Nigerians From All Walks of Life Converge to Celebrate Erudite Prof. Tyoden and Wife @ 70 & 60

Today Nigerians from all walks of life gathered at the Victoria Gowon Auditorium, Government House Little Rayfield Jos to celebrate the Pushit-born erudite Professor of Political Science and the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden at 70 and his beloved Wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Abigail Tyoden at 60 as well as to witness the presentation of the book titled “Tenacity of Life and Leadership” written in honour of the Deputy Governor.

Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, 3rd Republic President of the Senate in his remarks eulogized the Celebrant Sen. Iyorchia Ayu describing him as an erudite Scholar, embodiment of humility, hard work and diligence. He said he knew the Celebrant 40 Years ago as a quite, erudite Scholar and tenacious gentleman who is committed to the service of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
He appreciated Prof. Tyoden for being supportive to him when he left the University to join politics.
He said the contributions of the Celebrant to Nation building are enormous.
He urged the people not to only buy the book, but read and learn from the same.

The Book Reviewer, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, the immediate past Secretary to the Kogi State Government described Prof. Sonni Tyoden as an accomplished Academician with uncommon charismatic leadership prowess.

The 34-chaptered and 365-paged Book was dedicated by Former COCIN President Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat, presented and later launched by Guests.

In his remarks, the Chief Host, Gov. Simon Bako Lalong who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Prof. Danladi Atu poured encomiums on the Celebrant describing as a perfect gentleman, a Nationalist and instrumental to the rescue administration.

In his Keynote Address, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, CON posited that “Prof. Sonni Tyoden is by all standards a man of towering intellectual achievement. His brilliance is without doubt and this is evident in his contribution to knowledge and ground studies in political science and development. A distinguished Scholar and Seasoned Teacher, Prof. Sonni Tyoden embodies the totality of academic excellence, a successful academic, a prolific writer, a seasoned University Administrator, a prodigious Researcher and now, an exemplary intellectual in politics and in spite of his towering achievements he remains a self-effacing gentleman, an unassuming and extremely humble intellect. He has maintained the virtues of modesty and humanity, empathy and solidarity service and sacrifice and above all, godliness and contentment”

Amb. Yahaya Kwande described the Celebrant as a contented Politician who refused to give in to flamboyancy.

Others who spoke said the celebrant is a committed family man who has given his life for service to humanity and the society.
They appreciated the Wife for being supportive of her husband, her empathy and a Philanthropist whose impacts are felt by humanity.

In his vote of thanks, Prof. Sonni Tyoden flanked by his Wife who could not hide his joy appreciated the people for the eulogies and sacrifice made to celebrate Him and his wife. He said grace and faithfulness is the definition of their journey so far.

He said he will continue to live a life of service to God, humanity and the society.

The event was well attended in compliance with COVID-19 Protocols.

Dignitaries include Benue Deputy Governor, His Excellency Engr. Benson Abounu and his Wife, Taraba State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Engr. Haruna Manu, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Traditional Rulers from Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States, Top Military/Para-Military Officers, Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen, Top Government Functionaries, Captains of Industries, renowned Professors within and outside the State, Members of the academic community, Plateau State illustrious Sons and Daughters.