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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Former president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has called on Nigerian leaders, especially those from the North, to emulate the late General Hassan Usman Katsina, describing him as “a great icon of Northern Nigeria’s development”.
General Katsina, who died in 1995 at age 62, played an instrumental role in Nigeria’s history, serving as Military Governor of Northern Nigeria, Chief of Army Staff, and Deputy Chief of Staff, SUPREME HEADQUARTERS.
General Babangida made the call in Kaduna during the General Hassan Katsina 2nd Memorial Conference, organised by NEW VISION DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (NEVDI), led by Col. Lawan Gwadabe (RETD).
Paying tribute to the late general through Col. Gwadabe, General Babangida further described him as “a great icon of Northern Nigeria’s development whose humility, patriotism and lifelong pursuit of peace remain instructive for today’s leaders”.
The former president commended conference organisers for upholding the legacy of past leaders at a time when Nigeria is facing “numerous development challenges”.
According to him, General Katsina’s philosophy and example should “rekindle nostalgia for the development of Arewa” and inspire current leaders to tackle the region’s socio-economic obstacles.
He described General Katsina, who served as CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, as a model of humility and integrity, noting that his dignified service and mentorship left an enduring legacy.
Babangida highlighted Katsina’s commitment to the less-privileged, especially his campaign against the ALMAJIRI system and advocacy of modern, balanced education for Northern children.
“To the underprivileged he devoted all his time… to be their voices,” he said.
General Babangida also praised Katsina as a unifying force who believed that Nigeria could prosper only through peace and cohesion: “Together we can be strong and progressive; divided we will fail,” he quoted Katsina as saying, adding that the late general’s life “was entirely devoted to the progress of the people.”
“Despite being born into royalty—grandson and son of emirs—General Katsina remained humble, serene and service-driven,” Babangida added, noting his passing 30 years ago was a profound loss to the nation.
The former president prayed for the continued repose of Katsina’s soul and urged conference participants to draw inspiration from his values.
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“May Almighty Allah bestow upon us the wisdom to tread the great paths that immortalised him,” he said.
In his tribute to General Katsina, former CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF, Lieutenant General Alani Akirinade, described him as “a distinguished military leader and patriot, who is being remembered for his selfless service to Nigeria.”
General Akirinade, represented by former NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY commandant, Major General Paul Tarfa (RETD.), described Katsina as a “prince among soldiers and a soldier among princes”, highlighting his exemplary leadership during Nigeria’s most challenging periods.
“His leadership during the civil war, where he oversaw the expansion of the armed forces and ensured timely payment of soldiers’ entitlements, was particularly notable. His post-war efforts to resettle and rehabilitate soldiers have also been praised.
“A SANDHURST-trained officer, General Katsina’s integrity, patriotism and commitment to Nigeria’s unity have inspired generations. His legacy serves as a shining example of selfless service to the nation.
“The NIGERIAN ARMY has produced many illustrious generals, but few match General Katsina’s mettle and personal integrity. His memory continues to be celebrated, and his life will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of patriotism and leadership.”
The guest speaker, Professor Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, raised concerns that insecurity in the North is threatening the nation’s stability.
According to Professor Siddique, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the CENTRE FOR DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND TRAINING, the northern region is plagued by extreme poverty, with 65 percent of Nigeria’s multidimensional poor population residing there.
“The implications for northern Nigeria are profound, with the region’s economic stagnation and human capital crisis undermining national growth and development. As Nigeria’s population continues to grow, the need for effective solutions to these challenges becomes increasingly urgent.
“The statistics are stark: 10 million Nigerian children are out of school, with 60 percent in northern states; youth unemployment exceeds 50 percent in some areas; and the region faces severe environmental stress, with 350,000 hectares of land lost to desertification annually.
“The security situation is equally alarming, with the BOKO HARAM insurgency claiming more than 35,000 lives and displacing 2.5 million people since 2009. Banditry and kidnappings have become rampant, with hundreds of villages raided and thousands of people abducted.”
He emphasised, “the challenges are interconnected, fuelling a poverty-insecurity trap that threatens national stability.”
He called for urgent steps to address the root causes of the crisis—including governance and institutional reforms, security sector reforms, educational transformation, and economic diversification.
