A high-powered delegation of top federal officials is currently in Kaduna for a two-day citizen engagement forum organised by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), honouring the enduring legacy of one of Northern Nigeria’s most revered statesmen, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello.
The event, which began Tuesday at the historic Arewa House, is themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity.”
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the forum is Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
He is joined by several top government functionaries including minister of information and national orientation Mohammed Idris, minister of women affairs Imaam Suleiman-Ibrahim and managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Muhammad.
Also in attendance are the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa and the commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi.
The forum brings together policymakers, community leaders and civil society actors to bridge the gap between citizens and government by reviewing electoral promises and strengthening accountability in governance.
The Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, which was established in 2009, continues to promote the legacy of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria.
Ahmadu Bello, famously known as the Sardauna of Sokoto, played a pivotal role in the region’s development before his assassination in the 1966 military coup.
His vision for educational advancement, political inclusivity and regional integration still resonates across generations of leaders and citizens alike.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Idris said the gathering reflected the federal government’s commitment to fostering inclusive governance.
“It is not just about promises made during elections; it is about ensuring citizens are part of the journey toward accountability and development,” he said.
Buba Marwa, who has long advocated for youth development and anti-drug campaigns, emphasised the importance of sustaining legacies like that of Ahmadu Bello to inspire a new generation of leadership.
The event continues on Wednesday with panel discussions and citizen-government dialogue sessions.
