Prof. Babagana Zulum of Borno State has called for responsible leadership and citizenship to chart Nigeria’s new dimension of progress.
Zulum stated this at the University of Ibadan’s 75th anniversary in Ibadan on Monday.
Speaking on “Leadership, Citizenship, and Meeting Contemporary Social Challenges in Nigeria,” he said the current interest should be in leadership that delivers results that matter to the general public.
“We are interested in the dimension of citizenship that is so empowered as to call leadership to order and refocus the dream of the nation in the direction of greatness,” Zulum said.
He noted that Nigeria had come to a point where it was imperative to graduate from the perpetual position of potential to actual greatness.
“Everyone has been talking about the potential of Nigeria for years.
“It is time for us in this generation to translate potential into the actualization of greatness in education, infrastructure, basic services, security, and an environment of peace that promotes creativity.
“There are glimmers of hope that Nigeria can be great and Nigeria will be great,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that apportioning blame would not help solve the country’s challenges.
However, he asked all stakeholders to contribute their quota to the country’s progress, adding that each had its own responsibilities.
“As we celebrate the great University of Ibadan, as the new generation of citizens, we must draw inspiration from the founding fathers and leaders like the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and other leaders of his time who dared to dream and gave us an institution we are in a position to celebrate today.
“We wish the leadership of the University of Ibadan well and look forward to the next 75 years.
“No, we won’t be there in the next 75 years, but the citizens of that generation would know that we have tried our best to bequeath to them a legacy we received—not as received, but better for them to have,” Zulum said.
The Vice-Chancellor, UI, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the governor has represented the ethos of an alumnus of the institution
He saluted his “fearless doggedness and unparalleled resourcefulness in weathering the storm of the most affected state due to insurgency.”
In his address, the Chairman of UI at 75 anniversary committee, Prof. Peter Olapegba
commended the governor of Borno State for his tremendous stride for the people of the state despite the challenge of insurgency.
“UI’s 75th anniversary celebration seeks to raise funds to bridge funding gaps and raise funds for certain critical projects to reposition the university,” Olapegba said.
He appreciated the governor of Borno State for his willingness to support the institution by fulfilling the promises made.
