By Adeyemi Surajudeen Olaitan
Gov AbdulRahman’s appointment as the Sardauna of Ilorin draws more parallel between him and the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and leader of Northern Nigeria and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Sardauna of Ilorin and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have become icons in their respective eras, marked by their dedication to progress, inclusion, and mentorship, particularly in uplifting young people and women.
The Sardauna of Sokoto was known for his vision of a unified and prosperous Northern Nigeria.
His leadership during the post-colonial period was focused on economic development, social modernization, and the promotion of education. He sought to build a Northern Nigeria that could compete with the other regions of the country while preserving the unique cultural and religious identity of the North.
Similarly, Governor AbdulRazaq has been dedicated to transforming Kwara State into a hub of progress and development.
His vision, encapsulated in his administration’s policies, reflects a commitment to economic growth, infrastructure development, and human capital advancement.
He aims to create a Kwara that can stand out as a beacon of progress in Nigeria, while respecting its rich heritage.
Additionally, Gov AbdulRazaq has added a contemporary twist by emphasizing gender and youth inclusion, areas that were not fully addressed during Ahmadu Bello’s time.
One of the key missions of Ahmadu Bello was to provide access to education and economic opportunities for the people of Northern Nigeria. He believed in building institutions that would elevate the North and bring it on par with other regions. He was instrumental in founding the Ahmadu Bello University, which became a major institution for higher learning in Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRazaq on the other hand shares a similar mission of building institutions and fostering opportunities for his people. His administration has focused on education reform, healthcare improvements, and poverty alleviation. He has placed emphasis on revitalizing educational institutions and infrastructure in Kwara State, ensuring that the youth have access to quality education and skills development.
The Sardauna of Sokoto was a pioneer in promoting education among the youth and ensuring that they were prepared for leadership roles in the future. He also recognized the importance of involving women in the development process, though societal norms at the time limited the extent of this involvement.
Governor AbdulRazaq has taken this a step further by placing a strong emphasis on the empowerment of women and youth, giving more than 50% of his cabinets to both youths and women. His administration is renowned for its inclusion of women in key leadership roles.
For example, his cabinet appointments include a significant number of women, making Kwara a leader in gender inclusion in governance.
His focus on youth empowerment is evident in his support for entrepreneurship, vocational training, and digital skills acquisition.
During his tenure, Ahmadu Bello mentored and elevated numerous leaders who went on to play significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape. Notable among them were Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, and several others who held key positions in Northern Nigeria’s administration.
Governor AbdulRazaq has mentored and elevated a new generation of leaders, particularly young people and women. His leadership has brought many young professionals into governance, ensuring that they are equipped with the experience and skills to continue Kwara’s development. Examples include Rukayat Shittu, the youngest elected female legislator in Nigeria, Dr. Jamilat Bio, the Honourable Minister of Youth of the federal Republic of Nigeria and others in various government roles, reflecting his commitment to mentorship and empowerment.
Both Ahmadu Bello and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are driven by a mission to uplift their people through education, economic development, and inclusive governance. Their leadership styles are characterized by a focus on youth and women, recognizing that these groups are crucial to the long-term development and stability of their regions. Their legacies of mentoring and elevating leaders serve as a testament to their vision of a prosperous and inclusive society.
While Ahmadu Bello laid the foundation for Northern Nigeria’s post-colonial development, Governor AbdulRazaq is building on that legacy, modernizing Kwara State and empowering its next generation of leaders. This is in addition to shaping the national politics and development, through his leadership of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has already begun to establish his own legacy by leading Kwara’s liberation through the Otoge revolution, then moving a step forward by laying the foundation for transforming the state and building young leaders to secure the future.
His ability to shape national politics adds a dimension to his legacy, potentially replicating Ahmadu Bello’s influence on a larger scale.
Governor AbdulRazaq has taken a bold step in prioritizing women and youth in governance, a move that sets him apart in contemporary Nigerian politics. This focus on gender and generational inclusion is an evolution of the principles Ahmadu Bello championed during his era.
While societal norms in Ahmadu Bello’s time limited the extent of women’s participation, Governor AbdulRazaq has made it a central part of his administration, positioning Kwara as a leader in gender equality in governance.
Ahmadu Bello laid the foundation for Northern Nigeria’s development, Governor AbdulRazaq is shaping a modern legacy of inclusive governance and national influence. If he continues on this trajectory, he could very well become a figure as iconic in his era as the Sardauna of Sokoto was in his.
Adeyem Surajudeen Olaitan writes from Oke Onigbin, Isin Local Government.