Dr. Umar Yakubu's Books Emphasize Need for Collective Action Against Corruption
By Idris Umar,zaria
ABUJA – Leading government officials, scholars, and governance reform advocates have called for renewed national commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparent leadership as essential pillars for rebuilding Nigeria’s governance system.
They made the call during the official presentation of three books authored by Dr. Umar Yakubu, held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. The books—“The Shadow State: Public Sector Corruption in Nigeria,” “Nigeria Reimagined: Anchoring a Future on Integrity,” and “Shielding the Heartland: Rethinking Nigeria’s Border Security”—focus on corruption, national security, and institutional reform.
Former Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who chaired the occasion, lauded Dr. Yakubu for his intellectual courage and commitment to confronting Nigeria’s governance challenges through research and evidence-based analysis.
“At a time like this,” he said, “our nation must recognize the value of knowledge-driven initiatives that promote justice, transparency, and good governance.” He further urged collective action toward improving national security and rekindling public confidence in Nigeria’s development journey.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, commended Dr. Yakubu’s intellectual contribution to advancing transparency and accountability. He emphasized that Nigeria’s global reputation is directly linked to the values upheld domestically.
> “Transparency is not a slogan,” Tuggar said, “but the foundation of national pride and global respect.”
He encouraged young Nigerians to uphold honesty and ethical leadership, stressing that the fight against corruption requires collective participation. The Minister congratulated Dr. Yakubu for what he described as “bold and visionary contributions to reform and good governance.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, underscored the importance of citizen engagement in the anti-corruption drive, noting that the war against corruption cannot be fought by institutions alone.
He praised Dr. Yakubu, a former EFCC staff member, for his dedication to promoting integrity and urged communities to establish local accountability initiatives to complement government policies.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and the Wazirin Dutse, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, hailed the books as “intellectual assets that promote honesty, discipline, and moral leadership.”
They also recommended that the books be made available in government institutions and public offices to strengthen ethics and improve service delivery across sectors.
The books authored by Dr. Umar Yakubu are of great importance to Nigeria’s development, particularly in the fight against corruption and the strengthening of national security. They present deep insights and evidence-based analysis of challenges that have long hindered the nation’s progress. “The Shadow State” exposes the destructive effects of corruption on public institutions and governance; “Nigeria Reimagined” highlights the role of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership in rebuilding the nation; while “Shielding the Heartland” focuses on border security and the need for inter-agency cooperation to protect the country from emerging threats.
These books are not just academic works—they are practical tools for policymakers, students, and stakeholders to shape and implement transparent, people-centered policies. They serve as a strong reminder that peace, progress, and respect for Nigeria on the global stage can only be achieved through truth, integrity, and good governance. In essence, Dr. Yakubu’s books stand as a beacon of hope for a new generation seeking a nation built on honesty and accountability.
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