Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has urged leaders across Northern Nigeria to uphold the ideals of peace, unity and self-reliance championed by the late General Hassan Usman-Katsina. He made the call at the second edition of the Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference, organised in Kaduna by the New Vision Development Initiative (NEVDI).
Represented by retired Colonel Lawal Gwadabe, a former Military Administrator of Niger State, Babangida said the late General’s legacy offered valuable guidance at a time when the nation grapples with severe socio-economic pressures. He noted that Gen. Usman-Katsina’s philosophy and commitment to the advancement of the North should inspire today’s leaders to confront challenges hindering the region’s development.
Babangida recalled the late General’s contribution as Chief of Army Staff, particularly his role in safeguarding Nigeria’s unity. He added that in retirement, Gen. Usman-Katsina championed the welfare of the less privileged, including children in the Almajiri system. “He believed strongly that unity is the foundation of national strength. Together we can build a progressive nation; divided, we falter,” he said.
In his presentation on Nigeria’s socio-economic and security landscape, Prof. Abubakar Mohammed emphasised that the country’s stability and growth depended heavily on the progress of Northern Nigeria. He noted that closing the development gap between North and South could raise Nigeria’s GDP by two to three per cent and significantly reduce poverty nationwide. He warned, however, that many Northern states, including Sokoto and Bauchi, continued to lag behind on key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators.
Mohammed called for urgent, research-driven policies and long-term commitment to reverse the region’s decline and address its security and economic challenges.
Also speaking at the conference, Prof. Ango Abdullahi praised Gen. Usman-Katsina’s character and urged current leaders to prioritise the welfare and safety of the North as he did.
Gwadabe, who chairs the NEVDI Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to attendees and encouraged Northern leaders to replace stagnation with innovation and selfless service. He also announced that the memorial lecture would henceforth be held twice a year to further promote justice, unity and national development.
