Build institutions beyond elections, Shettima urges leaders

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian leaders to focus on building long-lasting institutions and implementing effective policies that benefit the people beyond their time in office. Shettima, who was represented during a presentation of a book on the life and legacy of Brigadier Musa Usman, emphasized that a leader's success should be measured by the enduring impact of their tenure.

The presentation ceremony took place in Abuja and highlighted Usman's contributions as the pioneer military governor of the former North-Eastern State. Shettima commended the authors of the book, Mahmud Jega and Theophilus Aba, for preserving Usman's legacy. The North-East region, which was established in 1967, comprises six states and includes diverse ethnic groups, faiths, ecological zones, and historical traditions.

Shettima noted that Musa Usman's legacy was particularly evident in Maiduguri, where the Musa Usman Secretariat remains a testament to his administration. Former National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno praised Usman's foresight in recognizing the potential of the region and the importance of sustaining development initiatives for the Lake Chad Basin.

He highlighted several projects initiated by Usman, including the Ashaka Cement Company and the North-East College of Arts and Science. Monguno urged current leaders to revive the spirit of purposefulness in public service and address contemporary challenges such as reconstruction, agriculture, education, transportation, energy, industrialization, employment, environmental restoration, peace, and security.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe, described Musa Usman's leadership as collegiate and humble, emphasizing the importance of combining the experience of older leaders with the energy of younger generations. Kingibe also praised Usman's wife, Hadja Jummai Usman, for her humility and integrity, noting that she continued working as a civil servant while her husband served as governor.