E247mag reports: Former Niger State Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, surprised many guests at his 70th birthday dinner in Kaduna when he turned the celebration into a serious message about insecurity and leadership in Northern Nigeria. What was expected to be a joyful event quickly became a moment for honest reflection as Aliyu spoke strongly about the challenges facing the region.
The dinner, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation—where Aliyu serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees—brought together politicians, dignitaries and admirers from across the region. But instead of delivering a routine birthday speech, Aliyu used the occasion to lament the rising wave of banditry, kidnappings and killings ravaging Northern states despite having 19 governors and influential leaders.
He said the North, once guided by the discipline and vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello, now struggles with instability that has weakened communities and threatened both economic and social progress. Aliyu stressed that true leadership is measured by the ability to protect lives, adding that no development project can be meaningful when people are afraid to travel, farm or rest at night.
Well-wishers, including Hon. Timothy Anjide from Nasarawa State and several members of the Board of Trustees, described Aliyu as a fair, principled and visionary leader whose influence continues to shape political conversations across the North.
The event also featured goodwill messages celebrating Aliyu’s long years of service, intelligence and leadership style. The former Governor of Kogi State, retired Capt. Idris Wada, praised Aliyu as a sincere, hardworking and super-intelligent statesman who always created an environment where people around him could grow.
Though the evening included warm tributes and celebrations, it was Aliyu’s bold message on insecurity and leadership that stood out, with many attendees calling it a timely wake-up call for the region.
His words from Kaduna have continued to generate reactions nationwide, renewing debates on Northern insecurity, governance priorities and the urgent need for stronger, more united leadership.