Five-year remembrance: Family, friends celebrate late philanthropist Lukes John Gwabin
By: Edirin Robinson
Family and friends gathered yesterday for the fifth remembrance anniversary in honor of the late Kaduna Philanthropist Lukes John Gwabin
The event was held at the Standard School Sports Complex in Kaduna.
Before his death, Gwabin was a businessman and philanthropist who put smiles on the faces of those who came across him
The Head of the Committee of Friends responsible for the planning, James T. Maigamu, said that the Late Luke is a special friend who has greatly impacted the lives of many in diverse ways.
According to him, He was selfless, caring, and generous to the point of sharing the little he had just to reach out to others.
“We grew up together in the same neighborhood, and he has always been there for all of us, treating us with respect and impacting our lives.
“One good thing about Late Gwabin was his sense of selflessness. He wasn’t wealthy, but he was always reaching out even with the little he had.
“That’s why today, we felt his passing should not just go like that, we needed to him even in memory,” he said.
Similarly, a member of the committee of friends, Hon. Samaila Yahaya, remarked that the Late Gwabin, fondly called Khali, was a patriotic Nigerian who built an impeccable reputation in his lifetime.
“He was a dedicated professional in the private sector, serving for over a decade in a pension fund administration company.
“Beyond his career, he exemplified compassion, community spirit, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of those around him.
Hon. Samaila stressed that his uncommon acts of kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
“His legacy of selflessness and principles has inspired us to come together and organize this special memorial to honor his life and contributions.”
In his remarks, the Sarkin of Kudendan, Gabriel B. Galadima, disclosed that a Street in Kudendan will be named after the late Lukes Gwabin to keep his memory alive.
According to him, the gesture stems from the numerous testimonies heard from those he impacted while alive.
“Many can testify that Late Gwabin was a good man, a philanthropist who touched many lives when he was alive.
“One peculiar thing we have as Bobas is that we love ourselves regardless of religion, tribe, or background, so this is a privilege for us.
He urged those present to do good to people so that when they are gone, people will honor and celebrate them.
“We are here, alive, and that is to say that people are watching us, and it is our prayer that when our time comes, people will remember us for good.
“He is late, but we know that his name cannot be forgotten; it remains indelible in the lives of the people he has touched.”
In his vote of thanks, his Younger brother, Mr Bitrus John Gwabin said the event was also to remember the many who have passed on in good memory.
According to him, the memorial complements all efforts to promote peace, ethical conduct, and unity in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
