The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s 11th Annual Lecture in Bauchi, commemorating the legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto, serves as a poignant reminder of the absence of a dedicated foundation honouring Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. As a nation, we approach the 60th anniversary of his assassination, a stark question looms: Why has this crucial aspect of our historical preservation been neglected? The loud silence is deafening.

The absence of a dedicated foundation is a perplexing oversight.  Several postulations might explain this void. Firstly, the political climate following the 1966 coup, which tragically claimed Balewa’s life, was deeply turbulent. The focus shifted towards national reconciliation and rebuilding, potentially overshadowing the immediate establishment of a commemorative institution.

Secondly, there might have been a lack of concerted effort among his surviving family members, associates and political allies to initiate such a project. This could stem from various factors, including the emotional trauma of the period or differing priorities. Thirdly, perhaps there has been a general decline in the national consciousness regarding the importance of preserving the legacies of our founding fathers, with a greater focus on contemporary issues.

However, the responsibility for rectifying this oversight lies squarely with several stakeholders. Primarily, the family of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa should take a leading role in initiating the foundation. They possess the closest connection to his legacy and can ensure its authenticity and integrity. However, at the time of his death, he left children too young to handle that responsibility. Secondly, the Federal Government of Nigeria, recognising Balewa’s pivotal role in the nation’s history, should provide substantial support and resources. Thirdly, state governments, particularly those in the northern states where Balewa hailed from and served, should contribute to the foundation’s establishment and operations. Finally, patriotic Nigerians, including academics, historians and philanthropists, should lend their expertise and financial support.

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The establishment of a Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Foundation would serve as a vital instrument for preserving and promoting his legacy. It could undertake several key activities:

•     Archival Preservation: Collecting and preserving Balewa’s personal papers, speeches, and historical documents, ensuring their accessibility to researchers and the public.
•     Educational Programmes: Organising lectures, seminars, and workshops on Balewa’s life, leadership, and contributions to Nigeria, particularly targeting younger generations who haven’t had the benefit of his direct knowledge.
•     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, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.
• Museum and Memorial: Establishing a museum and memorial dedicated to Balewa, showcasing his life and legacy through exhibits and artefacts.

Sustaining the foundation would require a robust funding strategy, including endowments, grants and public donations. Transparency and accountability in the foundation’s operations would be crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring its long-term viability.

As Nigeria approaches the 60th anniversary of Balewa’s assassination, it is imperative that we honour his memory by establishing a foundation that will safeguard his legacy for generations to come. This is not just a matter of historical preservation; it is a testament to our commitment to recognising and celebrating the contributions of those who shaped our nation.

The residence he left was simple and modest by any standard, however, a good Samaritan modified it in the innocent effort to modernise it. This defeated the Prime Minister’s legacy of simplicity. He was known to prioritise modesty and practicality. The first act to correct this is for the authorities to nationalise the residential property and convert it to a national heritage site. Remove all external modifications, and convert it to a museum and a presidential library. This would complement his tomb which stands about 1,600 meters from the residence.

The tomb was declared a National Monument in 1979 by the late Bauchi Military Governor, Lt.-Gen. Garba Duba. It contains, within the tomb, a small reference library, a small mosque and a gallery. The tomb is being managed by the Bauchi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, while the gallery is under the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

If you scan around Nigeria, you’d only find a few commemorative mentions of his name, e.g:

1. Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS). Located in Lagos Island, Lagos State
2. Tafawa Balewa University and Teaching Hospital. Both located in Bauchi, his home state.
3. Tafawa Balewa Stadium and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport also located in Bauchi
4. Tafawa Balewa Street/Way/Roads scattered across Nigeria
5. And most symbolically, is a Statue of Tafawa Balewa in Owerri Imo State.
6. An annual lecture is privately held on the anniversary of his death every year.

I dare say he deserves more.

Establishing a foundation in honour of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa is essential to preserve his legacy of integrity, unity and service to Nigeria. It will inspire future generations, promote national cohesion and ensure his contributions to the nation’s progress are remembered and celebrated for posterity.

 

Kari is the Wazirin Bauchi