Prominent Northern leaders, including former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, have issued a powerful call for Nigeria's current leadership to adopt the virtues of the late Governor of the defunct Northern region, General Hassan Usman Katsina. The tributes were paid during the 2nd Memorial Conference held in honour of the late General in Kaduna on Saturday, 6th December 2025.
A Legacy of Humility and Patriotism
In a message delivered by former Niger State Military Administrator, Colonel Lawal Gwadabe (rtd), General Babangida described the late General Katsina as an embodiment of humility, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria's unity and development. Babangida commended the conference organisers for highlighting the sacrifices of past leaders whose work significantly advanced the North and the entire nation.
Reflecting on Katsina's character, Babangida stated the late leader was "just, humane, temperate and very sincere." He highlighted Katsina's dignified and commanding tenure as Chief of Army Staff, where he mentored a generation of officers who still reflect his discipline. "The effects of that mentorship is the lasting example that is still with us today," Babangida noted.
A Crusader for Education and the Less Privileged
Babangida's tribute also shed light on Katsina's profound compassion for ordinary Nigerians, especially the underprivileged in the North. He recalled that after his military service, Katsina devoted his time to being their voice, fighting for their education and emancipation.
A central part of this mission was his lifelong crusade against the Almajiri system. Babangida explained that Katsina was driven by a desire for children to "benefit from a modern Quranic education with its secular counterpart" as a critical path to future empowerment. Babangida stressed Katsina's passion for national unity, remarking, "He was passionate about the unity of our country because together we can be very strong and a very progressive nation and divided we will fail."
A Moral Compass for Current Challenges
The former military leader urged contemporary Northern leaders to emulate the values of honesty, patriotism, and selflessness that defined Katsina's life. He described him as a comprehensive statesman whose judgement has been vindicated by time, presenting his example as a guiding light for confronting Nigeria's present socio-economic and security issues.
This sentiment was strongly echoed by Professor Abubakar Mohammed Siddique, Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training. He condemned the insecurity ravaging the North, which has destroyed economic and social activities, and called on Northern Leaders to unite to rescue the region. He praised General Katsina as a model of detribalized and disciplined leadership.
Professor Siddique framed the conference within Nigeria's current crisis, warning of a "convergence of socio-economic and security challenges that threaten national stability, cohesion and long-term development." He reminded attendees that the Constitution mandates security and welfare as the primary purpose of government.
Other dignitaries, including Professor Ango Abdullahi and General I.B.M. Haruna, affirmed that the legacy of the late Hassan Katsina provides a crucial moral and historical reference point. They urged the country's current leadership to remember the sacrifices made by such leaders to keep Nigeria and the Northern Region united.
