The president of the Congress of all progressives (APC) in the state of Adamawa, Barríster Idris Shuaibu, described the appointment of Zacharia Yaduma as general director of the Nigeria Forest Research Institute (Frin), being the first person in northern Nigeria to occupy the position, as a demonstration of true federalism.
Idris, who is also president of the Board of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, made the comment during a courtesy visit to Frin's headquarters in Ibadan on Friday.
It was accompanied by some state executive members of APC and the rector of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dr. Owosibo Adekoya.
Idris said: “A man of my party in the state of Adamawa and a strong member have been designated for this critical assignment. We decided to visit APC support in the state of Adamawa. We are working together to ensure that the renewed agenda of MR President is renewed.”
When describing Yaduma as a member of the reliable and cooperative party, the president of APC added: “We know that he is a man of integrity and we know his ability. Give him a job and he will do it with the greatest sincerity and total commitment.
“When we come here, we see that management is cooperating with it.”
Idris urged Frin's management to continue supporting the DG, adding: “We will do what we can at our level to raise the standard of this institution.”
Yaduma, on his part, expressed his delight for the visit of the president of APC and his executives. He praised the Frin management team for accepting and cooperating with him.
He said: “I am the first former student and the first northern to be a DG of Frin. However, they hugged me. They are my brothers and sisters. They have been very cooperative with me.”
Yaduma was appointed DG in 2023, exactly 40 years after leaving the Federal College of Forestal Ibadan as a student in 1983.