The Chairman of the forum and governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu who spoke on behalf of the forum in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, said the growing number of prominent Nigerians dying only suggests that the younger generation must step into the shoes of departed leaders.
Mr. Aliyu said the nation will sorely miss the late Mr. Diko especially in the direction of his wealth of experience as a politician which would have been a veritable resource for national discuss now that the country is passing through difficult times.
"This is indeed another sad episode to the already challenging times Nigeria is passing through as a country. The death of Umaru Diko and a few prominent Nigerians in less than two months is a reminder that the present generation of Nigerians must grow up mentally, morally with collective objective towards a common developmental destination within the confines of appropriate leadership tenets.
"The demise of our leaders, should remind us that the place of the youths is now, not tomorrow. The youths of today must therefore show signs of leadership by eschewing violence, steering clear of sentiments and avoid ethno-religious balkanization of the country so that we can grow Nigeria to attain its position in the committee of nations".
The Chairman of the forum, therefore, called on Nigerians to immortalize past leaders by ensuring that the continuous existence of the country is not compromised and the developmental aspiration cardinal adding that that's all Nigerians owe the dead as the country journey through its turbulent route towards a better and greater nation.
He urged Nigerians to always work within the principles and practice of good service, good moral, and patriotism adding that at the end, people will be remembered based on how they lived.
The forum chairman, therefore, prayed that Allah (SWT) grants the late Umaru Diko Aljannah Firdausi. He also prayed Allah grants his family and the nation the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Israel A. Ebije
Chief Press Secretary to the Niger state Governor
Thanks
