Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu has called on leaders at all levels to strive towards eradicating societal ills and focus on national growth.
Aliyu made the call at a memorial lecture in honor of the late Mu’azu Liman-Yabo, a legal practitioner, Sokoto-based activist, and philanthropist in Sokoto. He stressed the need for leaders to redouble their efforts in doing what is necessary for societal progress, noting that events unfolding in any society are a true reflection of happenings.
“People in society can only achieve desired development when leaders and followers consistently fulfill their responsibilities,” he said.
Aliyu, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Bello Sifawa, expressed concern about the frequent declaration of industrial actions that were affecting innocent people in hospitals, higher institutions, and other public places.
“It is unprecedented for us to declare a strike when our innocent masses are in hospitals, seeking proper medical attention.
“These actions disproportionately have an impact on the vulnerable people who we always claim to be advocating for,” he said.
“They often opt for private health facilities for themselves and their families, while the wealthy seek private healthcare,” he stated.
The governor appreciated the organizers of the event for their foresight, assuring that the initiative would be supported by the government to assist the less privileged in society.
In his presentation, titled “Rising trends of insecurity in Northern Nigeria,” Prof. Tukur Baba of Federal University Birnin Kebbi called on people to be security conscious due to the prevailing situations in the country.
Baba urged stakeholders to initiate more ways of addressing the security challenges bedeviling the nation as well as commit to addressing the impact of corruption in society.
“Corruption is the mother of all insecurity; without addressing it, achieving a safe environment devoid of all security challenges will be futile,” he said.
The Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Prof. Bello Bada of Usmanu highlighted leaders’ flaws in respecting laws, encouraging corruption, and breaching public trust.
In his paper titled “Corruption in Nigeria’s Leadership,”, Bada said fighting corruption successfully could be achieved when leaders reconsidered their habits and ensured equal treatment for all citizens, irrespective of political or ethical affiliations.
Bada identified citizens’ characters as a significant factor contributing to security challenges in Nigeria. He urged politicians to demonstrate political will in addressing poverty and unemployment.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, who was represented by the District Head of Yabo, Alhaji Muhammadu Maiturare, emphasized the need for people to emulate the good intentions and character of the late Liman-Yabo. Abubakar appreciated the organizers of the memorial lecture, stating that they recognized the late Liman-Yabo and the entire population of Sokoto State.
The event was a tribute to the late Liman-Yabo Foundation, highlighting some of his memorable quotes.
