By George Coben, Bauchi
The Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi, was the venue for the holding of the first Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa memorial lecture, to mark the country’s Independence day.
Speakers took turns to draw the attention of leaders to the lessons to be learned from the life and times of the country’s late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Professor Umaru Pate, faculty of communication, Bayero university Kano, BUK, delivered his keynote lecture at the occasion on “Leadership and Governance”.
The professor lamented over what he said was the balkanization of the country along ethno-religious, tribal and cultural sentiments, by succeeding leadership, away from the vision of its founding fathers, exemplified by its first PM, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Pate said the emerging generation of leaders must imbibe the lessons from the life and times of the late PM to rejig the country back on the path of true progress.
“Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa envisioned and exemplified sacrifice, good governance, unity, proper management of human and natural resources for the collective good of Nigerians,” he said.
The professor advised for the need to strenghten institutions and not individuals.
Pate expressed optimism that the country will overcome what he described as its developmental challenges, if the leaders commit themselves to doing what is expected.
Also Speaking, the Bauchi state allied peoples movement, APM, governorship candidate, Dr Yakubu Adamu, averred that Nigerians cannot demand a better country without becoming better citizens, themselves.
Represented by his deputy, Mahmood Babamaji, he said that young people must have equal opportunities to actualize their potential, with leadership measured by service.
Adamu said that the generation of the late PM gave the country independence, the present crop of leaders must live it.
“Nigeria requires leadership with competence, character, ambition without entitlement, confidence without arrogance, patriotism without intolerance.
“We must build across every religious and political boundaries, recognizing that the country belongs to all of us,” he said.
Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on youth and entrepreneurship was represented at the occasion by the speaker, Bauchi state youth parliament, Mohammed Musa.
He said that the country is blessed with vibrant, youthful population whose creativity, enterprise, innovation and determination are of noted national asset.
The SA said government ensures that young people are equipped with the right opportunities, platforms, and support systems to become productive, self-reliant, and meaningful contributors to the society.
