President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described a former Governor of Kogi State, in north central Nigeria, the late Abubakar Audu as a politician whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
President Tinubu said, as the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, the late Audu carved out a vision for Kogi State and laid the foundation for Nigeria’s enduring democracy.
President Tinubu said; “He was my formidable ally, a brother in the struggle, and one of the founding fathers who, with courage and conviction, laid the foundations upon which our democratic ideals now stand. His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance. It is a template this administration is committed to honouring, not just in words, but in concrete action.
“Prince Audu understood that democracy is only as strong as the prosperity and security of its people. He was a builder. In that same spirit, my administration has embarked on a national project of rebuilding and renewal, anchored on several critical pillars.”
Speaking on agriculture and livestock development in Nigeria, president Tinubu said his administration has initiated policies aimed at reforming the agricultural sector for greater efficiency in food production and economic enhancement.
He said; “We are moving beyond age-old practices that have too often led to conflict. We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry. This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy.
“Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering lasting peace between our farming and herding communities.”
“Through our Social Investment Programmes, we are placing the Nigerian people at the centre of our governance. We are scaling up interventions to provide direct support to the most vulnerable, funding and nurturing our small and medium enterprises, and empowering our youth with the skills to compete and thrive in the global economy. This is a direct translation of our belief that the nation’s wealth must first and foremost serve to uplift its citizens.
“Furthermore, we are undertaking an unprecedented expansion of our national infrastructure. From modernising our road and rail networks to enhancing our power infrastructure, we are building the arteries that will connect our markets, power our industries, and unite our people. Your Excellency and the good people of Kogi state, the legacy of development Prince Audu began in Kogi is a model we are determined to replicate and scale across the nation.
“Yet, we are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve. Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action,” President Tinubu said.
National Security
The Nigerian leader said the recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which the administration view the security challenge.
He said; “This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity. As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities. We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.
“But to secure our people permanently, we must reform the very architecture of our security. This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of State Police. We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment in the grassroots. This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through.
“Concurrently, we are engaged in widespread diplomatic engagements to correct the false narratives about our nation. Nigeria is a beacon of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The mischaracterisation of our country as a religiously intolerant nation is a gross distortion of our reality. We are actively presenting the true picture of Nigeria to the world, a nation where people of different faiths live, work, and pray side-by-side in peace. We will not relent until the world sees us for who we truly are.”
President Tinubu acknowledged the Kogi state government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for commemorating the legacies and leadership vision of late Abubakar Audu, who died during the historic 2015 general elections
He commended the effort of Governor Ododo administration to sustain the developmental legacies of Prince Abubakar Audu.
“The continuity of good governance is the greatest tribute you can pay to a fallen hero. I urge you to continue on this path, and the federal government stands ready to partner with you to deliver even more dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi State… Legacy is a challenge to all of us in leadership. It challenges us to be bold, to be visionary, and to be selfless in the service of our people,” President Tinubu added.
He was represented by Nigeria’s information Minister at the 10th memorial Anniversary of the late politician in Lokoja, on Sunday.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.