Politics
Sen. Abdullahi Gobir (APC-Sokoto) on Monday joined other speakers in urging scholars to go beyond speculations and dig deeply to unearth facts in order to promote values that will strengthen unity, while enhancing nation-building.
Gobir, who represents Sokoto East Senatorial District, made his contribution at a three-day International Conference, organised by the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conference, which had as its theme: ‘Gobir Kingdom, Past and Present: Transformation and Change,’ was the first international conference organised by the faculty.
According to Gobir, scholars, as intellectuals and opinion moulders, should always utilise such conferences to promote the country’s values.
Gobir stressed on the need for Nigerians to remain committed to ensuring the long cultural ties of past leaders, adding such will promote the country’s economic and cultural values.
“Today, there are agitations for increased participation of women in socio-economic and political development of the country. Women participation is one of the legacies of Gobir Kingdom.
“The Kingdom had the office of Women Leader some 200 years ago, popularly known as ‘Inna of Gobir’, as one of the most important institutions in the history of the kingdom,” he said.
He said the relevance of the Kingdom’s legacies had also manifested in the retention of titles used by the Caliphate of Sokoto.
In his remarks the President of Niger Republic, Alhaji Mahamadou Issoufou commended the organisers’ foresight in choosing the right topic for the conference.
Issoufou, represented by the Niger Republic Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Kalla Hannorou, said that the conference will surely go a long way in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
He assured of the cooperation of Niger Republic in ensuring the success of the gesture in order to enable more socio-economic and cultural development across the region.
Also speaking, the Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, said the state government is committed to supporting all activities that will impact positively on the lives of the people.
He also commended the University for organising the event, saying that such conference is highly recommended to policy decision makers, as it aids in ensuring better leadership.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, said that the conference will no doubt go a long way in the study of ways and values of traditional institutions.
“One of the interesting things as far as the conference is concerned, is the brotherliness between Nigeria and Republic of Niger.
“This is obviously so because of the long historical links between the two countries. The bulk of us, especially in this part of Northern Nigeria and the people of Niger Republic share the same ethnic origin,” he said.
He called on scholars to sustain the effort in strengthening community togetherness and nation-building.
“We must always remember that our calling, as scholars, bestows upon us the responsibility and duty to generate and disseminate knowledge and skills for responsible and sustainable development.” (NAN)
– July 9, 2018 @ 17:45 GMT |
Tags: Gobir made his contribution at a three-day International Conference organised by the Faculty of Arts and Islamic Studies of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto who represents Sokoto East Senatorial District
