By Abdullahi Idris Zuru
It was the final day, at the 2024 edition of the annual Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio Public Lecture, which was part of the events scheduled for Gwandu Emirate Annual Horse Racing and Cultural Festival in Birnin Kebbi, concluded last Saturday.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar chaired the occasion, attended by some first class traditional rulers, prominent politicians, captains of industries, distinguised acadermcians and highly respected Islamic Scholars from different parts of the country.
The testimonies of the dignitaries at the event, centred on the unique leadership qualities of Sheikh Abdullahi Ibn Fodio, some of which were identified in the leadership approach of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris.
Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar spoke first with clear elements of surprise, stating that it was uncommon to see a serving state Governor bringing all his predecessors together in the overall interest of the state, since the inception of the present democratic dispensation.
He observed that the unimaginable exhibition of wisdom by Comrade Governor Nasir Idris in uniting leaders for unitdy of purpose was responsible for the glaring unity among the leaders in KebbiState, revealing that it was such important attributes he noted that made him conferred the prestigious traditional title of “Gwarzon Daular Usmaniya” on Kauran Gwandu.
He advised the present generation of Nigerian politicians to emulate the important virtues of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris.
Professor Bello Bada of Usman Danfodio University sokoto, who was the first guest speakers observed that the ability to assembled nationally ecognised bureaucrats, acadermcians and highly respected religious and traditional leaders from different sectors of human endeavour to reappraised the works of Sheikh Abdullahi Ibn Fodio,underscores the commitment of the Govenor to Abdullahi Fodio’s project.
A Sokoto based renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Isah Talata Mafara who delivered the second paper couldn’t mince words while relating Comrade Nasir’s reception, educational development policies, fairness and equity in governance to some of the qualities of Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio.
Another university Don Professor Jafar Kaura presented the last paper in which he extolled the leadership qualities of Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio and was of the opinion that Comrade Kauran Gwandu was on the part of promoting the good works of Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio which remained important and very useful to the Muslim Ummah.
In their separate goodwill messages ,the Chairman of Enugu state council of traditional rulers, His Majesty Igwe Samuel Ogadagidi of fEdem Aniogwugwu Kigdom and his Ekiti state counterpart His Majesty Oba Adekunle Adeagbo Oore of Otun Ikiti were on the same page on what they described as humility and foresight of Comrade Governor Nasir. They were of the opinion that ĺfrom the beautiful roads and standard edifice of different shapes and sizes they have seen in the state capital, in addition to the hospitality and warm reception of the people, they strongly believed that the people of Kebbi State are undoubtedly, enjoying the dividend of of democracy.
In his brief remarks, the visibly overwhelmed Comrade Governor Kauran Gwandu could not hide his joyful feeling of the encomium poured on him by the various speakers at the ceremony.
Comrade Governor Nasir Idris, however, attributed the cordial relationship between him and his predecessors to mutual respect and genuine commitment to peace and development of Kebbi State, which he stressed has come to stay,adding that ” after all, i had happily worked with all of them at different times and capacities “
He assured that the Argungu Annual Fishing and Cultural Festival, the Regatta Festival in Yauri and the Annual Uhola International Cultural Festival will not only be sustained but also improved in order to attract more international tourists and investors. He concluded his address by announcing the renaming of the State University of Science and Technology to Abdullahi Fodio University.
Zuru, veteran Journalist and Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor sent this piece from Birnin Kebbi.
