Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for the documentation of a comprehensive book titled “The Life, Leadership Style, and Enduring Legacy of Mallam Umaru Musa Yar’Adua: A Study in Principled Governance, Justice, and National Unity.”
The Governor made the call on Tuesday during the 16th Annual Remembrance and Prayer Day held in honour of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua at the Government House, Katsina.
Governor Radda explained that such a publication would serve as a lasting academic and historical reference, preserving leadership values for future generations and deepening understanding of governance, justice, and public service as exemplified by the late President.
He began by expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for the gift of life and the opportunity to once again honour a leader whose impact, he said, remains strongly felt sixteen years after his passing.
According to him, the memory of the late President remains fresh among the people, describing the gathering as a solemn moment of reflection, remembrance, and prayer for the repose of his soul.
He urged all present to continue to pray for Allah’s forgiveness and eternal rest for the departed leader.
Governor Radda further noted that the late President’s leadership philosophy continues to shape governance and public service culture in Katsina State and beyond.
He said the values of justice, fairness, and inclusivity associated with Yar’Adua remain guiding principles in the state’s development agenda.
“His leadership philosophy continues to guide governance in Katsina State, especially in the areas of fairness, justice, and inclusivity,” he stated.
Describing the late President as a model of humility and calm leadership, the Governor said Yar’Adua’s approach to governance remains a reference point for public office holders.
“Late President Yar’Adua was a leader defined by humility, calmness, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people,” he added.
Governor Radda also commended the intellectual contributions presented at the event, stressing that such reflections should not end as spoken words but be preserved as national intellectual assets for historical and academic use.
He emphasized the importance of documenting leadership lessons for younger generations.
He concluded that the legacy of the late President continues to serve as a moral compass for leadership in Nigeria, calling for sustained commitment to the values of honesty, justice, and service to humanity.
Earlier, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Mustapha Rabe Darma, in his welcome address, described the gathering as both a remembrance and a reaffirmation of commitment to the values the late President stood for.
The Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Dr. Farouk Umar Farouk, also graced the occasion, adding royal dignity to the remembrance.
He recalled the late President’s humility, generosity, and deep personal respect for relationships.
Speaking emotionally, he noted:
“I recall three things about him: he loved people genuinely, he placed great trust in those around him, and he was an exceptionally humble man.”
He further added that the late President consistently demonstrated fatherly guidance and responsibility in his relationships, even entrusting him with important personal and family matters during his lifetime.
Also, Prof. AbdulSalam Abubakar delivered a keynote lecture reflecting on the life, leadership style, and enduring legacy of Mallam Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, highlighting his principled governance, calm leadership, and dedication to national unity.
The remembrance session featured special prayers led by prominent clerics, including the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Katsina, Mallam Gambo Mustapha; Mallam Nazir Ahmed of Kofar Baru, Daura; Mallam Salisu Abdullahi Bakori; and Dr. Ahmed Filin Samji, all praying for the repose of the late President and peace in the nation.
In the same vein, Engr. Abu Aminu Babban Yaya, speaking on behalf of the Yar’Adua family, expressed gratitude to participants for their continued prayers and honour to the legacy of the former President.
The prayer session was attended by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; business mogul Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; representatives of the Katsina Emirate Council; as well as political and business community leaders.
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