I observed the common trend in Nigeria of immortalizing national leaders by naming national institutions and monuments located in their States' of origin or geopolitical zones after them.
This practice, in my opinion, is reducing our national leaders to mere 'local' champions.
I heard that the federal government is renaming the Federal Polytechnic Kauran Namoda after Shehu Shagari. Why Kauran Namoda? Why not Kaduna Polytechnic or better the Polytechnic in Ibadan or the University of Port Harcourt?
I don't know whether the reader can see the sense I am trying to make.
Look at it this way. Why named a Federal University in Bauchi after Tafawa Balewa, a Bauchi man OR a Federal University in Southwest Nigeria after Obafemi Awolowo? Wouldn't it have been better for both national cohesion and the late national leader's position, if we have, for example, an Obafemi Awolowo University in Bauchi, and an Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Ile Ife?
Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Murtala Muhammad International Airport also in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja are, in my opinion, more befitting of a national leader than say Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano or Aminu Kano International Airport also in Kano.
While praying that "the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain", it is my hope and prayers that we will consider immortalizing our national leaders and heroes with institutions and monuments located outside their immediate geopolitical zone.
Just trying to make some sense
May the gentle soul of President Shagari rest in eternal peace
Aliyu Ammani
Unguwar Shanu Kaduna
30/12/18
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