The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has announced that its 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture will take place on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Bauchi, Bauchi State.
The event, held in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government, aims to honor the legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the defunct Northern Region.
This year’s lecture is themed “Nature’s Bounty: Turning Northern Nigeria’s Natural Resources into Sustainable Prosperity.” The discussion will focus on harnessing the region’s agricultural, mineral, and water resources to drive sustainable economic growth and development.
Given the economic challenges facing Nigeria, particularly the North, the lecture will highlight the role of government, the private sector, and civil society in promoting value addition, resource management, and job creation.
The keynote lecture will be delivered by Dr. Mansur Muhtar (Sarkin Bai Kano), former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank and current Chairman of the Bank of Industry.
The event will have in attendance Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honor.
Also expected is Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, who will chair the occasion.
The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, will serve as the Chief Host. Other dignitaries, including state governors, ministers, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders, are also expected to attend.
According to the Foundation’s Director-General, Engr Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar, the North’s natural resources hold immense potential for economic transformation.
“However, we must adopt a sustainable and inclusive approach to resource management to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all stakeholders,” he said.
As part of the event, the Foundation will present scholarships to indigent students from Bauchi State in tertiary institutions to support their education. The ceremony will also include the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to society.
Additionally, a medical outreach program will be organized to provide healthcare services to the local community.
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation was established to uphold the legacy of leadership, education, and economic development championed by the late Sardauna of Sokoto.
The annual lecture series, which rotates among the 19 Northern states, serves as a platform for critical discussions on regional development and governance.
The Foundation apologized for any inconvenience caused by the date change and expressed appreciation for the continued support of stakeholders.
Rel: Khadija Kubau
