Taraba NUJ Honors Chief David Sabo Kente as “Philanthropist Man of the Year” Amid Calls to Rescue the State
By Our Correspondent
Celebrations erupted at the Danbaba Suntai Airport in Jalingo on April 17, 2025, as Chief (Dr.) David Sabo Kente arrived to accept the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) award for “Philanthropist Man of the Year.”
The reception for Chief Kente made it clear that the people of Taraba are eager for him to lead the state. The placards displayed by the crowd boldly referred to him as their next governor, with messages such as “DSK, come and rescue Taraba State,” “2027, DSK is our choice,” and “Tarabans yearn for DSK.” These sentiments reflected the unified aspirations of many across the central, northern, and southern parts of the state who gathered at the airport.
Tens of thousands of Taraba indigenes have benefited either directly or indirectly from Chief Kente’s generosity. Through the DSK Foundation, he has reached out to people in various areas, including health, education, skills acquisition, empowerment, rehabilitation, and infrastructure development, such as bridges and culverts.
The extent of his philanthropy has endeared him to the people, and as dissatisfaction with the current government grows, calls for him to take over leadership of the state come 2027 are becoming increasingly urgent.
During the Taraba NUJ Press Week, held to mark the 70th anniversary of the organization in Nigeria at the C to C Event Centre in Jalingo, Comrade Mathew Eliud-Jen, the Chairman of the Union, emphasized that the awardees had been carefully selected for their outstanding contributions. “I stand here to tell you that Chief (Dr.) David Sabo Kente, the recipient of the Philanthropist Man of the Year Award, is an exceptional individual whose kindness knows no bounds. We have yet to find his equal in Taraba State,” he stated.
Ambassador John Musa, the event’s Chairman, praised Chief Kente for his generosity and commitment to humanity, declaring, “Taraba is proud of you, DSK.”
A cross-section of Tarabans who spoke to our correspondent following the award presentation expressed hope that the APC Chieftain and businessman would be given the opportunity to govern the state in 2027. Hon. Shuaibu Ataka, a former commissioner and APC stalwart, noted, “With the poor performance of the current PDP administration in Taraba State, it will be easier for the APC to reclaim power in 2027 if the party allows Chief David Sabo Kente, who enjoys overwhelming support from the people, to secure the governorship ticket.”
“The APC has consistently lost in the state due to disagreements among key players over the candidate. If President Tinubu and the party leadership want to regain power in Taraba for the first time, they should consider Chief Kente,” he advised.
On March 3, 2025, Chief (Dr.) David Sabo Kente celebrated his 60th birthday in Wukari, his hometown in Taraba State, with a gathering of prominent individuals from across the state.
Known as DSK, Chief (Dr.) David Sabo Kente, born on March 3, 1965, is a Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of DSK Group International Ltd and the DSK Foundation.
Kente, an accomplished businessman and renowned politician, is recognized for his integrity, intellect, charisma, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts. Mr. Orya Clement, an elder statesman, described him as “a rare gem.” He acknowledged Kente as an inclusive individual who is always lively and inspiring. An esteemed APC Chieftain, Kente is also viewed as a leader with exceptional qualities and a vision for positive transformation.
“It is a fact that Kente is a passionate advocate for revolutionary change in the nation’s political landscape,” Clement remarked.
As a respected leader, Kente has made a significant impact through the DSK Foundation, providing scholarships to hundreds of students, supporting orphanages, and aiding the less privileged in society. His philanthropic work has earned him numerous accolades, including the “Ambassador of Peace and Societal Development” and “Icon of Humanitarian Services” by the Taraba State Students Union, in addition to the NUJ Philanthropist Man of the Year award.
Recently, he was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Kwararafa University in Wukari during the university’s second and combined convocation ceremony.
