Calls for revival of his ideals at memorial conference; Northern leaders urged to tackle poverty, injustice
Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has described the late General Hassan Usman Katsina as “an embodiment of great humility” and a model for leadership, whose life should inspire current efforts to address the developmental challenges of Northern Nigeria.
In a goodwill message delivered by Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (Rtd.) at the 2nd Memorial Conference of the late General Hassan Usman Katsina held on November 22, 2025, Babangida praised the New Vision Development Initiative (NEVDI) for organising the event, which he said aligns with the vision of promoting “peaceful co-existence and development in Northern Nigeria in particular and Nigeria in general.”
Babangida recalled the late General Katsina’s service as Chief of Army Staff and last Military Governor of the Northern Region, noting that his “just, humane, temperate and sincere” disposition left a lasting legacy.
“General Hassan was condescending to his equals, and very kind to his inferiors and very affectionate to the generality of Nigerians,” Babangida stated.
“To the underprivileged in Northern Nigeria he devoted all his time post-military service to be their voices and to fight for their education and emancipation.”
The former president particularly highlighted Katsina’s advocacy against the Almajiri system and for the integration of modern education with Quranic learning, describing him as “a beacon of hope” who was passionate about unity, self-reliance, and peace.
“He was passionate about the unity of our country because together we can be a very strong and a very progressive Nation and if divided we will fail,” the former military president said.
Northern Leaders Criticised for Poor Response
In a vote of thanks following the event, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (rtd), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NEVDI, expressed disappointment with the response of Northern elites and leaders toward honouring the legacy of General Katsina.
“As an NGO, we are not happy with the responses of our Northern leaders and our Elites and their attitude for the honour of this great pantheon of Northern Nigeria,” Gwadabe said.
He challenged Northern leaders to tap into “the current period of unprecedented wealth and new innovations in the world,” stating that “it should no longer be acceptable that our people should remain locked into the lives of poverty without even a stake in their governance or their future.”
Gwadabe also announced plans to make the memorial lecture a bi-annual event to honour patriotic leaders whose sacrifices have shaped Nigeria.
The Guest speaker, Professor Saddique Abubakar Mohammed, and keynote speaker, Professor Ango Abdullahi, emphasised the need for courageous leadership and systemic change to address insecurity, poverty, and educational deficits in the North.
The event was chaired by former Chief of Army Staff, General Alani Akinrinade, who was praised as “an indomitable, fearless and very patriotic leader.”
Gwadabe added: “United we stand, divided we fall. Our country can only progress when we are all dedicated to its service and fostering its unity.”
The conference closed with prayers for the repose of General Hassan Usman Katsina’s soul and for Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.
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