President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will soon overcome its security challenges, particularly in the North, saying his administration has intensified efforts to defeat criminal groups and restore peace across the country.
The President gave the assurance on Saturday at the Third General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Lecture held at Arewa House in Kaduna, where political, traditional and academic leaders reflected on the future of Northern Nigeria under the theme: “From Sacrifice to Strategy: Rekindling Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina’s Vision for a Prosperous Northern Nigeria.”
Represented by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, Tinubu said the Federal Government remained committed to securing lives and property while preserving the ideals of Nigeria’s founding leaders.
“While we continue to work day and night to secure our nation, by the grace of Allah, the challenges of insecurity confronting us, particularly in Northern Nigeria, will soon be behind us,” the President said.
Tinubu paid tribute to the late General Hassan Usman Katsina, describing the former military governor of the defunct Northern Region and former Chief of Army Staff as a symbol of patriotism, discipline, humility and selfless service whose contributions helped strengthen national unity.
The President also highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at improving education, transportation, energy and infrastructure across Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Northern Leaders Raise Concerns
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof. Ango Abdullahi, lamented what he described as the steady erosion of the values that once defined Northern Nigeria.
According to him, the region’s worsening insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment are rooted in the abandonment of the principles of integrity, sacrifice and responsible leadership upheld by its founding fathers.
“The North has lost its values. If we had not abandoned the values inherited from our parents and pioneer leaders, the region would not be where it is today,” Abdullahi said.
He argued that despite physical development in many Northern cities, the region had suffered moral and institutional decline, urging leaders and citizens to embrace the legacy of honesty, accountability and patriotism exemplified by the late General Katsina.
Bugaje Calls for Practical Leadership
Delivering the keynote address, political economist Dr. Usman Bugaje said Northern Nigeria has endured decades of economic decline, insecurity and institutional decay due to poor leadership and the abandonment of long-term development strategies.
He cited declining agricultural production, widespread displacement, rising poverty and deteriorating education and healthcare systems as evidence of the region’s challenges.
Bugaje criticised sections of the Northern elite for focusing on lamentations rather than providing practical solutions to the region’s problems.
“It has become the pastime of the elite to sit comfortably and declare that the North is in trouble. What is needed now is purposeful leadership and practical action,” he said.
Sultan Prays for National Peace
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, also called for divine intervention, praying for the genuine repentance of individuals responsible for violence and criminal activities across the country.
The memorial lecture concluded with renewed calls for stronger leadership, a return to the values of integrity and selfless service, and sustained collaboration among government, traditional institutions and citizens to address insecurity and accelerate development in Northern Nigeria.
