By Idris Umar, Abuja Government officials, scholars, and governance reform advocates have called for a renewed national commitment to inte...
By Idris Umar, Abuja
Government officials, scholars, and governance reform advocates have called for a renewed national commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparent leadership as the foundation for rebuilding Nigeria’s governance system.
They made the call during the public presentation of three books authored by Dr. Umar Yakubu, held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. The books—The Shadow State: Public Sector Corruption in Nigeria, Nigeria Reimagined: Anchoring a Future on Integrity, and Shielding the Heartland: Rethinking Nigeria’s Border Security—explore themes of corruption, national security, and institutional reform.
Chairman of the occasion and former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, commended Dr. Yakubu for his intellectual courage and dedication to addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges through research and evidence-based analysis.
“At a time like this,” Gambari said, “our nation must recognise the value of knowledge-driven initiatives that promote justice, transparency, and good governance.” He urged collective action to enhance national security and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and development process.
Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, praised Dr. Yakubu’s contribution to advancing transparency and accountability, noting that Nigeria’s global reputation is a reflection of the values upheld within the country.
“Transparency is not a slogan,” Tuggar said. “It is the foundation of national pride and global respect.”
He encouraged young Nigerians to uphold honesty and ethical leadership, stressing that the fight against corruption requires collective effort.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, highlighted the importance of citizen participation in the anti-corruption crusade, emphasising that institutions alone cannot win the war.
He commended Dr Yakubu—a former EFCC staff member—for his commitment to promoting integrity and urged communities to establish local accountability mechanisms to complement government initiatives.
In separate goodwill messages, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the Wazirin Dutse, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, described the books as “intellectual assets” that promote honesty, discipline, and moral leadership. They recommended that the works be distributed across government institutions and public offices to strengthen ethics and improve service delivery.
Dr Yakubu’s books, they noted, offer deep insights and evidence-based analyses on issues that have long hindered Nigeria’s progress. The Shadow State exposes the destructive effects of corruption on governance; Nigeria Reimagined underscores the role of integrity and accountability in nation-building; while Shielding the Heartland examines border security and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding the nation.
Beyond academia, the books serve as practical tools for policymakers, students, and civic stakeholders seeking to shape transparent, people-centred governance. They collectively stand as a beacon of hope for a new generation committed to truth, integrity, and ethical leadership.
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