Former Nigerian military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, has called on political, religious and traditional leaders in Northern Nigeria to unite in order to address what he described as the region’s gradual decline.
In a speech delivered on Thursday, Babangida expressed concern over the passing of several prominent Northern figures, including religious scholars and political elders, warning that their deaths underscored the urgency for renewed leadership and unity.
He said the region risked losing its historical influence if leaders failed to act collectively to safeguard its future.
“You can see that many of the region’s respected elders are passing away, including top religious scholars, politicians, and others,” he said. “Even I myself feel weak, and I am not sure whether I will survive beyond this year. Our prayer is to end our lives in faith.”
The former Head of State reflected on his period in leadership, stating that efforts were made to promote national development and strengthen the North’s political relevance.
He referenced the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja during his administration as one of the key decisions that helped bring federal governance closer to Northern Nigeria.
“If I had left the Federal Capital in Lagos and not moved it closer to our Northern region, perhaps today the North would not even be recognized as it is,” he said.
Babangida urged Northern leaders to put aside divisions and work together to “reclaim” and strengthen the region, stressing that unity was essential for its continued relevance within Nigeria’s political landscape.
He added that his generation of leaders had played its part and called on younger and current leaders to take responsibility for the region’s future.
