It is with a great sense of loss that the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation [HLF] formally announces the transition from this realm, of our dear Chairman, Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, CON, CFR, HLR at the age of 93.

He was an eminent Professor and Leader in Community Medicine , University Administrator ,and Nigeria’s first Emeritus Professor with several strategic appointments and postings within Nigeria and the International scene where he recorded significant impacts.

At the inception of the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation [HLF] in 1996, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu was chosen as the pioneer Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, which position he ably held for over 25 eventful years, till he passed on October 2, 2023. In that capacity, his personality, which typifies the ideals of the Foundation blended with excellent colleagues on the Board of Trustees, namely: Dr. Christopher Kolade (Vice Chairman), H.E. Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, Prof. Grace Alele Williams (Deceased), Prof. Itse Sagay, Mrs. Grace Giwa , Chief Patricia Otuedon-Arawore (Executive Secretary), to shape the Foundation into what it is today: a Non-Governmental, Non-Profits Organization set up to identify Role models for our youth to emulate and has continued to wax strong after 27 years. Professor Umaru Shehu had a hands-on approach and was visible in its programmes and events.

Even as failing health slowed him down, in recent years, he remained very active in its affairs — practically involved from planning to implementation stages of our programmes and projects.

Under Professor Umaru Shehu’s chairmanship, the Foundation has projected hard-work, excellence, and the best of Nigeria through our annual Awards to men and women who have made giant strides and value-added contributions to national development. It is heartwarming to note the HLF Awards is often described as the most prestigious Awards in Nigeria.

A Role Model of rare distinction, he was very humble in his ways and in that humility was majesty. He was a gentleman to the core, and when he spoke, his calm tone compelled attention. It has been a privilege to work so closely with him and tell his story in Volume 2 , of our book series, Hallmarks of Labour.

We are happy also that the HLF-UMARU SHEHU LIFE-TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR CONSISTENT ADVOCACY FOR POSITIVE CHANGE WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, with Impeccable recipients, will remain a continuous tribute to this great Man, Academic, University administrator, Leader in Community Medicine – Nigeria’s first Emeritus Professor.

We at the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation will sorely miss him. We will miss his wise counsel and exemplary leadership. As we submit to the Will of Almighty God, we urge his family , the Government and people of Bornu State, the Academia and all who mourn him to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled and worthy life. He was a man of great faith and a firm believer in Allah . Indeed, we are assured that the Almighty has accepted his Soul to Al-Jannah.