THE POLITICIAN COLOURED NOVEMBER 2013 | Page 111

Anybody who knows the history of Adama wa State doesn’t need to be told the record numbers of exceptional public servants who come there. From Politicians to technocrats and industrialists, Adamawa has numerous Sons and Daughters that are doing them and the nation as a whole extremely proud. It is therefore not a surprise that the state named after the great warrior Emir Modibbo Adama has once again given Nigeria one of its finest Military personnel. From the cradles of Vimtim in the Mubi North Lo- cal Government Area of Adamawa state cometh a distinguished gentleman of the highest integrity and bravery. Air Marshall Alexander Sabundu Badeh rose from obscurity to become the Chief of Air staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His career spans well over 30 years, and in that time he has undergone training and instruction from some of the finest institutions in the world. He holds an MSC in strategic studies from the prestigious University of Ibadan, and his exceptional Piloting skills/training were honed at the world renowned Vance Air force base in the United States of America. He worked his way up the proverbial “ladder” and has held numerous positions within the air force such as fleet operations officer in the Presidential air fleet, and later he became the overall commander of the Presidential air fleet. He was appointed as Chief of Air staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan and he has not looked back since. Alex Sabundu Badeh is a strategic thinker, world class Pilot and a natural leader of Men. As impressive as his service in the national air force is, his philanthropy in his home state of Adamawa is just as outstanding. He is truly an unsung hero and because of his meek and calm nature, he has never sort the praises of men for his philanthropic work. Alex Sabundu Badeh embodies everything that is exceptional about our great nation. He has fully understood that success is more than the acquisition of personal wealth, but it is rather a function of charity and empathy for the poor and needy. Charity cer- 95 tainly begins at home and this was the reason why Air Marshall Alex Sabundu Badeh embarked on one of the most philanthropic missions ever witnessed in the history of Adamawa. From his borehole and clean water projects to his micro-Entrepreneurship endeavours, he is impacting the lives of hundreds of Adamawa indigenes. He is indeed a man with a big heart and this is only the beginning of the wonderful plans he has for his people. It is widely stated that the true definition of a leader is the person who is able to identify and meet the needs of those around him with dignity and honour, and Air Marshall A S Badeh certainly ticks the proverbial “boxes” of what a true leader is. We pray that God will continue to lift him higher and higher and put more resources into his hands in order for him to serve his people better. Often times it is human beings that are the answer to the prayers of other people, and when Men and Women who have a heart for the people are exalted and placed in positions of great wealth and authority, destinies are preserved. With almost 4 million people spread across 21 Local Government Area’s endowed with incredible skills in Agriculture and industry, Adamawa state has the potential to become an outstanding state in Nigeria. Air Marshall Alexander Sabundu Badeh, thank you for remembering your people and for having the empathy and human decency to give back to the poor and needy in Adamawa state. Hundreds of families have access to clean water, food, and hope for the future because of you. May God continue to strengthen, preserve and bless you in every way, because we know that this is only the beginning of your labours for your beloved people of Adamawa. We therefore join with all indigenes of Adamawa state to celebrate the life and achievements of one of their brightest stars, Air Marshall Alexander Sabundu Badeh“The Golden Son of Adamawa”.