Minna, Niger State: Former Nigerian Head of State,Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has charged local government officials to embrace integrity and demonstrate unwavering commitment to public service, stressing that effective grassroots leadership is critical to development and public trust.
Babangida issued the challenge when he received Dr Mustapha Jibrin, Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger, who paid homage to him at his hilltop mansion in Minna on Friday.
According to him, effective grassroots leadership remained critical to development and public trust.
“I can recall my long-standing relationship with the family of the late Dr Mohammed Jibril Alheri.
” I thanked Allah for sparing my life to witness the occasion. I am proud to be an indigene of Chanchaga Local Government Area.
“If you do well as chairman, I will be happy. If you do wrong, I will complain. I pray for success and wisdom for you throughout your tenure,” he said.
The former head of state urged the chairman to prioritise the welfare of the people over personal interests, noting that transparency and accountability were essential to meaningful progress.
He said that local government officials must see themselves as servants of the people and work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Earlier, Jibrin described Babangida as a role model whose generosity, humility and love for Niger State and Nigeria remained outstanding.
He said the visit to Minna was to express appreciation for the former Head of State’s mentorship, fatherly guidance, and long-standing support to him and many others.
The chairman said the former leader had a positive impact on his life, including sponsoring his education.
Jibrin thanked Babangida for his continuous guidance and prayers, adding that his counsel had remained invaluable to his personal growth and public service.
Among members of the delegation were the Vice Chairperson, Hajiya Safiya Tanimu-Nasidi; Council Secretary Mohammed Babadoko, 11 councillors, local government directors and o KKK El others.
