The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has announced that the 11th edition of its Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture will be held on Saturday, 22nd February 2025, in Bauchi.
The event, which commemorates the life and legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello KBE, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the former Northern Region, will feature a series of discussions and activities aimed at addressing the region’s economic challenges.
This year’s theme, “Nature’s Bounty: Turning Northern Nigeria’s Natural Resources into Sustainable Prosperity,” comes at a crucial time, as the North faces growing concerns over poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment despite being richly endowed with natural resources.
The lecture will explore how the region can harness its agricultural land, minerals, and water resources to foster sustainable economic growth.
The week-long event will also include pre-lecture training in soft skills for youth in Bauchi State, scholarship presentations for indigenous students in tertiary institutions, and the presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians.
The former Executive Director of World Bank, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar OFR, will deliver the lecture, while His Excellency Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will serve as Special Guest of Honor.
The event will be chaired by His Excellency Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, Governor of Gombe State, with the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency Sen. Bala Mohammed CON, as the Chief Host.
Dignitaries including governors, lawmakers, ministers, and other key stakeholders are expected to attend the event, which aims to stimulate intellectual discussions and practical solutions for unlocking the economic potential of Northern Nigeria.
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation continues its mission to advance education, human, and economic development in Northern Nigeria, in honor of the legacy of the late Sardauna.
The Director-General of the Foundation, Engr. Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event, emphasizing the critical role of the North’s natural resources in shaping the region’s future.
“The North’s wealth of resources—agriculture, minerals, and water—offers a significant opportunity to drive sustainable development,” he said.
“However, this potential can only be realized if we adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to resource management, ensuring that prosperity is shared equitably among all stakeholders, he added.
Dr. Umar also highlighted the importance of the Memorial Lecture as a platform for addressing these challenges.
He noted, “this lecture series is a key part of the Foundation’s mission to promote intellectual dialogue on governance, sustainable development, and economic growth. It is vital that we engage diverse voices from the government, the private sector, and civil society to develop actionable strategies for the region’s progress.”
Khadija Kubau
