By Atoyebi Nike
Former Niger State Governor and Chairman of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation Board of Trustees, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has urged governments to place the protection of citizens above the pursuit of new infrastructure projects. He said no development effort holds value when communities remain unsafe.
Aliyu spoke at a dinner in Kaduna to mark his 70th birthday. The event drew prominent Nigerians and associates who gathered to celebrate his public service and contributions to northern development.
He expressed concern over the worsening insecurity across the country. According to him, the North now boasts “19 Sardaunas” yet struggles to achieve the order and stability once maintained under the late Sir Ahmadu Bello. He recalled a time when a single killing shocked the entire region because leadership upheld discipline and respect for life.
Aliyu described the late Sardauna as a leader who governed with integrity and sacrifice. He said Ahmadu Bello left no mansions or personal fortune, only a legacy of fairness, hard work and service.
Reflecting on his own journey, the former governor said turning 70 had pushed him into deeper gratitude and self-reflection. He thanked the Foundation for celebrating him despite his initial hesitation. He also remembered how his early education was shaped by free and quality schooling funded under Ahmadu Bello’s vision, and he urged northern leaders to revive that commitment to discipline and purposeful governance.
He encouraged Nigerians to live without bitterness or jealousy and to examine their actions daily. “Review your day before you sleep. If your good outweighs the bad, you will live longer,” he said.
The Foundation’s Director General, Engr. Gambo Abubakar, praised Aliyu’s role in strengthening the group’s work in education, policy dialogue, humanitarian efforts and youth development.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Iyan Zazzau Munnir Jafaru, also hailed Aliyu as a founding pillar of the organization, recalling how shared ideals led to the creation of the Foundation.
Former Kogi State Governor Capt. Idris Wada (rtd.) described Aliyu as a sincere, hardworking and intelligent leader who always created space for people around him to excel.
