Housing minister Muttaqa Rabe-Darma has paid tribute to late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s legacy of servant leadership, humility, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law.

Mr Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s 13th president, died on May 5, 2010.

Mr Rabe-Darma paid the tribute at a special lecture organised by the Students Union of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University Katsina chapter. The lecture was organised to commemorate the 16th anniversary of his passing.

The minister tasked Nigerian youths and emerging leaders with embracing integrity, selflessness, and the prudent use of resources.

He recounted a personal experience during his tenure as commissioner for youth and sports under Mr Yar’Adua, when Mr Yar’Adua served as governor of Katsina.

“I had proposed an official trip to the U.S. alongside key sports officials to observe the World Cup and explore opportunities for sports development and investment.

“He called me and explained that the funds earmarked for that trip could instead be used to build seven blocks of two classrooms each. At the end, we cancelled the trip,” Mr Rabe-Darma said.

The minister noted that the decision reflected the late leader’s commitment to prioritising the needs of the people over personal or official comforts.

He added that one of Mr Yar’Adua’s enduring legacies was the establishment of the state’s university, which he said has continued to serve as a hub for academic excellence and human capital development.

(NAN)