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Zik was ahead of his time, says Abdulsalami
Abubakar, at the 5th Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture in Abuja, described Azikiwe as a selfless and patriotic leader, says a statement by the lecture organisers on Tuesday.
He said that Azikiwe as an icon of Nigerian nationalism made efforts that were instrumental in the struggle against colonial rule and attainment of political independence in 1960.
“Azikiwe’s inclusive approach to leadership was key in fostering a sense of shared national identity across ethnic and regional lines.
“His roles in promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and reconciliation were essential tools for achieving peace and progress.
“He was a man ahead of his time. He understood that the strength of Nigeria lies in its diversity, and he worked tirelessly to bridge divides and promote unity,’’ Abubakar said.
According to him , Zik’s legacy is a testament to the power of leadership rooted in vision and principle.
“It is our duty to continue his work by fostering dialogue, embracing diversity, and working together towards a common goal.
“Let us honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to the ideals he cherished—unity, justice, and progress for all Nigerians.
“I urge contemporary leaders to emulate Azikiwe’s virtues of integrity, selflessness, and a commitment to national service. These qualities are essential for addressing the current challenges facing Nigeria,” Abubakar said.
The keynote speaker, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, emphasised the enduring relevance of Azikiwe’s legacy.
Represented by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Mohammed Monguno, Zulum spoke extensively on the role of visionary leadership in nation-building, drawing parallels between Zik’s era and the present day.
He praised Azikiwe’s contributions not only to politics but also to education, media, and public service.
“Zik’s legacy goes beyond his political achievements; he was a pioneer in education and a strong advocate for press freedom.
“Zik’s establishment of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was a landmark achievement that demonstrated his commitment to empowering future generations through education.
“Azikiwe believed in the power of knowledge and the importance of an informed citizenry. His vision for education as a tool for national development remains a guiding principle for us today,” Zulum said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Chineme Onyeke, Director-General, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Annual Award Lecture, emphasised the importance of drawing inspiration from visionary leaders such as Azikiwe.
“As we plead for the establishment of Zik Center for National Unity here in Abuja, same way, we passionately plead that the Zik’s Centre in Zungeru Niger State, which was left uncompleted be completed.
“The Zik’s Center conceived to be built in Zungeru Niger State, the birth-place of the Great Zik of Africa has been abandoned for over 30 years now.
“It’s for this and more that we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Niger State government to kindly complete the edifice in honour of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“We seek the Federal and State Governments’ assistance, corporate bodies and other good spirited individuals here to intervene in the renovation and maintenance of Azikiwe’s Onuiyi residence at Nsukka, Enugu State,” Onyeka said. (NAN)
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has said Nigeria stands to lose a lot if Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso do not return to democratic rule.
Following the military takeovers, the three countries exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023.
Speaking at the weekend on Prime Time, a programme of ARISE NEWS Channel, General Musa said leadership failure in the three countries will have a direct impact on Nigeria.
“As I said, we have issues of poverty in West Africa – a lot of governance issues, challenges with Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They are taking a lot of heat, and that is because the areas are large; there is a lot of poverty within those areas; climate change is one major issue on the ground, and lack of political will is causing these issues,” Musa said.
“And those are the things trying to pour into Nigeria. Whatever effort we are making, as long as these things are there, it is going to be a challenge.
“The truth about it is that, especially for these three countries, they must get their leadership right, and then they can do a lot. And, that is why for us in Nigeria, we have a lot to lose if they do not get it right —they must have a democratic system that will be able to assist them in making decisions that will help the country.”
Musa said the federal government is making efforts to strengthen border management between Nigeria and the three countries to avert security threats.
Speaking on the latest global terrorism index, the CDS said that although the report placed Nigeria in the sixth position, there has been significant improvement in security in the country.
“And that is why the federal government is moving up, to make sure that we have a very wonderful border management system because we have to protect our borders,” he said.
“I will not speak for West Africa; I will speak for Nigeria. In 2024, we had the least number of attacks within the country. Things are improving. Yes, we still have isolated issues. But I can tell you the troops are putting in their best.
“If you move around the country, you would see that a lot of things have improved; farmers are going back to their farms, there is a lot of peace. Nigerians know that things are improving; we need to join hands together to do more.
“Like I said, we have issues of poverty in West Africa, a lot of governance issues, challenges with Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They are taking a lot of heat, and that is because the areas are large; there is a lot of poverty within those areas, climate change is one major issue on the ground, and lack of political will is causing these issues,” Musa said.
“And those are the things trying to pour into Nigeria. Whatever effort we are making, as long as these things are there, it is going to be a challenge.
“The truth about it is that, especially for these three countries, they must get their leadership right, and then they can do a lot. And, that is why for us in Nigeria, we have a lot to lose if they do not get it right —they must have a democratic system that will be able to assist them in making decisions that will help the country,” he added.
Musa said the federal government is making efforts to strengthen border management between Nigeria and the three countries to avert security threats.
Police command in Lagos has detained a 25-year-old woman for allegedly conspiring with her brother and another accomplice to rob her boyfriend of three iPhones and bitcoins worth about N15 million.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to journalists in Lagos on Saturday.
He stated that the complainant reported the case at Okota Police Division on Feb. 17.
“Upon receiving the report, the woman was apprehended,” Hundeyin said.
He added that, following her confessional statement, officers tracked and arrested her 22-year-old younger brother.
“Both of them confessed to the crime,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Hundeyin stated that all the stolen phones and N6.5 million had been recovered and registered with the exhibit keeper.
He added that investigations were ongoing to arrest the remaining gang members.
The Pan Delta Forum (PANDEF) youth wing has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Wike, to retract his disparaging remarks against the Ijaw nation and PANDEF leaders.
According to the youth wing’s national president, Doben Donyegha, Wike’s remarks were embarrassing and annoying, especially coming less than 24 hours after PANDEF’s delegation met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Donyegha also called on President Tinubu to sack Wike from his cabinet, stating that the youth wing no longer had confidence in him.
Furthermore, Donyeha urged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to investigate Wike over allegations of land-grabbing activities in the FCT.