By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has implored leaders across the nation to draw inspiration from the exemplary leadership style and enduring legacies of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Ɓalewa, Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister.
This appeal was made yesterday during the first Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Prime Minister with the theme “Peace as an Inspiration for National Development; the Legacies of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Ɓalewa,” organized by the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Ɓalewa Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Sa’adu Zungur University, SAZU in Bauchi State.
The Governor, represented by Barr. Hussaini Saraki, emphasized that Sir Abubakar Tafawa Ɓalewa’s leadership was distinguished by his unwavering commitment to nationhood, philanthropy, and service above self.
“Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa remains an enduring symbol of humanity, integrity and visionary leadership. His legacies as a peace maker consensus builder and servant leader continues to offer moral compass in this times of national and global uncertainties,” the governor said.
He added that Balewa represented the very best of Nigeria, a leader who place nationhood above self, dialog above conflict, and service above game.
The Governor therefore urged leaders to live up to the ideals of unity, justice, peace, and progress embodied by the late statesman, stressing that these values are essential for national development.
In his address, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, paid tribute to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Ɓalewa’s monumental contributions to Nigeria’s independence and peace efforts.
He described Sir Abubakar as a personality who sacrificed his knowledge, time, and life towards securing independence for Nigeria and many other African countries.
The Speaker suggested that the lecture should be made an annual event to inspire leaders to emulate Sir Abubakar’s lifestyle and legacies.
Delivering the lecture, Major General Dr. Sani Usman Kuka Sheƙa (Rtd) underscored the relevance of Sir Abubakar’s commitment to peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
He emphasized that adopting Sir Abubakar’s strategies would help revitalize peace in contemporary Nigeria, resolve conflicts, and rebuild harmonious living.
Dr. Sheƙa also reiterated that peace and national integration can only be maintained through mediation, dialogue, and diplomacy, advising that economic disparity, political instability, and youth restiveness must be addressed to ensure peace reigns in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Prof. Fatimah Tahir, expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for his support in making the university a conducive environment for teaching and learning. She appreciated all who honored the invitation and wished them memorable experiences.
In her remarks, Hajiya Hauwa Abubakar Tafawa Ɓalewa, on behalf of the family, thanked Almighty Allah for giving them a father who, despite leaving them with no material wealth, bequeathed them with invaluable knowledge, wisdom, and compassion towards uplifting humanity.
The lecture concluded with a resounding call on leaders to emulate Sir Abubakar Tafawa Ɓalewa’s leadership style and legacies, promoting peace, unity, and national development.
