Under the chandeliers of the House of Lords in London, a Nigerian Senator stood to receive an award for leadership. But Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua used the moment less to celebrate himself and more to speak to the war back home, and to the burden of leadership in a time of crisis, reports Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Our Managing Editor.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army was in London on Friday, 17 July for the EuroKnowledge Honorary Doctorate Conferral Ceremony.
There, he was honoured with a Doctorate in Leadership, Governance and National Development.
For Yar’Adua, who represents Katsina Central Senatorial District, the recognition was not personal.
“I dedicate this honour absolutely to the good people of Katsina Central whose mandate, prayers, and support made this possible,” he said.
He also dedicated it to his family, “whose sacrifices and encouragement have kept me grounded in service.”
The setting was symbolic. The House of Lords, a place of debate and governance, hosted dignitaries from Africa, Europe and the diplomatic community.
EuroKnowledge said the award is for individuals who have shown sustained excellence in national and international development.
Past honourees include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the late OPEC scribe, Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo.
Back in Nigeria, Yar’Adua chairs one of the most sensitive committees in the Senate: Army.
It was therefore fitting that security dominated his remarks after the conferment.
He began by commending the Federal and State Governments for efforts in the last one year to restore security of lives and property.
He also saluted what he called the “gallantry and resilience” of the Armed Forces. But he did not shy away from the root causes. “No nation willingly opens its doors to insurgency,” Yar’Adua noted.
He pointed to the crisis in the Sahel region as a key factor, saying it has led to an increase in the influx and supply of weapons across Nigerian borders. That, he said, has become a major driver of insecurity in the North and beyond.
It was here that he delivered his central message on leadership. “Leadership is not about making excuses. Leadership is about bringing solutions to problems,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that “the Government is winning this war.” Looking ahead, the Senator said the strategy will shift further toward modern tools. “We will continue to leverage technology, intelligence, and regional cooperation to tackle insecurity,” he pledged. The goal, according to him, is to “protect our citizens, and make life easier and safer for every Nigerian.”
For Yar’Adua, the London honour is not a destination. “This recognition will only spur me to do more for my people and for our country,” he concluded.
