By Abdullahi Yusuf
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State says the future of Nigeria is deeply linked to the development of all states.
According to Yusuf, a brighter future for Kano State can therefore serve as a small-scale version of the broader national aspiration for a prosperous Nigeria.
He made the remark on Sunday in Kano at an Independence Anniversary Lecture organized by the State Government with the theme:” Nigeria’s Independence and Leadership Challenges: Repositioning Kano for Greater Future.”
Represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, the governor said: “by addressing state-level challenges in leadership, education, health, and infrastructure, these topics emphasize the importance of localized governance as a stepping stone to national success.
“Repositioning Kano State for a brighter future links into the idea that Independence Day is not just about reflecting on the past, but also about looking ahead.
“It underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and progressive state where good governance, rule of law, and inclusivity are prioritized.”
“As we commemorate 64 years of independence, it is vital to appreciate how far we have come, but more importantly, to chart a course for the future.
“We must recognize that democracy is a journey, and the success of that journey is largely dependent on the quality of leadership at every level – national, state, and local government,” he said.
Yusuf assured of the commitment of Kano State Government in strengthening the democratic process and building institutions that fostered good governance and development.
In his lecture entitled: “Nigeria’s Independence and Leadership Challenges: Repositioning Kano for Brighter Future, Prof.Kamilu Fagge of the Bayero University Kano(BUK), noted that, the extent to which any state could be effectively repositioned was largely a function of transformational leadership committed and willing to work.
Given their vantage position of power and authority Fagge explained, the leadership must spearhead the move for the repositioning of the state to the glorious past.
“The leadership must develop the political will to move/carry the state forward. Self-cleansing – leaders should not only imbibe the ethos, ethics and values of leadership but also take concrete steps to purge/rid itself of social evils corruption, mal-administration, abuse of office, cronyism.”
Also, in a lecture entitled, “Realization of The Opportunity”, Sheik Ibrahim Khalil spoke on the opportunities of Nigeria in the African continent and the world.
Sheik Khalil, who is the Chairman of the Kano State branch of the Nigerian Council of Ulema,identified good leadership as critical to nation building, saying, “good leaders bring tranquility and prosperity to the nation.”
He called on Nigerians to realize their potentials and contribute to the growth and development of the society.
He described Kano as a strategic commercial hub in Nigeria and the African continent.