The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has announced 24th February 2025 as the date for its 11th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture.
The Director Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar
Director-General made this known in a statement says the event will take place in Bauchi State.
Dr Umar explains that, annual event commemorates the life and legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, KBE, Sardauna of Sokoto, and Premier of the defunct Northern Region. The lecture series rotates among the 19 Northern states, with this year's edition held in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government.
The theme of this year's lecture, "Nature's Bounty: Turning Northern Nigeria's Natural Resources into Sustainable Prosperity," is particularly relevant given the current economic challenges facing Nigeria, especially the North. The region is richly endowed with natural resources, including agricultural land, minerals, and water resources. However, despite this abundance, the North continues to grapple with poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.
The lecture will explore the opportunities and challenges of harnessing the North's natural resources to drive sustainable economic growth and development. It will also examine the role of government, the private sector, and civil society in promoting sustainable resource management, value addition, and job creation.
According to the Foundation's Director-General, Engr Dr. Abubakar Gambo Umar,
"The North's natural resources hold the key to unlocking its economic potential. However, we must adopt a sustainable and inclusive approach to resource management to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all stakeholders."
The event will also feature
Presentation of scholarships to indigent students of Bauchi State in tertiary institutions, The Memorial Lecture, Presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians and Medical Outreach.
He pointed out that, the lecture will be delivered by Dr. Mansur Muhtar (Sarkin Bai Kano), former Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank and current Chairman of the Bank of Industry.
His Excellency Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will serve as the Special Guest of Honor.
His Excellency Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, Executive Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, will chair the occasion.
The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency Sen. Bala Mohammed, CON, will be the Chief Host.
Other dignitaries expected to attend include Governors, members of the National and State Assemblies, Ministers, heads of MDAs, statesmen, and other stakeholders.
The event aims to provide a platform for intellectual and practical discussions on how the North can sustainably develop its human and natural resources to drive economic growth and prosperity.
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation was established to pursue the legacy of leadership and good governance bequeathed by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello.
The Foundation's focus is on advancing education, human, and economic development in Northern Nigeria, among others.
