamawa, Hon. Justice Nathan Musa, and Justice Hadiza Rabiu-Shagari of the Court of Appeal, I thank you immensely for your support. To all the district heads here I thank you too. Each and every one of you present here today has played a crucial role in shaping my path and making today a huge success, for that, I am eternally grateful.
13. Let me also to express my gratitude to everyone gathered here once again. Be sure, I have seen and appreciated all of you both individually and collectively. Frankly, I wish time and words would allow me to adequately express my deepest appreciation because everyone who came to grace this honorary banquet deserve to be recognized and specially appreciated including members of the Press, the (Security men) Bouncers and Road Safety personnels at the entrance, food vendors, the waiters and waitress serving us food, the DJ who made the event, eventful, the MCs for anchoring well, Cameramen, Photographers, Hoba & Fulani cultural troupes for their exquisite performance, Mr. Abdallah the singer and lots more. I thank you all.
14. Finally, while wishing all of you journey mercies to your various destinations, I want to assure you that your presence and support have been a source of strength and of great inspiration to me. The love shown to me and my family is greatly humbling – I am eternally grateful and I pray that Allah SWT rewards all your efforts and sacrifices.
15. Thank you immensely and God bless!
