Tafawa Balewa knew there was oil in the North but left it for the younger generation – Amb Yerima

Former Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Amb. Yerima Abdullahi, has said the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa knew about the deposits of oil in the North but didn’t explore it, he rather left it for the younger generation.

He said the discovery of oil in the North, particularly the recent one in the Gondola Basin, has shamed those who tag the region as a parasite on Nigeria.

He said, “The future is now. Fortunately, the oil was found in Bauchi, which is our home. We expect many other mineral resources such as gold and copper to be discovered, and not just oil, in the North.
“Oil and gas existed before we were born. Even our elders, including the Tafawa Balewa government, knew but decided not to make so much noise about it, but to leave it for the younger generations.”
“We are glad that oil has been found in the North and it will add to Nigeria’s wealth because we believe in the unity of the country. We don’t begrudge any part of the country or Nigerians from partaking in the wealth God has given us,” he added