A nine-year-old boy, Muhammadu Buhari, who captivated dignitaries and guests at the launch of ‘According to the President’, a book authored by former presidential aide Garba Shehu, has been awarded a full scholarship.
The event, which was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was graced by top dignitaries including former head of state Yakubu Gowon, former vice presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar, secretary to the government of the federation George Akume and the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero.
Young Muhammadu Buhari, who hails from Kogi State and is named after Nigeria’s immediate past president, stole the spotlight with a stirring poetic recital that drew a standing ovation.
With striking mannerisms and diction reminiscent of the former president, the boy impressed the audience with his eloquence, depth and message of patriotism and discipline.
Following his unforgettable performance, Garba Shehu announced on Saturday that Lawal Garba, chairman and CEO of Trobell Nigeria, has awarded the boy a comprehensive scholarship.
“Under the generous package offered by Alhaji Garba, the scholarship will cover the remainder of Muhammadu Buhari’s primary education,” Mr Shehu said.
“Trobell Nigeria will pre-pay in full the cost of six years of secondary education, to any school of the family’s choice.”
He added that the child’s parents have been advised to calculate and present the total fees required for primary and secondary education.
“And, God willing, a university sponsorship package will follow upon the successful completion of his WAEC,” he said.
Mr Shehu described the scholarship as “more than a scholarship,” calling it “a seed of hope, a recognition of talent and an investment in the future of a child whose brilliance lit up a room of statesmen, diplomats, journalists and citizens alike.”
He also commended Lawal Garba for the gesture and called on other Nigerians of goodwill to emulate the act by investing in the dreams of promising children.
At the book launch earlier in the week, the boy’s poetic words left the audience stunned.
“I am the Buhari in us, not just the man but the meaning,” he said.
Describing the former president, he added, “He walked like a whisper through a marketplace of noise, unshaken by applause, unbent by insult.”
Continuing with conviction, the boy declared, “Discipline to him isn’t old-fashioned, it is the spine of a strong nation,” and “Patriotism is not a chance, it is not the noise, it is a sacrifice.”
His powerful delivery earned him handshakes and photos with dignitaries including Gowon, Atiku and Bayero.
The boy even made his way to the VIP section to greet the guests after his performance.
His father, Abdullahi Haruna, a writer, said he helps his son dream big and digest serious discussions.
“For my son, Muhammadu Buhari, it was a beautiful outing as he shone in the awesome grace of God,” he wrote on Facebook.
