By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Banquet Hall of Government House, Lokoja, sparkled with elegance and nostalgia on Saturday, September 6, 2025, as the ABU Alumni Association, Kogi State Branch, staged its much-anticipated Gala & Award Night. The event lived up to its billing, weaving together glamour, celebration, and a touch of star power into an unforgettable evening.
From the moment the red carpet was rolled out, the atmosphere radiated excitement. Alumni and dignitaries arrived in dazzling fashion,ladies shimmering in sequined gowns, while the gentlemen cut striking figures in classic suits and regal agbadas. The hall was alive with laughter, warm embraces, and the sheer joy of old friends reuniting after years apart.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the awards presentation. Outstanding members of the association, including Hon. Leke Abejide, representing Yagba East & West Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives and Dr.Abful Denja,Dr.Mike Ogirima among others,were honored for their remarkable contributions to society and to their alma mater.
Thunderous applause with music echoed across the hall as awardees mounted the stage, proudly displaying their plaques to an admiring audience who celebrated their inspiring journeys with pride.
Entertainment reached dazzling heights as internationally acclaimed cultural troupes from Kogi State Arts and Culture lit up the stage with breathtaking performances. Their music and dances showcased the state’s rich cultural heritage, electrifying the crowd. A masterful DJ then blended musical rhythms with contemporary hits, keeping the energy soaring and the dance floor by some members of the audience, nodding heads in appreciating the value of time attending the vibrating occasion with royal touch.
The banquet itself became a story of its own, with guests treated to a sumptuous spread of continental and local delicacies. Between bites of gourmet meals and sips of soft drinks, soft background music set the mood for lively conversations, hearty laughter, and effortless networking among alumni and invited guests.
Yet, beyond the dazzle, the evening carried a deeper resonance. Leaders of the association urged members to remain steadfast partners in advancing the mission of ABU Alumni,especially in driving social, educational, and developmental initiatives in Kogi State and beyond. The message struck a heartfelt chord, underscoring the fact that, the night was not only about glamour but also about purpose.
By the time the curtains drew to a graceful close at 9:30 p.m., the 2025 Gala & Award Night had left an indelible mark. Indeed, the event, the first of its kind in 28 years,was a spectacular night where fashion embraced fellowship, music blended with meaning, and celebration walked hand in hand with commitment to a greater cause under the watchful eye of the President, World Wide, ABU Alumni Association, Alhaji Adamu Kotangora,Barden Kotangora and the Secretary General of the association,Dr. Danjuma Mahmud.
They were ably supported by the chairman of ABU Alumni Association, Kogi State branch,Engr. Mohammed Sagir and his able council members as well as other members of the branch.
