Shekarau urges FG to prioritize security, food access, as he marks 70th birthday
Kola Oyelere, Kano
Former Governor of Kano State and former Minister of Education, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing the lives and property of Nigerians and improving the nation’s economy, particularly access to food.
Shekarau made the appeal on Wednesday while speaking with journalists at his residence during a press conference held to commemorate his 70th birthday.
Expressing concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the country, Shekarau said the current situation, where citizens are “being murdered and slaughtered like animals,” is unacceptable.
He noted that while no nation is entirely free from crime, the government must do more to reduce criminality to the barest minimum.
“There is no nation without criminals, but government must bring criminality to the nearest minimum. It is doable, and it can be done,” he said. “We are praying that Allah will give the best people the opportunity to address this.”he said
Turning to the economy, the former governor quoted the late Malam Aminu Kano, saying any government effort that fails to make food accessible to citizens is meaningless.
“Whatever government does, so long as it does not create easy access to food, is rubbish. Food is the most important thing in people’s lives,” Shekarau stated.
“If you make it easy for people to eat and live well, people will be peaceful. But when people are hungry, to hell with your good roads, schools, or hospitals—nobody will listen to you.”
Reflecting on his 70th birthday, Shekarau described attaining the milestone age as a remarkable blessing from Allah. Quoting Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he said, “The average lifespan of his followers is between 60 and 70 years. When you reach 60, it’s injury time; by 70, it’s extra time, and the referee can blow the whistle at any moment.”
The former governor expressed gratitude to Allah for guiding him through a lifetime of service as a teacher, administrator, governor, minister, and senator. He also acknowledged the moral upbringing instilled by his late parents.
In a spirit of humility, Shekarau used the occasion to seek forgiveness from anyone he might have offended and offered forgiveness to all who may have wronged him.
“Every human being makes mistakes. I ask all those who feel I have offended them to forgive me, and I have forgiven anyone who has offended me,” he said.
Advising the younger generation, Shekarau urged Nigerians to live by five guiding principles—good conduct, hard work, perseverance, patience, and total dependence on God.
“The beauty of life is not in how happy you are, but how happy others are because of you,” he concluded.