Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has issued a stern warning to Northern political and community leaders, urging them to reclaim the region’s fading values of humility, unity and selfless service as insecurity and socio-economic decline continue to destabilise Northern Nigeria.
Speaking through former military administrator, Col. Lawal Gwadabe (rtd.), at the 2nd Hassan Katsina Memorial Conference in Kaduna, Babangida said the North was facing “mounting, complex threats” that require urgent, collective action.
He said the ideals of the late General Hassan Katsina should serve as a moral compass to guide the region’s rebirth.
“The legacy of General Hassan should rekindle our nostalgia for the development of Arewa and galvanise our current leaders for action, to reverse the challenges militating against Northern Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” Babangida said.
The former president lamented that the sacrifices and discipline of past Northern leaders had been eroded, warning that the region now stands at a crossroads threatened by insecurity, rising poverty, hunger, out-of-school children and dwindling public trust in governance.
‘Hassan Katsina was humility embodied’
Babangida described the late Hassan Katsina as a model of integrity and humanity whose life demonstrated how leadership should be lived.
“He was an embodiment of great humility… just, humane, temperate and very sincere. Though born great, he lived with profound modesty and undisturbed serenity,” he said.
He noted that General Hassan’s mentorship shaped several military careers, saying “the effects of that mentorship remain with us today.”
Babangida also highlighted the late general’s unwavering commitment to education and social development:
“He devoted his post-service life to fighting for the education and emancipation of the poor, championing reforms in the Almajiri system so children could benefit from both Quranic and secular education.”
He prayed for Allah to grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdausi.
Babangida reiterated General Hassan’s call for Northerners to return to agriculture, insisting that farming remains the region’s strongest economic asset.
“He always urged our people to embrace farming, our ancestral heritage and the vehicle of economic empowerment,” he said.
He lamented the expanding Almajiri population, describing the situation as a threat to the region’s development and stability.
Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training, Professor Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, cautioned that Nigeria is now dealing with an unprecedented convergence of insecurity, poverty and institutional decay.
“Nigeria faces socio-economic and security challenges that threaten national stability, cohesion and long-term development,” he said, stressing that government must urgently prioritise the security and welfare of citizens.
He praised General Hassan as a symbol of unity and moral leadership.
In separate remarks, elder statesmen Professor Ango Abdullahi and General I.B.M. Haruna (rtd.) urged present-day leaders to reflect on General Hassan’s sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity and the survival of the Northern region.
They warned that the North would remain vulnerable unless leaders reconnect with the values and vision of past statesmen.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
