Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Sunday called on leaders at all levels to strive towards eradicating societal ills and focus on national growth.

Mr Aliyu made the call at a memorial lecture in honour of a legal practitioner and Sokoto-based activist and philanthropist, the late Mu’azu Liman-Yabo.

He stressed the need for leaders to redouble their efforts in doing what is necessary for societal progress, noting that events unfolding in any society were true reflection of happenings.

He said, “People in society can only achieve desired development when leaders and followers consistently fulfill their responsibilities.’’

Mr Aliyu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Bello Sifawa, expressed concern over the frequent declaration of strikes which he said were affecting the innocent people in the hospitals, higher institutions and other public places.

He stated, “It is unprecedented for us to declare a strike when our innocent masses are in hospitals, seeking proper medical attention. This action disproportionately has an impact on the vulnerable persons who we always claim to be advocating for.

“They often opt for private health facilities for themselves and their families while the wealthy seek private healthcare.”

He appreciated the event organisers for their foresight, assuring that the initiative would be supported by the government to assist the less- privileged in society.

In his presentation titled “Rising trends of insecurity in northern Nigeria,” Prof. Tukur Baba of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, called on people to be security conscious due to the prevailing situation in the country.

Mr Baba urged stakeholders to initiate more ways of addressing the security challenges bedevilling the nation and commit to addressing the impact of corruption in society.

 “Corruption is the mother of all insecurity; without addressing it, achieving safe environment devoid of all security challenges will be futile,” he said.

Also, Prof. Bello Bada of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, highlighted leaders’ flaws in respecting laws, encouraging corruption and breaching public trust.

In his paper titled “Corruption in Nigeria’s leadership,” Mr Bada said that fighting corruption successfully could be achieved when leaders reconsidered their habits and ensured equal treatment for all citizens, irrespective of political or ethnic affiliations.

Mr Bada identified citizens’ characters as a significant factor contributing to security challenges in Nigeria.

He urged politicians to demonstrate political will in addressing poverty and unemployment.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, represented by the District Head of Yabo, Alhaji Muhammadu Maiturare, emphasised the need for people to emulate the good intentions and character of the late Liman-Yabo.

Mr Abubakar appreciated the organisers of the memorial lecture, stating that it recognised the late Liman-Yabo and the entire population of Sokoto State.

The event witnessed the paying of a tribute to the late Liman-Yabo Foundation and highlighting some of his memorable quotes.

(NAN)