Policy Makers at all levels have been urged to adopt the legacies of previous iconic figures in their quest for nation-building.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Co-ordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman stated this at an International Conference on military leadership in African history, and seminar on Queen Amina of Zazzau, held at the NDA auditorium, Afaka in Kaduna State.
Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman explained that for Nigeria to overcome contemporary security challenges, policy makers must take a cue from history and use it as an avenue to learn from the successes and failures of previous leaders.
Represented by Hajiya Farida Sada, the Special Adviser encouraged participants to engage fully, and devise strategies that can help build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“I would like to encourage contemporary leaders to draw inspiration from Queen Amina’s leadership strategy and apply the lessons learned to their own contexts”
Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman described the seminar as timely that would add value towards addressing security challenges facing the country.
In his welcome address, Commandant of the NDA, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim said the Academy was committed to playing a leading role in shaping the next generation of leaders in Africa.
He noted that Africa is at a critical juncture in its development, facing numerous challenges that require effective leadership and strategic thinking.
“Through this conference and seminar, we aim to provide a platform for discussion, reflection and learning, and to identify strategies and solutions that can help address the leadership challenges facing our continent”
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion and former NDA Commandant, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf(rtd) noted that the lessons from the lecture would be handy to future generation of leaders in giving their best to the country and humanity.
He urged leaders to uphold the virtues of bravery, commitment and resilience, as exemplified by Queen Amina in a bid to overcome the challenges of the country.
In his submission, Professor Timothy Stapleton of the University of Calgary in Canada stressed the need for more research to ascertain the accuracy of some information related to Queen Amina.
In a remark, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli said the lecture has laid the foundation for further discussion on the topic, and stressed the need for a documented history for future research.
The conference aims to foster scholarly exchange, encourage inter-disciplinary research, and highlight the role of military leaders in shaping the socio-political landscapes from ancient times to modern era.
The theme of the seminar is: Military Leadership In African History: Queen Amina In Perspective and Queen Amina Leadership Strategy And Nation-building: Lessons For Contemporary Leaders.
Cov/Usman Sani.
