Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has advocated that the leadership of the old Northern region of the country must unite in its collective developmental agenda so as to enjoy its full potential and reduce the backwardness it is experiencing.
He mentioned that present and past leaders of the region must ensure the practice of principles of sincerity, equity, fairness and Justice which would facilitate adequate security and the region’s eventual prosperity.
The Governor made this known today while receiving a delegation of the Ahmadu Bello Memorial foundation on Thursday in Lokoja led by the secretary-general of the foundation and former Governor of Kano state, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.
The Foundation also made a donation of 1,500 face masks to the state, while it also officially launched a sensitization campaign against rape and other gender based violence in the State.
Governor Bello noted that the late Premier of the old Northern Nigeria , Sir Ahmadu Bello, was a leader who united the North as one indivisible entity, because he was sincere, upright and selfless which exemplified good leadership qualities.
He pointed out that Sir Ahmadu Bello was neither religious nor ethnic biased, stating that any leader in the North who does not emulate his good virtues is not worthy to be regarded as leader.
Governor Bello noted that he has also lived the good virtues of the great leader which has been clearly depicted in the resolve of his administration to unite the state, free of religion, ethnic or class differentiation.
He noted that the North is backward in several areas because many have derailed from the preaching and good intentions of the founding fathers of the region.
Earlier in his address, Former Kano state Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shakarau, appreciated the efforts of the state as regards its timely financial contribution towards the Foundation both in Cash and human resources which have served the foundation resourcefully.
He assured that the foundation stands with the state while it would also continue to play the role of a catalyst for Northern unity and peace.
