Arewa House at 50: Our Diversity Should Unite and Not Divide Us – Fayemi
The governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi has described Nigeria’s diverse culture as a tool that should unite the country and not divide it.
Speaking as the guest speaker at the “Arewa House At 50 Anniversary”, Fayemi said the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates was one of the best things that have happened to the country.
The event which took place today at the Banquet Hall, Arewa House Complex, Kaduna was part of week-long activities marking the golden jubilee anniversary of the centre.
The governor who was speaking on the topic ‘Unfinished Greatness: Towards a More Perfect Union in Nigeria,’ also said the amalgamation was to the interest of the nation.
Fayemi, who is also the chairman of the governors’ forum said late Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello espoused high morality while alive, and tasked leaders to draw inspiration from him.
He urged leaders to eschew religious intolerance, mutual suspicion, and ethnocentrism, saying they have not the nation’s growth.
The Ekiti governor identified equity and inclusion as a panacea for national growth, adding that restructuring must be for the good of all.
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Arewa House Museum or Arewa House is a centre for research and historical documentations under Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It is a house museum located in Kaduna, Kaduna State, in Northwest Nigeria.
Previous speakers at the annual lecture series include President Muhammadu Buhari; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; and the late President Shehu Shagari, Oba Erediauwa of Benin; Prof Ishaya Audu; Prof Abdullahi Smith; Alhaji Liman Ciroma; Ambassador Jolly Yusuf; the late Sultan Abubakar III; and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Speaking earlier, the chairman of the event and former Vice President of Nigeria Namadi Sambo said “50 years in the life of this institution calls for sober reflection on the journey so far… And marks a major milestone for us as a people.”
In his address, the host of the event and Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala summarised the history of Arewa House and highlighted the key role the institution plays in aiding research and development.
In his remarks, the chief host and Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai paid tribute to the vision of the six governors of the northern states who decided in 1970 to establish this centre.
“They chose to honour the memory and service of the Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, by locating this centre on the grounds of his official residence. Our illustrious predecessors built this centre from the ashes of the tragic events of 1966” he said
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event include President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Minister for Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal, Mallam Tanko Yakassai, Prof Bogoro, etc.
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