A 12-page magazine is billed to be unveiled next week in memory of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former governor of Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria.

News Express learnt that the maiden edition of the magazine will showcase the legacies of Yakowa, who died Dec. 15 in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria, on his way back from a funeral. Sources told News Express that the magazine would also be used to urge Yakowa’s successor, Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero, to sustain good legacies of his predecessor especially in bringing lasting peace and security to the fragile state.

The magazine is to be published by the Centre for Crisis Prevention and Peace Advocacy (CCPPA) in conjunction with African Youth for Conflict Resolution and Prevention (AYCRP) and would be launched during a two-day Northern Peace Summit scheduled to hold towards the end of next at Arewa House Auditorium, Kaduna.

The Chairman of the group, Honourable, Dr. Suleiman S. Shinkafi, in a press briefing today in Kaduna, expressed deep shock over Yakowa’s death, saying: “He was a true patriot, humble, hardworking and dedicated peace advocate. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.”

Continuing, Shinkafi said: “Also, we wish to use this medium to wish His Excellency, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, the strength and resolve as he steers the affairs of Kaduna State.
“While pledging our support to this new administration, we call on all and sundry to take Kaduna State to greater heights.

“Following the rise of intra-state and interstate armed conflicts on the globe, there is a clear indication of the entrenchment of poverty, unemployment, intolerance, religious extremism or manipulation, ignorance, distrust, lack of a result oriented and sustainable conflict management systems as instruments of governance and corruption among others. 

“While acts of violence and killing of innocent people under the guise of religion, ethnicity or tribal affiliations are condemnable, there is the strong need for leadership at all levels to get their standards straight and call their followers to order.

“Therefore, condemnations, condolences, expressions of sadness and various promises especially on the part of the government to stem the tide require proactive, pragmatic, responsive and authoritative measures in collaboration with seasoned professional conflict management practitioners and other stakeholders.”

•Photo: Late Governor Yakowa.