By Emmanuel Kwada
In a heartfelt display of faith, passion for education, and generosity, Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei has pledged his full support to educational initiatives championed by the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), donating ₦5 million from his farm enterprise and an additional $5,000 on behalf of himself and his family to support the establishment of a proposed university by the church.
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a prominent stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State and a leading frontrunner among gubernatorial aspirants eyeing the 2027 elections, made a notable appearance at the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) national convention.
He arrived accompanied by his entourage, receiving enthusiastic cheers and warm reception from the crowd, including his dedicated supporters.
The event took place at the LCCN’s ongoing 101st Annual National Convention held at the Covenant Ground in Demsa, Adamawa State.
As a renowned education expert and advocate for accessible higher education, Dr. Girei currently serves as the Director of Research and Development/Centres of Excellence at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
His presence underscored his deep community ties and commitment to faith-based and educational initiatives in the region.
He described his attendance as driven purely by love and faith, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings on loving one another and the commandment to love God and neighbors as oneself.
Reflecting on his deep engagement with Christianity and over 30 years of studying the Bible, Dr. Girei emphasized core Christian values such as faith in God, humility in service, love for others, and the joy of cheerful giving.
He aligned himself fully with the convention’s mission, particularly highlighting the proposed university project as one that deeply resonates with him.
As a product of education himself; a teacher by profession and training, son and grandson of teachers, Dr. Girei shared his personal journey of overcoming immense hardships to pursue higher learning.
He recounted attending university with only two shirts and one pair of trousers, enduring 48 hours without food in his quest for knowledge.
This experience, he said, gives him profound empathy for underprivileged children unable to access quality, affordable, and accessible higher education due to financial constraints.
”For them not to have quality education that is affordable and accessible is a crime against humanity,” he declared.
He reiterated his lifelong dedication to serving God and humanity by advocating for and providing high-quality education for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances at birth. “I offer myself to continue to serve humanity until I am no more,” he affirmed.
In a moving gesture he described as “a gift of love” given cheerfully from the heart in line with scriptural principles, Dr. Girei announced his contributions specifically toward the university initiative.
”My farm is making a contribution of five million Naira,” he stated, adding his personal and family donation of $5,000.
The announcement was met with appreciation from the convention attendees, underscoring Dr. Girei’s reputation as an education powerhouse and visionary leader committed to uplifting communities through knowledge and opportunity.
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei’s pledge not only provides vital financial support but also inspires collective action toward building a brighter future through education, reinforcing his vow: “Count me in anything education – it’s a noble cause.”
Dr. Girei, often hailed for his veteran administrative background, grassroots support, and extensive endorsements within APC circles, is positioning himself as a unifying figure capable of taking over from Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in 2027.
His “Adamawa Transformation Mission” emphasizes priorities like quality education, security, economic vibrancy, agriculture, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance across ethnic and religious lines.
This engagement at the LCCN convention highlights his active participation in key community and religious gatherings, further building momentum for his aspirations amid a competitive field of APC contenders.
Supporters view him as a sellable, experienced candidate with a proven track record in public service, particularly in education and development sectors.
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