Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has called on tertiary institutions in Nigeria to adopt innovative strategies that promote nationalism, peace, and security in the country.
The governor made the call yesterday during the maiden Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Lecture held at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), Bauchi with the theme, “Peace as an Inspiration for National Development: The Legacies of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.” The lecture was organised by the University’s Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Centre for Peace and Security Studies.
Represented by Barr. Hussein Turaki, Permanent Commissioner I at the Bauchi State Scholarship Board, Governor Mohammed emphasised the importance of upholding the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, especially the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in building a united and prosperous nation.
He described Balewa as a leader who placed nationhood above personal interests, service above self-enrichment. According to him, the late prime minister’s legacy of patriotism, unity, and justice remains a critical model for present and future leaders.
Governor Mohammed also advocated for continued efforts to immortalise Balewa’s contributions to national development and called on Nigerian leaders to emulate his values of justice, service, and sacrifice.
While delivering a lecture, Brigadier General Usman Kuka Sheka (Rtd.) identified corruption, poor governance, and lack of patriotism as major drivers of insecurity in Nigeria.
He stressed the need for national unity, mediation, and inclusive dialogue to address the country’s challenges.
Sheka argued that diplomacy and dialogue remain relevant for conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence, and national development.
Also speaking, speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, noted that Nigeria and Africa’s political history would be incomplete without acknowledging Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s sacrifices.
He described Balewa as a selfless statesman who devoted his life to Nigeria’s independence and pan-African progress. “His legacy transformed governance and leadership across the continent. We should institutionalise this memorial lecture to inspire future generations,” the Speaker said.
The vice chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Prof. Fatima Tahir, in her welcome address, described the late Balewa’s legacy as a guiding light in Nigeria’s history.
She thanked Governor Bala Mohammed for his continued support to the university and expressed appreciation to all participants for honouring the event.
Speaking on behalf of the Tafawa Balewa family, Hajiya Hauwa Abubakar Tafawa Balewa expressed gratitude to Allah for blessing them with a father whose true wealth was knowledge, wisdom, and compassion.
