A group, Sokoto Heritage Reloaded Initiative, has resuscitated the call for President Bola Tinubu, to fulfill a national promise made by the Buhari administration to name a national monument after late President Shehu Shagari, Nigeria’s first executive President.
Addressing a press conference on behalf of the group, Professor Uthman Abdulqadir restated that Shagari was not just a leader, but also a symbol of humility, integrity and statesmanship.
He recalled President Shagari’s vision for Nigeria, especially in the area of education, saying it was during his tenure that the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) was first conceived to democratizse access to higher education.
“Mr President, what better way to immortalise Shehu Shagari than to rename NOUN, as the Shehu Shagari Open University of Nigeria, a tribute not just to his legacy, but to his enduring vision for an educated and enlightened Nigeria.
“By doing this, Your Excellency, you would not only honour a great son of Nigeria, but also write your name in gold as the leader who kept promises made in good faith. It would signal that Nigeria is a country that remembers, rewards legacy and respect the contributions of its heroes past.”
The group tasked the president to take what it termed the noble step and immortalise President Shagari’s memory by naming a national monument in his honour.
According to the group, the appeal was made on behalf of countless Nigerians and lovers of the country’s national history.
“We urged President Tinubu’s administration to take steps to recognise and honour the contributions of Nigeria’s past leaders, including President Shagari,” Abdulqadir said.
It further expressed confidence that Tinubu would consider their appeal by taking the necessary steps to honour the former president’s memory.
