An author, Philemon Gado, has called for renewed hope for a peaceful and prosperous Southern Kaduna where justice and equity will reign supreme.
Blueprint reports that Gado is a pastor and lecturer with the ECWA Theological Seminary, Kagoro.
Gado made the call in Kafanchan at the public presentation and launch of his book, ‘Southern Kaduna: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’.
He said the injustice and marginalisation suffered by the people of the zone over the years ought not to discourage them but strengthen their resolve to make progress as a people.
According to him, Southern Kaduna is blessed with enough human and material resources to grow and develop itself independently of the government.
“The purpose of writing this book is to challenge the critical stakeholders of Southern Kaduna.
“And let them know that we can build Southern Kaduna independent of the government.
“Southern Kaduna is blessed with rich and fertile land as well as individuals of influence.
“Our people have continued to make landmarks in all fields of human endeavors. From politics to religion, business, education, military they have trailed the blaze with exceptional impact,” he added.
In her remarks, Gloria Ballason, a human rights activist, tasked the people of Southern Kaduna to be resilient even in the face of adversity.
Ballason stressed that the people of the zone needed to transit from victimhood to taking their destiny in their own hands like the Jews.
“We must do away with this victim mentality thing, because what you put at the forefront of your conversations is what will define you.
“Rather let us focus on being indispensable by building ourselves and making education compulsory for every child,” she stated.
On his part, the book reviewer, Rev. Caleb Dami, represented by Isah Alkali, said the book was a cry for justice to be done to Southern Kaduna citizens of Kaduna state.
He noted that the book was timely as it would guide the people of the zone in deciding who they should vote for in the 2023 elections.
Also speaking, the zone’s senatorial candidate for PDP, Mr. Sunday Marshall Katung, lauded the author for documenting the reality of the Southern Kaduna people and prospects for the future.
Represented by Gambo Waziri, Katung called on all well-meaning sons and daughters of the area to come together and move the zone forward.