Emir Sanusi Says National Security Begins with Citizens' Well-being at Northwest University Kano Event

The Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, has said that the security of a nation is first and foremost the security of its citizens.

The Emir made the statement as Royal Father of the Day at an event organized by the International Humanitarian Law Society, Faculty of Law, Northwest University, Kano. He delivered a keynote address on "Leadership, Peace and the Role of Traditional Institutions in Nation Building."

Emir Sanusi said insecurity extends beyond territorial defense, and that many of Nigeria's current security challenges stem from neglecting the fundamental building blocks of security. He cited examples including a woman without access to antenatal care, a child without access to education, and a young man without a job as being insecure.

"The most important thing for every nation is the security and well-being of its citizens, and the nation at large," the Emir said. He urged government to heed early warning signals, noting that most crimes are perpetrated by youths, and called on every community to say no to drug abuse and drug dealers.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, Professor Amina Salihi Bayero, commended the Emir for his humility and for attending classes with fellow students. She described it as a powerful signal and source of encouragement to students and to the nation, and added that learning law is necessary irrespective of age. She also commended the Dean of the Faculty of Law, the International Humanitarian Law Society, and the entire Faculty of Law for organizing the event.

The Guest Speaker, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication and Spokesperson to the President of Nigeria, Honourable Sunday Akin Dare, CON, delivered a distinguished lecture titled "Peace, Leadership and Nation Building." He addressed issues of peace, security, leadership, and nation building, and said Nigeria is not a lost cause and Africa is not a condemned enterprise. He stressed the need to build durable institutions founded on fairness, equal rights, humanitarian justice, peace, and love for humanity.

The Chief Host and Dean of the Faculty of Law, Associate Professor Ahmad Jibrin Suleiman, thanked guests for attending and said leadership must be taught by conduct. He described the Emir of Kano as not just an admirable King but also an inspiration to the younger generation, and appreciated the university management for its support.

The International Humanitarian Law Society presented awards of honour to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II for distinguished scholarship and discipline in Nigeria; to Honourable Sunday Akin Dare for selfless service to humanity and the nation; to Vice-Chancellor Professor Amina Salihi Bayero for distinguished transformation and leadership of the university; and to a university security personnel, Kabiru, for outstanding performance.