17/01/2025
HONORING THE LEGACY OF SIR AHAMADU BELLO SARDAUNAN SOKOTO: A CALL FOR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP IN NORTHERN NIGERIA. By Tijjani Sarki
On this day, January 15, 2025, we mark the 59th anniversary of the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the revered Sardauna of Sokoto. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we honor a visionary leader whose influence reshaped Northern Nigeria and had a profound impact on the entire nation.
Born on June 12, 1910, in Rabah, near Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello was a man of remarkable foresight. He was the first and only Premier of Northern Nigeria from 1954 until his untimely death in 1966. His leadership was characterized by a deep commitment to the development and unity of the northern region. Bello was instrumental in forging a strong, self-reliant Northern Nigeria, advocating for economic progress, political cohesion, and social stability.
Sardauna’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his belief in education. He made significant strides in improving access to education in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the establishment of schools and educational institutions. His vision was that a well-educated populace would drive the future development of the region and country. He was also a strong advocate for modernizing Northern Nigeria's infrastructure and healthcare, which had previously been neglected under colonial rule.
The Sardauna worked tirelessly to ensure that the North was well-represented in the national government. He was a leading voice in the formation of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), the dominant political party in the North, and he became a prominent figure in the Nigerian Nationalist Movement. His political influence was critical in securing the independence of Nigeria in 1960.
On January 15, 1966, Sir Ahmadu Bello’s life was tragically cut short during a coup that also took the lives of other key Nigerian leaders. His assassination, at the age of 55, was a significant loss not only for Northern Nigeria but for the entire count