From Noah Ebije, and Sola Ojo, Kaduna
MANAGING Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), Dr. Shettima Aji Ali, has lamented the absence of committed northern progressive leaders like the late premier of the region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, 50 years after his death.
Ali stated this while briefing newsmen yesterday, preparatory to the 50th death anniversary of the late premier and Sardauna of Sokoto, slated to commence this week at the Arewa House, Kaduna.
The managing director, who did not want to explain the reason for the absence of committed northern leaders, however, urged the 19 northern governors to brace up and fill in the gap left by the Sardauna of Sokoto.
The substance of the commemoration he said is to reflect on the enduring legacies of the late premier of the defunct Northern Region and his leadership style that engendered unity and progress in the region.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari would be the special guest of honour at the opening ceremony, while Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule would deliver a keynote address on the topic: “North: 50 years after Sir Ahmadu Bello,” just as Justice Mamman Nasir would serve as the chairman on the occasion.
“As you are aware, January 15, marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of our illustrious leader, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sadauna of Sokoto and the late premier of the Northern region.
“The immense contribution that Sir Bello made in the development of Northern Nigeria and the country at large cannot be over emphasised.
“He worked assiduously to make Northern Nigeria economically competitive, politically and religiously stable, peaceful and united. He had, indeed, succeeded in laying a solid foundation for the development of the region.
“ The occasion would also provide a forum for the participants to review how far the region had fared in the last 50 years and see the extent to which the late Sadauna’s unwavering passion for the socio-economic and political development of the region was sustained.
“Participants are also expected to reflect on the challenges of sustaining the Saduana’s legacies with a view to overcoming them to move the region forward.”