On September 9, 2023, the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa, PhD, CFR, granted a personal audience to President DeWayne Frazier in his palace.
The Lamido welcomed President Frazier very warmly and conveyed the love and support of the Fombina nation to the President and the University Community.
President Frazier was highly delighted with the honor done to him by the Lamido, who received him in private residence.
"I have had many memorable experiences in my short time in Nigeria, but few compare to the opportunity to meet our beloved Lamido. This is a moment that I will truly cherish for the rest of my life, as it was such a wonderful moment to meet a person who had dedicated his life to serving God and others. I pray that I will emulate many of the values he has exhibited during his lifetime and be a good, positive influence on others' lives as he has been for many in our region and abroad.
"The visit to the Lamido is historic and important to the American University of Nigeria. There would be no AUN if the Lamido and our Founder, Atiku Abubakar, had not worked together to assist with our original founding with the land and approval.
"The Lamido continues to be a symbol of our people in this region, and as a leader that all of us can look up to and emulate. As the President of AUN, it is important I pay this courtesy visit to pay my respects to a person who has been instrumental over the years in our university success. I continue to pray for him and his family and I was deeply honored when he shared with me that he prays for us daily at AUN. What a blessing, I am confident God hears the prayers of his faithful", the President stated in deep appreciation to the warm reception and honor done him by the Lamido and the Palace.
Earlier in the day, President Frazier, accompanied by the dean of SITC, Prof. Ozcan Asilkan, and other officials, were in the palace where they were received on behalf of the Lamido by the Galadima, Alhaji Musdafa Galadima Mustafa Aminu and other cabinet members.
At that forum, President Frazier said he came to pay homage out of respect for the throne and the high esteem he holds the tradition of the people of Yola and Adamawa, home to the American University of Nigeria, where he is presently leading. The President told his hosts that he feels safer in their embrace than in New York or Chicago because of the warm welcome and acceptance he has continuously received from the locals.
President Frazier also delivered goodwill messages from his family and friends in the US, his AUN family, and management to the paramount ruler, and said he has read about the good works of the Lamido to his people in areas of education, being a highly educated, and well-experienced personality deserving the homage.
He reiterated his readiness to serve the region through AUN and impact the local community in areas of education and small-scale business like the Feed-and-Read initiative and the Waste-to-Wealth programs being run by AUN. He will ensure that his leadership in AUN will continue to educate and create exemplary leaders, good business people, and good parents.
President Frazier appreciated the vision and mission of the Founder of AUN, HE Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, for siting the institution in Yola, where it can impact the livelihood of his people directly, and also thanked the ruler for his support for AUN.
The Galadima, in his response on behalf of the Lamido, said that it gives him great pleasure that the AUN president pays him and his cabinet homage. The respected traditional leader thanked and applauded the leadership of AUN and the positive impact it has created and continues to create in Adamawa State and beyond, as the institution has continuously proven to be above board. The ruler also prayed for the success of the new AUN President, Dr. DeWayne Frazier, and assured him of royal support for his successful tenure.
"It gives me a great pleasure for you to pay us homage. We received the news of your posting with joy, and we are sure you will succeed, and let me assure you of the support of Adamawa Emirate Council throughout your tenure," he stated.
After their official pleasantries, President Frazier and the dean of SITC presented gifts to the Lamido,
Reported by John Abah