By Rabiu Sanusi
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqa Rabe-Darma, has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s late President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, describing him as a model of “servant leadership” whose life was defined by humility, integrity and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Rabe-Darma spoke at a special public lecture organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University in Katsina to commemorate the 16th anniversary of Yar’Adua’s passing.
The late president, who served as Nigeria 13th leader, died on May 5, 2010.
The commemorative lecture titled “Celebrating Leadership Excellence in Memory of Late President Yar’Adua,” drew a diverse audience of students, academics, public officials and stakeholders, all united in reflecting on the enduring values that shaped the late leader administration.
Addressing participants the minister challenged Nigerian youths and emerging leaders to uphold the principles of integrity, accountability and prudent management of public resources, noting that such values remain critical to national development.
To underscore his point, Rabe-Darma recounted a personal experience during his tenure as Commissioner for Youth and Sports when Yar’Adua served as Governor of Katsina State.
He revealed how a proposed official trip to the United States to observe the World Cup and explore sports development opportunities was cancelled on the directive of the then governor.
According to him, Yar’Adua insisted that the funds earmarked for the trip be redirected towards more pressing public needs.
“He explained that the same resources could be used to construct seven blocks of two classrooms each. At the end, the trip was cancelled,” the minister said.
Rabe-Darma noted that the decision exemplified Yar’Adua unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of citizens above personal or official convenience, describing it as a defining feature of his leadership style.
He further highlighted the establishment of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University as one of the late president’s most enduring legacies, noting that the institution continues to play a pivotal role in advancing academic excellence and human capital development in the region.
Earlier in his remarks, the SUG President, Abubakar Ahmad, said the lecture was organised to reflect deeply on the values that characterised Yar’Adua’s leadership.
“We have come together to remind ourselves of a leader whose life teaches us that true leadership is not measured by power but by integrity, not by position but by service and not by words but by principles,” Ahmad stated.
Participants at the event collectively stressed the need for present and future leaders in Nigeria to emulate Yar’Adua humility, transparency and people-centred approach to governance, describing his legacy as a benchmark for ethical leadership in the country.