By Mohammed Kari, Wazirin Bauchi
As Nigeria approaches the 60th anniversary of the assassination of its first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a glaring omission in the country's historical preservation efforts has come to the forefront. Despite his pivotal role in shaping the nation, there is no dedicated foundation to honour his legacy.
The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation's 11th Annual Lecture in Bauchi served as a poignant reminder of this oversight. According to Mohammed Kari, Wazirin Bauchi, "The absence of a dedicated foundation is a perplexing oversight... The loud silence is deafening."
Born in December 1912 in the village of Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, Balewa's early life was marked by humility and hard work . His father, Yakubu Dan Zala, was of Gere ethnicity, and his mother Fatima Inna was of Gere and Fulani descent . Balewa's education began at a Qur'anic school and later at Bauchi Provincial School, where he was a shy and reserved student.
Balewa's legacy extends far beyond his tenure as Prime Minister. He was a champion of national unity, a skilled diplomat, and a committed leader who prioritized modesty and practicality. As Nigeria looks to the future, it is essential to honour his memory and preserve his legacy for generations to come.
"The establishment of a Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Foundation would serve as a vital instrument for preserving and promoting his legacy," Kari notes. The foundation could undertake various activities, including: Archival Preservation: Collecting and preserving Balewa's personal papers, speeches, and historical documents. Educational Programs: Organizing lectures, seminars, and workshops on Balewa's life, leadership, and contributions to Nigeria.
Research and Publications: Supporting scholarly research on Balewa's era and publishing books and articles that shed light on his achievements and challenges.
Community Development Initiatives: Implementing projects that address the socio-economic needs of Balewa's home region.
Museum and Memorial: Establishing a museum and memorial dedicated to Balewa, showcasing his life and legacy through exhibits and artefacts.
To rectify this oversight, Kari emphasizes that the family of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa should take a leading role in initiating the foundation, with substantial support and resources from the Federal Government, state governments, and patriotic Nigerians. As Kari aptly puts it, "He deserves more."
The time has come for Nigeria to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a true hero and patriot. The establishment of a foundation in his honour is a necessary step towards preserving his legacy and inspiring future generations.
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