Major Hamza Al-Mustapha has emphasised the importance of responding quickly to pressing issues affecting Nigeria.

Speaking at the Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto Remembrance Day event in Kaduna yesterday, he emphasised the importance of Nigerians reflecting on the country’s potential, describing it as a “Blessed but disorganised land.”

He revisited historical events, particularly the 1963 disagreement over the introduction of petroleum in Nigeria.

According to him, “The late Sardauna of Sokoto’s insistence on refining oil in Nigeria played a significant role in his persecution.

“He made bold efforts to ensure Nigeria’s economic independence, a vision that remains unfulfilled.”

Al-Mustapha lamented the state of the Northern region, describing it as being left in a state of neglect following the loss of its leaders.

He added, “To restore the Northern region’s honour, security, education and economy, we have to have respect for traditional leaders and revive the values, fearlessness, courage, authenticity, and teamwork of Sardaunan.”

Earlier, the National President of the Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (RAID), Malam Balarabe Rufai urged Northern leaders to embrace the visionary leadership of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, as a blueprint for sustainable development in the region.

Rufai highlighted the exemplary leadership of the Sardauna, whose legacy focused on education, agricultural growth, and infrastructure development.