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Garba @56: A Golden Toast For Kano’s Chief Image Maker

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6 years ago

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By Abba Dukawa

Despite the convulsion threatening the survival of the contemporary society, one can still boast of great men, though few, who stand tall in the society.

Men who write their names in gold while others write theirs in charcoal. In the heart of thousands of people, they can never be forgotten. The names and good deeds of such men will always shine like stars.

Such individuals of unique characters are celebrated everywhere, an action which encourages them to reach their peak, thereby serving as an impetus to younger generation.

Giants strides made by man are usually relieved with pomp and pageantry. While some roll out the milestone amidst glass clinging, some play the breakthrough low but, all in praises and in anticipation of better future ahead. In this momentous instance, the success story always overshadows the nauseating hurdles and barricades accompanying such feats

As such Public office holder requires some attributes to attain unrivalled position such as honesty, courage, dedication, intelligence, foresight, maturity and compassion among others.

Well-positioned and revered public servant normally possesses such attributes and the ability to carry along not only their subordinates but the entire system.

It is a fact that the public service sector had suffered a lot either at national or state levels because of bureaucracy ineffectiveness and naive public servants who have no zeal to work.

Nevertheless, there are few people here and there who are gradually changing the tides through diligence, professionalism, and due process. This kind of public servant that excel in their responsibility need to be celebrated as Comrade Muhammadu Garba clocks the age of 56.

I am celebrating this seasoned journalist of global repute. He is an excellent technocrat and loyal politician who takes up the challenges, faces commitments without hesitations as he approaches his assignments as Chief Image Maker Of The Kano State Government with dedications, humility and candour. His desire to get the best out of every situation is one philosophy that has really worked wonders, thereby catapulting him to the top.

Despite his achievements of being former
Deputy National President Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) later President of the Union and the President, West African Journalists Association (WAJA) but to us Triumphant in the Triumph family’s his greatest mark as the state commissioner of information was his commitment toward the revitalisation of the Triumph Publishing company which was closed down in 2012 by the former governor Kwankwaso.

Malam Muhammadu Garba proves to be a true Triumphant in the triumph family. He is an undisputable ambassador of the newspaper by ensuring that the organization has been revitalized by the present administration after the newspaper was brutally and unceremoniously closed down.

Perhaps, the decision of the commissioner to work assiduously in seeing to the actualization of the bringing back to life of the newspaper was informed by his awareness that Triumph Publishing Company is not just a newspaper publishing company but a training ground for journalists in the northern part of Nigeria. for, to argue that the company had produced a number of journalists, who had made their marks in the profession and thus creating waves in all aspect of human endeavour is an under statement.

The paper had produced prominent journalists like Garba Shehu, the SSA to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Mohammed Garba, the Kano State Commissioner for Information him self, and late Bilkisu Yusuf, a former Editor of the New Nigerian Newspaper, Kabiru Yusuf, the Owner of Media Trust LTD, Ali M Ali, Late Musa Tijjani Ahmad twice editor of Daily Triumph and also Leadership Newspaper other Triumphant in the Triumph family that rose the position of permanent secretaries in the state civil service are Ado Muhammad, Garba Inusa, Baba Halilu Dantiye and others on the lists of Triumphant in the Triumph family that rose various position of in the federal civil service Salisu NaInna Danbatta, Musa Ilala Other break stints in the academia are Dr Muktar Magaji Bichi, Dr Sule Yau, Dr. Farouk Kparogi, Dr Halima Kamilu Fagge and Dr Salisu Marafa just to mentions few.

One thing even his critics can’t take away from him is the fact that he, harbours no ill feelings and animosity against his critics. Taking into considerations his antecedents and his contemporary activities, one will, without the fear of contradiction, argue that the honourable commissioner, in most instances, sees his critics not as enemies. In fact, he treats them nicely, a disposition that has made him the toast of every media practitioners, staff of the state Ministry information and other peoples across the line. He is a man of valour who cherishes excellence and can hold his own among his peers. and is a man of substance whose administrative acumen is worthy of emulation especially his eyes for details and excellence.

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Comrade Muhammadu Garba believes in excellence and promotes it in all spheres of life. His humility knows no bounds as he respects anyone regardless of age and social status. A detribalized professional, Muhammadu Garba has the desire to get the best out of every situation, a philosophy that has really worked wonders, thereby catapulting him to the top. His attitude to work has profound influence on many people as he handles every job with dispatch. There is no better way to confirm this than his regular presence at his office and the unprecedented record he has achieved in his five years stint as commissioner. The open door policy he adheres to religiously is no doubt an unambiguous manifestation of a man who has nothing to hind.

I am certain that comrade Muhammadu Garba provided much needed leadership in steering the affairs of the ministry. As the days passed, his leadership qualities and his proactive approach became evident to all. He is a truly an asset to Ganduje’s administration. Just during peace parley dialogue with journalists in Kano Governor Commended the Honourable Commissioner, Malam Muhammadu Garba for job well done as he appreciate his services to the state and the government toward promoting its activities. Saying “I have known him for more than 30 years and, worked with him closely right from when I was a commissioner, during the late Colonel Abdullahi Wase’s Administration, to the times i was a Deputy Governor at the returned of civilian adminstration, and as Governor till today. He has in deed, proven to be a journalist of international repute as my information commissioner. Through his skills, hard work and dedication, the government has enjoyed positive publicity which I hope will continue, even better”.

In the lives of many, birthdays are usually periods for sober reflections. The period for stocktaking. Numerous personalities with eyes on the verdict of history use such occasions to reflect on their contributions to the betterment or otherwise of their societies. However, Comrade Muhammadu Garba silently allowed the occasion of his 56th Birthday anniversary passed on in strict compliance with his natural humility and simplicity.

He is able to redefine the work ethics with an eye on the yearnings and aspirations of the work force of his ministry and his colleagues .in the lives of many, birthdays are usually periods for sober reflections .

The period for stocktaking. Comrade Garba is a man of his words and amazingly bold. He means every word he says and goes for it. His statements are never taken for granted as they are astonishingly translated into action for the good of the people. He commands a lot of respect from his colleagues and the peoples within and outside of state largely due to the way he articulates his ideas and thoughts each times he speaks as peoples listen with rapt attention.

I am indebted to my undisputable boss who mentored me and assisted me tremendously to learn art of good and developmental journalism. I can remembered being a fresher in the company. He took his kind interest in me despite his tight schedule. He had the time for me and freshers like me. He used to lecture me after which he assigned topics about which i wrote analytical article as it affected members of public. To my Presido a selfless public servant and an uncommon Triumphant in the Triumph family who thinks more about the other person’s feelings, wishing him sound health and wisdom to deliver on the mission for a greater Kano state as he clocks 56.

Muhammadu Garba was born on 22nd November, 1964 at Yakasai Quarters in Kano Municipal Council of Kano state. He is a graduate of History/Political Science and Master’s Degree on Development Studies from Bayero University, Kano. He obtained many certificates in Journalism. International Institute of Journalism, National Diploma in Journalism/Mass Communication. Rexton, Virginia, USA, Professional Diploma in Political and Economic Journalism. University of Ibadan, Professional Certificate on Election Coverage and Political Analysis. Administrative College of Nigeria, Topo, Badagary, Lagos, Certificate in Administrative Process and Procedures. He held various positions that include Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1993 and subsequently Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 1999.

He is a seasoned journalist with an experience that spans over three decades. Comrade Garba started his career as a Reporter at Triumph Publishing Company, Sub-Editor, Chief Sub-Editor, Group News Editor and Deputy Editor as well as member of Editorial Board of many National Newspapers.

He begins his Union Activism of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), as The Triumph Chapel Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), later elected two-term chairman of the state council of the union and was its Deputy National President, from where he contested and won the Presidency of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in 2009 for two terms.

Comrade Malam Muhammadu Garba was elected President, West African Journalists Association (WAJA) in Bamako, Mali and President, Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) in Casablanca, Morocco 2009 and was elected member, Steering Committee of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Dublin, Ireland.

Other Adhoc appointments held by Comrade: member Board of Directors, Kano State Broadcasting Corporation 1995; Secretary, Hajj Operation, Kano State Government 1995; Member Board of Directors, 10th FIFA Coca-Cola Youth Championship Nigeria 1999 (Kano Sub Seat); Chairman Media Publicity Committee, Nigeria Union of Journalists 1999;Member Governing Board of the Nigeria Press Council; Member, Publicity Sub-Committee of the National Council on Privatisation. Other are Member, National Council on African Peer Review Mechanism; Member of the Federal Government Flood Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committee;Convener, Media, and Publicity, Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P); and Commissioner representing the Civil Society, Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

 

Muhammad Garba was appointed Commissioner for Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in the state in 2015, and still retained his position in the second tenure of of the Ganduje administration.

Dukawa write from Kano and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

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Opinion

BATTLE OF THE TITANS: CAN MUHAMMAD GARBA CONFRONT IBRAHIM WAIYA – “THE RAVE OF THE MOMENT?

Published

1 day ago

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June 22, 2026

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By Shariff Aminu Ahlan

Modern politics is more than a contest for power. It tests strategy, loyalty, competence, and performance.

That test is playing out in Kano State, as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, is now the focus of debate over leadership and results. He is being compared with his predecessor, Muhammad Garba.

In comparison, however, who among them has the vision to take Kano’s communication forward? This is the question that is on the lips of every Kano citizen

For Muhammad Garba, he run the Information Ministry for good eight years, yet a fair comparison with Waiya’s one and a half years would certainly outshine his record. The debate pits him against his predecessor, Muhammad Garba, who ran the ministry for 8 years.

Let’s look at the record, in just over 18 months, Waiya has made the Ministry of Information one of the most vibrant and active in the state, through innovative communication, public engagement, and clear dissemination of government activities.

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But even at that, a push is building intensely, urging the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to replace him. Critics are up at tarnishing his reputation, just for personal gain.

Garba’s supporters cite his experience, unionism, and long tenure, while Waiya’s supporters point to one thing: outstanding performance.
Of course, Waiya may be new in the Communication sector, but leadership is better judged by impact, not years in office. In a short time, Waiya’s work has earned him public attention and the tag “rave of the moment.”

This is why, what is playing out in Kano, is just a contest of “experience vs momentum”. Garba brings 8 years of institutional knowledge, while Waiya brings energy, innovation, and visible results.

The value of this debate isn’t rivalry. It’s policy evaluation. Concerned citizens are of the view that, as a way forward, a public exchange would let both men state their vision, defend their record, and show their plans for the ministry.

Kano people would benefit most. They deserve facts, not sentiment. The public can also judge who has the clearer vision and stronger strategy to help Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf communicate the achievements of his administration and deliver his agenda. The time now, is not for politicking or for the promotion of personal goals, but rather for concrete strategies that will pave the way for Governor Abba’s reelection in 2027.

For Waiya, it’s a chance to prove that leadership is all about vision and results, not just longevity. For Garba, it’s a chance to remind the public of his contributions and explain what he left undone in 8 years.

So the questions are simple: Are both men ready for a battle of ideas? Can Garba’s experience beat Waiya’s momentum? Or will Waiya’s record cement his place as one of this administration’s most effective commissioners?

Now that 2027 is almost around the corner, these questions will certainly shape Kano politics.
The stage is set. The public is watching the unfolding scenario between “acclaimed experience” and momentum. As the State progress, only time will tell.
Let the battle of ideas begin.

Shariff Aminu Ahlan
APC Intellectual Warrior.
Realahlan0101@gmail.com

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Opinion

Let The Records Speak: Comrade Mohammed Garba, Comrade Waiya And The Future of Kano’s Information Ministry

Published

2 days ago

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June 22, 2026

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By Tijjani Sarki
June 21, 2026

Recent calls for the reappointment of Hon. Muhammad Garba as Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs has sparked debate in Kano State. His supporters point to his eight years of service and describe him as an experienced professional whose return would benefit the government.

While I respect that view, I believe an important question deserves an answer, after serving for eight years in the same office, what exactly remains unfinished that necessitates a return?

This is not an attempt to diminish Hon. Garba’s contributions. Rather, it is a call for an objective assessment of performance. Public office should be judged by results, not sentiment.
Recent public discussions have repeatedly portrayed Hon. Muhammad Garba as a “professional,” as though that designation alone settles the debate. I respectfully disagree. Professionalism is not defined by the length of time spent in office, nor does it automatically flow from occupying a position for many years. It is reflected in innovation, measurable achievements, institutional growth, responsiveness to public concerns, and the capacity to deliver results. If professionalism is truly the benchmark, then the public deserves a fair comparison of records and accomplishments rather than a reliance on reputation or years of service. The debate, therefore, should be anchored on evidence, not labels.

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Instead of focusing on political developments, I suggest that Kano people compare records. Hon. Muhammad Garba had eight years to lead the ministry. Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya has had barely one and a half years. Yet within that short period, many observers have noted renewed activity within the ministry, especially in the often-overlooked Internal Affairs Department that was hitherto inactive and relegated to the background thereby rendering it dead by previous administrations until Waiya came in and salvaged the department from strangulation.

I have seen greater public engagement and a more visible ministry under the current leadership. Whether one agrees with every action taken by Waiya or not, the ministry appears more active and connected to the public.

For this reason, I would welcome an open public debate between the two Comrades. Let them present their achievements, challenges, and vision. The Ministry of Information is not only critical and central to governance rather it is at the same time the voice of government and should be led by the person best positioned to serve the public interest with commitment, dignity, competence and capacity.

Let the records speak. Let the people judge.

Tijjani Sarki writes from Kano and can be reached via responsivecitizensinitiative@gmail.com.

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Opinion

The Unsung Guardians of Nigeria’s Prosperity-Edekhe Glorious Maria

Published

3 days ago

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June 21, 2026

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By Edekhe Glorious Maria

In the grand narrative of Nigeria’s quest for economic self-reliance and sustainable development, popular discourse frequently centers on fiscal policies, central banking reforms, and foreign direct investments. Yet, the finest policy frameworks remain mere ink on paper without a robust mechanism to police the entryways of commerce. Standing resolutely at this critical intersection of trade, finance, and defense is the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Far from being a mere tax collection agency, the modern NCS functions as the quintessential bulwark of our economic sovereignty and a premier shield guarding national security.
To fully appreciate Nigeria’s survival and resilience within a highly volatile global market, one must look closely at the unsung guardians keeping watch over our borders, seaports, and airports.
The Economic Bedrock: Fueling the Machinery of State
In an era where volatile oil revenues demand aggressive fiscal diversification, the financial contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service have transformed from a supportive budget buffer into an absolute lifeline for the federation.
Under the reform-minded leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service has consistently shattered its own revenue records. In recent fiscal cycles, the NCS smashed historic expectations by generating unprecedented trillions of naira in revenue comfortably surpassing its initial treasury projections. This momentum has carried fiercely into recent quarters, with non-oil export processing volumes revealing massive year-on-year surges in value. These trillions of naira flow directly into the Federation Account, funding critical public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public sector operations nationwide.
Beyond raw revenue generation, the NCS acts as the ultimate protector of local industries. Without the tactical enforcement of import prohibitions and anti-dumping regulations by customs officers, Nigeria’s fragile agricultural and manufacturing sectors would be utterly overwhelmed by cheap, subsidized foreign goods.
When customs officers intercept shipments of smuggled rice, expired pharmaceuticals, or contraband textiles, they are not merely enforcing paperwork. They are actively saving Nigerian jobs, keeping local factories open, and preserving the structural integrity of the Naira.
The Border Shield: Where Trade Meets National Security
In the contemporary global landscape, the threats to a nation’s survival are asymmetric, fluid, and deeply intertwined with international trade routes. Herein lies the dual nature of the modern customs officer: a facilitator of trade by day, and a frontline defense asset by night.
The proliferation of small arms, light weapons, and illicit narcotics across West Africa represents a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s internal stability. The NCS stands as the first ,and often most effective,line of defense against these lethal inflows.
Multi-billion naira intercepts at strategic flashpoints across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and land borders have successfully kept military-grade rifles, pistols, and live ammunition out of the hands of bandits and insurgent networks. Simultaneously, large-scale seizures of tramadol, codeine, and illegal synthetic substances actively dismantle the financing chains of criminal syndicates while protecting Nigerian youth from the scourge of drug abuse.
Furthermore, customs operations directly suppress resource economic sabotage. The rapid interception and enforcement around smuggled petroleum products (PMS) block economic saboteurs from starving local communities of critical fuel supplies and bleeding the national economy dry.
Modernization and the Future of Border Management
The victories of the NCS are not accidental. They are the direct result of a deliberate, ongoing transformation toward digital trade facilitation anchored by the comprehensive Nigeria Customs Service Act.
Through the implementation of advanced technology, such as automated risk-assessment systems, the expansion of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, and advanced Time Release Study (TRS) diagnostic tools, the Service is rapidly reducing human interface, cutting down cargo clearing times, and plugging revenue leakages. This structural evolution ensures that the dual mandate of the Service remains perfectly balanced: legitimate trade is accelerated to boost economic growth, while illicit trade is ruthlessly intercepted.
Conclusively recognizing the Sentinels at the gate; The sovereignty of a nation is defined by its ability to control its borders and dictate its economic destiny. For Nigeria, that awesome responsibility rests heavily on the shoulders of the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service. They operate in high-risk environments, facing down heavily armed smuggling cartels and navigating complex maritime and land entryways, often without the public adulation reserved for other security arms.

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As Nigeria marches toward a more prosperous future under the banners of industrialization and regional integration via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the NCS will remain our most vital institutional shield.

It is time to rewrite the public narrative. The Nigeria Customs Service must be recognized for what it truly is: a patriotic, highly strategic, and indispensable cornerstone of Nigeria’s prosperity, national security, and enduring sovereignty.

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