Kaduna — Amidst concerns raised in certain quarters that the N5 billion realised at last Saturday's launching of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation may be fritted away, Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state has assured that the foundation shall put in place a sound mechanism for the prudent, efficient and transparent management of the proceeds.

According to him, the foundation will achieve this by inaugurating a Board of Trustees and a "solid management structure that will continue to earn the confidence and respect of all and sundry, under the advisory role of eminent and honest Nigerians who shall serve as patrons."

Over N5 billion was realized on Saturday at the launching of the foundation with Alhaji Aminu Dantata, the chief launcher making the highest individual donation of N250 million. Alhaji Aliko Dangote gave N150 million while most of the 19 northern states and their respective local governments gave around N250 million each.

Highlighting the proposed activities of the foundation, Governor Aliyu further said it will promote good governance and responsible leadership for the overall development of Nigeria in line with the vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello, adding that it will focus on the north which is very disadvantaged socio-economic terms.

The foundation will also promote agriculture, education and resuscitate the north's ailing industries, eradicate "poverty , destitution and street begging, which are taking dangerous dimensions in the north," the governor promised. He further said that the foundation will aim to empower youth and women "through skills and entrepreneurial development schemes."

According to the Niger state governor who is also the chairman of Northern Governors' Forum, "the activities of the foundation will be funded by the proceeds from its investments in partnership with reputable agencies and organisations, especially in real estate/property development as well as from its endowment assets and donations. In this regard, it will also rely on extensive collaboration, linkages and networking with individuals, corporate bodies and international agencies with shared vision and values.

Governor Aliyu revealed that the idea of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation started about 30 years ago, when the Justice Mamman Nasir steering committee started the ground work. According to him, the steering committee and the Northern Governors' Forum harmonized efforts and the result was the successful launching of the foundation on Saturday.

The chief servant of Niger state advised Nigerians to restore morality in the nation's body polity, "discipline, law and order in our private and public affairs, equity, fairness and justice in our administration, as exemplified by Sir Ahmadu Bello."He praised President Umaru Yar'adua as being the "an embodiment oftheworthy virtuesof Sir Ahmadu Bello."