The Imperative Reform In The North

The northern conservative elements need to swallow their pride and be humble enough in accepting their delinquent disposition towards the development of their once-united-but-backward region. The enviable and cherished legacy bequeathed by the founding fathers of the north had long suffered setback; due to the nonchalant attitude of their lazy successors. After all, the sincere rebuke of an enemy is much better than the deceitful flatter of a friend. Emir Sanusi II has spoken the obvious truth, and he needs to be appreciated and applauded. The north should realise that a stitch in time saves nine.

In the late 50s, up to 70s, according to history, the northern part of this country played a significant and leading role in the economic rebirth and development of Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region. In those days, before the discovery of crude oil, northerners were so vibrant in trade and sundry economic activities. The Hausa/Fulani of the northern extraction were well-educated; though, not in western education, but versed in Arabic language; which is a major component of Islamic knowledge. Then, the north was the knowledge hub of the western part of Africa; with Kano, Sokoto and Borno as the epicentre of classic literature and sly craftiness. Through sheer dexterity and unflinching commitment to great goals and values, the northern region emerged a confluence of knowledge, commerce and tourism. Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Aminu Kano, Aminu Dantata, Isiaka Rabiu, Salisu Adamu and Garba A.D. were all products of this golden era. These were the cause of the rapid drift of peoples from the western and eastern parts of this country to the north. Jos, the temperate part of the north, became a conducive abode for many European tourists and explorers. The trade routes from the north to Lagos were the busiest. Palm oil were transported to the north from the east, with the supply of quality textile and other agro-raw materials to the east.

However, the advent of oil and its attendant riches wrecked its debilitating havoc on the lives of the northerners. Things started changing and falling apart among the northerners. The core values of an average northerner suffered retardation. Their hitherto hardworking and energetic status became a shadow of their old past. Laziness, conceitedness, covetousness and unbridled obsession for material possessions became the new attributes and features of a northern man. Politics became the only thriving business in the north. The north, which was once the bride of other regions, became a haven of violence, intolerance and gangsterism. Poverty, ignorance and poor quality of life are common attributes of an average northerner.

In all fairness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, was saying the obvious. Why will he be crucified or demonized for speaking what is apparently obvious among them? After all, the Emir is a paramount ruler_ a first-class monarch_ in the north. Instead of the call for the head of the Emir by some northern conservative elites, they should rather thank him for reawakening their consciousness, and hearken unto his candid advice. What has the Emir said than “the north is fast losing it in terms of education, trade and knowledge”? What is the fuss about his sincere advice on the current situation in the north? Truth be told: northern youths are getting lazy by the day. I have been to many states in the north. I can categorically evaluate some parts of the north as utterly backward and underdeveloped. For those who know the north, go to Mokwa, Makera, Kontagora, Funtua, Tsafe, Okene, Damaturu, even Gusau and Jos Metropolis, and make a critical judgement of the situation in these areas yourself. You will definitely thank Emir Sanusi for speaking the truth. The Almajiri syndrome is another scar in the conscience of every northern elite.

In conclusion, the north is not as it was in the past. Though, there are increased number of road networkThe northern conservative elements need to swallow their pride and be humble enough in accepting their delinquent disposition towards the development of their once-united-but-backward region. The enviable and cherished legacy bequeathed by the founding fathers of the north had long suffered setback; due to the nonchalant attitude of their lazy successors. After all, the sincere rebuke of an enemy is much better than the deceitful flatter of a friend. Emir Sanusi II has spoken the obvious truth, and he needs to be appreciated and applauded. The north should realise that a stitch in time saves nine.

In the late 50s, up to 70s, according to history, the northern part of this country played a significant and leading role in the economic rebirth and development of Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region. In those days, before the discovery of crude oil, northerners were so vibrant in trade and sundry economic activities. The Hausa/Fulani of the northern extraction were well-educated; though, not in western education, but versed in Arabic language; which is a major component of Islamic knowledge. Then, the north was the knowledge hub of the western part of Africa; with Kano, Sokoto and Borno as the epicentre of classic literature and sly craftiness. Through sheer dexterity and unflinching commitment to great goals and values, the northern region emerged a confluence of knowledge, commerce and tourism. Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Aminu Kano, Aminu Dantata, Isiaka Rabiu, Salisu Adamu and Garba A.D. were all products of this golden era. These were the cause of the rapid drift of peoples from the western and eastern parts of this country to the north. Jos, the temperate part of the north, became a conducive abode for many European tourists and explorers. The trade routes from the north to Lagos were the busiest. Palm oil were transported to the north from the east, with the supply of quality textile and other agro-raw materials to the east.

However, the advent of oil and its attendant riches wrecked its debilitating havoc on the lives of the northerners. Things started changing and falling apart among the northerners. The core values of an average northerner suffered retardation. Their hitherto hardworking and energetic status became a shadow of their old past. Laziness, conceitedness, covetousness and unbridled obsession for material possessions became the new attributes and features of a northern man. Politics became the only thriving business in the north. The north, which was once the bride of other regions, became a haven of violence, intolerance and gangsterism. Poverty, ignorance and poor quality of life are common attributes of an average northerner.

In all fairness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, was saying the obvious. Why will he be crucified or demonized for speaking what is apparently obvious among them? After all, the Emir is a paramount ruler_ a first-class monarch_ in the north. Instead of the call for the head of the Emir by some northern conservative elites, they should rather thank him for reawakening their consciousness, and hearken unto his candid advice. What has the Emir said than “the north is fast losing it in terms of education, trade and knowledge”? What is the fuss about his sincere advice on the current situation in the north? Truth be told: northern youths are getting lazy by the day. I have been to many states in the north. I can categorically evaluate some parts of the north as utterly backward and underdeveloped. For those who know the north, go to Mokwa, Makera, Kontagora, Funtua, Tsafe, Okene, Damaturu, even Gusau and Jos Metropolis, and make a critical judgement of the situation in these areas yourself. You will definitely thank Emir Sanusi for speaking the truth. The Almajiri syndrome is another scar in the conscience of every northern elite.

In conclusion, the north is not as it was in the past. Though, there are increased number of road network banks and corporate buildings, but the quality of education of a northerner and his mindset on national issues are mind-boggling and disturbing. The elites of the north need to re-orientate the teeming ignorant and jobless youths. Let the narratives change from politics to other meaningful engagements. Let them build more schools and vocational centres. Let the religious leaders teach tolerance and subtleness. Child marriage is another issue that needs to be addressed. Girl-child education is very important.