The felicitation extended by an elder statesman and prominent politician from North-Eastern Nigeria from ancient City of Bauchi state, Alhaji Sanusi Baban Takko (Barayan Bauchi) to Nigeria’s founding fathers and other nation builders as Nigeria attained 64 years of Independence is worthy of note.
The role of indefatigable leaders and founding fathers left an everlasting legacy that continues to shape Nigeria’s identity and aspirations. It isn’t easy as their commitment to social justice, unity, prosperity, education and political stability remains inspiring and guiding light for every generation to emulate on principles and values that are of utmost importance for the growth and development of Nigeria.
The likes of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (known as the Golden Voice of Africa) served as First Prime Minister of Nigeria; Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe (know as Zik of Africa) served as First Civilian President of Nigeria; Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardaunan Sokoto); Chief Obafemi Awolowo; Chief Joseph Tarka; Malam Aminu Kano; Chief Anthony Enahoro; Chief Samuel A. Ajayi; Sir Egbert Udo Udoma; Professor Eyo Ita; Chief Alvan Ikoku; Chief Dennis Osadebay; Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Legendary Herbert Macaulay; General Yakubu Gowon; General Murtala Ramat Muhammad; Genaral Olusegun Obasanjo; Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari; Malam Adamu Chiroma; Chief Solomon Lar; Alhaja Habibatu Mogaji; Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola; Danmasanin Kano Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule; Late Barayan Bauchi Alhaji Muhammadu Baban Takko; Walin Bauchi Alhaji Abubakar Umar, Late Wazirin Katagum Alh. Sule Katagum, Late Senator A.D. Rufa’i Misau, late Alh. Ali Monguno.
Equally, Nigeria won’t forget other compatriots who have played and continue to play major roles towards an indivisible Nigeria with patriotism deeply enshrined in their inner hearts. The likes of elder statesman Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata; Indefatigable Alhaji Tanko Yakasai; National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Senator Abu Ibrahim; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo’s efforts still shaping Nigeria’s political, social, and cultural environment.
For the records, history and posterity will record them in positive lights for their immense and immeasurable services they rendered and are still rendering for the growth and development of the Nigerian State, towards its economic prosperity and relevance in the comity of nations.
Interestingly, this momentous period of our independence celebration affords us the opportunity of appreciating the contributions of these colossus, who worked relentlessly for accelerated development of the Nigerian State in all ramifications. Their contributions will continue to remain in the annals of history and letters of life, which historians consider as imperishable.
Worthy of note is that, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a committee should be set up for the purposes of immortalising these departed heroes by naming national monuments across the country in their memory as adumbrated in our grundnorm, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended and anthem. It pointedly said: “The Labour of Our Heroes Past Shall Never Be in Vain.”
Relatedly, my special appeal to the up-coming generation of Nigerians is to continually sustain and emulate those lofty, and wonderful achievements these Founding Fathers put in place as legacy projects as well as the present compatriots still serving the Nigerian State in the present dispensation mentioned in this write-up.
For the record, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, as well as Engr. Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, the Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development have added a lot of value to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through their various revolutionary measures cum revitalisation and reforms they have brought to bear in making millions of Nigerians to feel the impacts of good governance under President Tinubu’s presidency.
Conclusively, I pray the Independence Day Celebration will bring many more good tidings for the general well-being of the Nigerian State and her citizenry, as the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live President Bola Ahmed Tinubu!!
Alhaji Sanusi Baban Takko,
an outspoken patriot and elder statesman, is the Barayan Bauchi