The executive governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia received an award as Democracy Governor of the Year 2024 at a public lecture marking the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s democracy, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on May 29, 2024.
The event, titled “The Legacy of Abdulsalami Abubakar in the Sustenance of Democracy in Africa,” attracted a distinguished audience, including the wife of Abdulsalami Abubakar, former First Lady and Chief Judge of Niger State, Hon. Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, CON, LLD, and other top dignitaries in attendance were Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, Engr. Buba Galadima, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, Alh. Abba Musa Rimi, former Governor of Kaduna State, General Ishola Williams, Prof. Ali Ahmad, His Excellency, Alfredo Miranda, Mexico Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Mary Ekpere-Eta, former Director General of Women Development Centre Abuja, as well as numerous diplomats, academics and international representatives.
Alia’s recognition at the event emphasised his commitment to improving governance and promoting democratic values in Benue State.
The lecture, honouring Abubakar’s legacy and celebrating the progress of democracy across Africa, featured notable speakers such as Prof. PLO Lumumba, Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, Prof. Sam Amadi, Sen. Shehu Sani, state governors and representatives of government.
Abdulsalami Abubakar on his part advocates for Astute Leadership, Sustainable Democracy as he was been Honoured as Legend of Democracy in Africa by Leadership Scorecard
Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar GCFR (Rtd.), has called for a renewed focus on astute leadership and the sustenance of democracy across Africa.
Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar made this call during a public lecture marking the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s democracy, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on May 29, 2024. The event, titled “The Legacy of Abdulsalami Abubakar in the Sustenance of Democracy in Africa,” attracted a distinguished audience, including Abdulsalami Abubakar’s wife, the former First Lady and Chief Judge of Niger State, Hon. Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, CON, LLD, His Excellencies, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State, and Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, as well as numerous diplomats, Business Moguls, academics and international representatives.
Reflecting on his tenure as Nigeria’s Head of State, Abubakar recalled the nation’s challenging political landscape in June 1998. Nigeria was at a crossroads, marked by political instability and a pressing need for democratic restoration. “The path ahead required not only a vision but also decisive and principled leadership,” he said. His administration swiftly took measures to build trust, inclusivity, and adherence to the rule of law, including releasing political prisoners and developing an electoral system designed to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections.
The culmination of these efforts was the successful conduct of the 1999 general elections, which saw a peaceful transfer of power to a democratically elected government. “This moment was not merely a milestone for Nigeria but a beacon of hope for the entire African continent,” Abubakar remarked. He underscored that sustaining peace and democracy requires the collective effort and commitment of all stakeholders.
While celebrating past achievements, Gen. Abubakar highlighted that the journey towards democratic consolidation does not end with elections. Continuous nurturing and unwavering commitment to good governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights are essential. He warned against the dangers of autocracy and corruption, which can erode the foundations of democracy.
“Astute leadership is characterized by the ability to inspire trust, foster unity, and drive development through accountable governance,” he said. Leaders must listen to their citizens, embrace transparency, and uphold justice. “Leadership is not about wielding power but about serving the people with integrity and dedication,” Abubakar added.
In 2002, shortly after transitioning to democratic governance, Abubakar established the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies. The Institute addresses the need for innovative, Afro-centric approaches to conflict transformation and development. It serves as a platform for promoting peace, security and development in Africa through advanced research, dialogue, education, and training in various fields, including conflict resolution, peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Abubakar acknowledged the remarkable strides in democratic governance across Africa, where many countries that once grappled with authoritarian regimes are now flourishing democracies. This progress, he noted, is a testament to the resilience and determination of African people and the transformative impact of visionary leadership.
However, challenges such as poverty, inequality and insecurity remain. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. “We must strengthen our institutions, invest in education and healthcare, and create opportunities for our youth,” Abubakar emphasised.
He called for a collective effort to sustain the legacy of astute leadership and democracy in Africa. This journey, he stressed, requires the dedication of both leaders and citizens. Education and economic empowerment play critical roles in sustaining democracy by fostering an informed and economically stable populace, less susceptible to manipulation and more likely to engage constructively in the democratic process.
Abubakar expressed profound gratitude to the organisers of the public lecture, Leadership Scorecard, for their dedication to promoting dialogue on leadership and democracy. He also thanked all dignitaries and invited guests for their presence and support. Special appreciation was extended to Prof. PLO Lumumba for his inspiring work and passion for advancing democracy in Africa.
“Thank you all for your attention. I am deeply humbled by the recognition of my contributions and remain steadfast in my belief that Africa’s best days are ahead of us. Together, let us forge a legacy of democratic excellence that will inspire generations to come. God bless you all, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and God bless Africa,” Abubakar concluded.
In his speech, Prof. Patrice Lumumba of the Republic of Kenya said, “Democracy sometimes will be a happy word because it is understood differently.
“But permit me to say that throughout my intervention, my understanding of democracy will mean a government that guarantees and acknowledges people’s participation, and a government that gives the opportunity from a standpoint of enlightenment to electing to office men and women who will serve them.”
Also present were His Eminence, John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, CON; Director-general, Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji BICHI, CFR, fwc; President-general, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR; Chief of Defence Staff, Nigeria Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR; Former Senate President, Sen. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON; Former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barr. Olu Akpata; the Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Mr. Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, amongst others.
