At the 50th anniversary of the visit of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass to Nigeria, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has warned that northern Nigeria is falling behind in crucial areas like education and agriculture.
Sanusi, the 16th Emir of Kano, was speaking as the guest lecturer at an event in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday.
The Emir expressed deep concern that despite the region’s large population, the North is yet to capitalise on its potential for growth and development.
He lamented the dire state of agriculture in the region, noting that a significant percentage of the population depends on farming but lacks modern knowledge and technology.
“Most of our farmers are still using traditional methods, and this has held us back,” Sanusi said. “If we don’t embrace modern agricultural techniques, we will continue to fall behind.”
Sanusi’s remarks highlighted how this failure to modernise agriculture has led to poverty and underdevelopment in the region, which could have otherwise prospered.
He called on stakeholders in the North, from political leaders to community groups, to invest heavily in education and agriculture.
“We need to invest in educating our youth,” the Emir said. “Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and agriculture is the backbone of our economy.”
The Emir urged Northern Nigeria to recognise the value of modern technology in farming, stressing that the region’s vast agricultural potential could only be realised with the right training and infrastructure.
Sanusi’s comments come at a time when the North is grappling with several challenges, including rising unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and social instability.
The Emir also reflected on the historical significance of the event, marking 50 years since Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass visited Nigeria in 1974.
The visit was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in what was then Benue-Plateau State, an effort that resonated deeply with Sanusi.
“The visit was pivotal for fostering unity among our people,” Sanusi recalled. “Sheikh Nyass was a man who preached peaceful coexistence, and that message is more important today than ever.”
He remembered how his grandfather, Muhammadu Sanusi I, had hosted Sheikh Nyass during his visit, under the permission of the then governor of Benue-Plateau State, J.D. Gomwalk.
The Emir commended the current administration in Plateau State for its support of the Muslim community and for promoting harmony within the state.
However, he called on Muslims to complement the efforts of the state government by actively engaging in peacebuilding initiatives.
“We all have a role to play in ensuring peace and sustainable development in our communities,” Sanusi said. “Muslims in this region must work together to support the government’s efforts to create a peaceful environment.”
Sanusi’s words were a reminder of the need for unity and cooperation, not just among Muslims, but also among all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
With Nigeria’s future at stake, the Emir stressed the importance of working towards a common goal of peace and progress.
“We must not be divided,” he stated. “Only by working together can we overcome the challenges we face and secure a better future for our children.”
Sanusi’s remarks were met with applause from the audience, which included political figures, community leaders, and citizens from across the state.
The Emir’s call for investment in education and agriculture was a direct appeal to those in power, urging them to take action before the region’s continued stagnation becomes irreversible.
As the event ended, it was clear that Sanusi’s message had resonated with many. The North, he said, must wake up and seize the opportunities before it.
“The time for change is now,” he concluded. “Let us not waste any more time. The future of the North depends on the decisions we make today.”
