By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating Dr. Garba Abubakar Iliya, the Executive Director of Administration and Finance at the North East Development Commission (NEDC), on the occasion of his birthday.
Hon. Abba Isa commended Dr. Iliya for his exemplary leadership qualities, humanitarian disposition, and consistent support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups in society.
He noted that Dr. Iliya has, over the years, distinguished himself as a true ally of the marginalized, always extending a helping hand to communities in need and ensuring that inclusion remains a central value in his work.
“Dr. Iliya is not only a seasoned public servant but also a humanitarian whose impact has been deeply felt across the North East and beyond. His passion for empowering the less privileged, particularly Persons with Disabilities, is worthy of emulation. On this special day, I celebrate him for being a pillar of support and a shining example of servant leadership,” Abba Isa said.
Hon. Abba Isa stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Dr. Garba Abubakar Iliya, describing him as a patriotic citizen whose dedication to nation-building deserves national honour and celebration.
He said the President lauded his commitment to public service and humanitarian causes, noting that leaders like Dr. Iliya embody the values of integrity, sacrifice, and excellence that Nigeria needs at this critical time.
Dr. Garba Abubakar Iliya was appointed to his current role at the NEDC by President Tinubu. He brings to the Commission more than 30 years of professional experience in administration, resource mobilization, agriculture, water resources management, mining, and disaster management.
Before his appointment, Dr. Iliya held several strategic positions, including:
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Yobe State
Managing Director, Chad Basin Development Authority
Technical Expert, Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ndjamena
A scholar and professional of repute, Dr. Iliya holds a PhD in Applied Geophysics and is a fellow of several national and international professional organizations, including:
Fellow, Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS)
Fellow, Nigerian Association of Hydrogeologists (FNAH)
Fellow, Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (FNATE)
Honorary Fellow, International Association of Hydrogeologists (FIAH)
With his wealth of experience and proven record of service, Dr. Iliya has been pivotal in steering the Administration and Finance department of the NEDC, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the Commission’s operations.
Hon. Abba Isa prayed for God’s continued guidance, protection, and wisdom for Dr. Iliya as he marks this new age, while urging him to remain steadfast in his commitment to humanitarian service and national development.
