The District Head of Ketare and Kanwan Katsina, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, has called on leaders at all levels of government to emulate the leadership styles of transparency, honesty, people-centred policies and the enduring legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region, for the overall development of Nigeria.

Alhaji Kankara made the call while speaking as the royal father at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, to commemorate 60 years since the assassination of the late premier during the 1966 military coup in Kaduna.

According to him, six decades after his death, the name of Sir Ahmadu Bello continues to dominate both historical and contemporary discourse on democratic leadership, governance and selfless public service, describing the Sardauna as a leader whose vision remains relevant to Nigeria’s present challenges.

He commended the NUJ Katsina State Council for considering the anniversary worthy of remembrance through lectures and public engagements in honour of the late premier, urging the union to institutionalise the memorial lecture as an annual event.

The Kanwan Katsina, a retired Nigerian Customs Service Comptroller, noted that the visionary leadership and foresight of Sir Ahmadu Bello laid a solid foundation for socio-economic development in Northern Nigeria, particularly through the establishment of enduring institutions and critical infrastructure.

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He cited the creation of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied and graduated in 1981, as one of the landmark achievements that continue to contribute to national development.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of an award of honour to Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, who also serves as the Patron of the NUJ Katsina State Council, in recognition of his sustained support for the union and its professional activities.

He extolled the virtues of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, describing them as worthy of emulation by present and future leaders.

In a related development, the Kanwan Katsina congratulated the Chairman of the NUJ Katsina State Council, Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan Ali, on his promotion to the rank of Permanent Secretary in the Katsina State Civil Service.

He described the elevation as meritorious and urged him to discharge his new responsibilities with dedication and integrity, while wishing him divine guidance in service to Katsina State.

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Delivering the guest lecture, Dr Bala Abdullahi Mohamed of Bayero University Kano recalled how Sir Ahmadu Bello successfully fostered unity among the diverse ethnic groups of the former Northern Region, while executing policies, programmes and projects that accelerated development and strengthened regional cohesion.

SolaceBase reports that the memorial lecture attracted dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, who delivered the keynote address.