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Opinion

My Vision for Jigawa State (III)

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Mustafa Sule Lamido

 

By: Mustapha Sule Lamido

This week, I want to start by thanking all the people of Jigawa State for their show of support and particularly those who have been following us as we share our vision for the state. I am especially humbled by this gesture and I will use it as an inspiration not to disappoint you if given the chance. Over the past four weeks, we have received more than 25,000 direct responses, observations and criticisms; some of which we are still studying for necessary action. Please keep them coming. But while you do that, endeavour to collect your PVC or register if you havent.

As I mentioned earlier, today’s discussion will centre around education which will be our topmost priority if elected. Out of the top 10 most educated states in Nigeria, 7 are also the most economically developed. This means that the surest route to development is education. In a nutshell, our education plan is ambitious, broad and comprehensive. We have designed programmes in place to transform Islamic, western, mass and special education at the basic, post-basic and tertiary levels.

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That this will be the first communication in which we will be making substantial commitments regarding policy implementation and capital project development requires that I reemphasize our earlier commitment to the unity of the Jigawa people. As such we will not be executing projects based on the previous tradition of emirate quota system alone, but rather base on the real needs and aspirations of the whole Jigawa people without discrimination. If elected., one tool we intend to use for such unification is education.

If elected, we aspire to touch every aspect of education, but it will be done in phases. While we may be able to accomplish some, we will lay a foundation for others to continue. In summary, we will work to for the standardization of Islamic Education and remodeling of the Almajiri system. Others are general reform and upgrade of educational infrastructure; free girls/ women education up to tertiary level; strengthening mass education and nomadic literacy; special scholarship for professional programs and first-class graduates and improvement of teachers welfare.

Because of its cruciality, all appointees that will head the education sector will be comprehensively scrutinized. People must prove to have understood our vision as well as possessing their own unique initiatives to improve upon it before they will be appointed. The education ministry is one that I will not rush or consider only political reasons in appointing a commissioner; I will rather take my time to allow competent people to show interest, be interviewed and then given the opportunity.

We will Insha Allah empower the quality assurance units of the education ministry and agencies at state and local government levels to ensure improved service delivery. I will personally be briefed periodically on the impact of our reforms on the quality of education as we progress. I will be going round schools regularly to see for myself the level of compliance to standards in teaching, learning and general education administration. A special servicom unit with a special representative from the governors office will be created to report all public feedbacks on the development of education. We are not going to joke with education.

All things being equal, education will get the highest budgetary allocation in our administration and we will encourage the Local government Areas to do so. Because no amount of money spent on education will be too much and government alone cannot handle all the burden, our government will establish the Jigawa Education Trust Fund (JETFund). This fund will seek for donations and funding from philanthropists, business men, contractors, NGOs and even ordinary citizens and the monies will be used to improve education while ensuring transparency and accountability. The JETFund will be jointly managed by the state government and a Board of Trustees whose composition will be from Jigawa elders.

Starting with basic education, there are currently 2,490 primary schools scattered across 1,154 district villages and towns in the state. Together with teachers and other stakeholders, we will start by assessing the conditions of these schools before embarking on the renovation and upgrade of the dilapidated ones among them which will be done in phases starting from the worst. This will lay a solid foundation to have the trend continue in geometric progression. Our hope is that in 4 years majority of the schools will be in improved condition. In each federal constituency, we will Insha Allah build a world class model Primary school that will be a symbol of excellence. With time, this will be extended to at least one per LGA.

As we renovate and build more schools, the demand for manpower will also increase. We are fully aware that one of the biggest challenges for existing schools is shortage of personnel. To address this, we will retrain and redeploy redundant civil servants to the classroom. We’ll ensure that all NYSC members deployed to schools do not abscond. We will also introduce the Volunteer-Teacher’s Scheme to recruit fresh unemployed but qualified graduates on temporary basis. While doing all these, we will be designing a masterplan for sustainable adequacy of manpower in the education sector. Part of this is by making the teaching job very attractive that people will be rushing to join and those in will be hesitating to leave God willing.

Our secondary education needs attention. Currently we have 571 Junior and 269 senior secondary schools. Compared with the over one million Jigawa students who need secondary education, we can consider them as grossly inadequate to serve the teeming population. Over 3 million Jigawa citizens are less than 15 years old and 50% of them have attained secondary school age. Selected Junior secondary schools will be improved and upgraded to senior secondary schools while new ones will be built periodically. In each senatorial district, we will Insha Allah build a mega international standard Secondary school that will take care of all Science, Arts, Commercial and Technical subjects.

Islamic education has gotten a lot of attention since the return of democracy in 1999 in Jigawa State but more needs to be done in this regard. Currently, most Islamiyya schools operate independent of government supervision, in fact only a little fraction of them is even formally recognized. Our vision is to give them the same priority as western education. With the help of Islamic scholars and other stakeholders, we are going to embark on standardization of islamiyya curriculum as a foundation to the complete formalization of Islamic education in the state. If God permits, we shall have a policy to guide the operations and strengthening of islamiyya schools across the state.

In my next article, I will give highlights of my plans for girls/ women education; revival and strengthening of mass education and nomadic literacy; special scholarship for professional programs and first-class graduates and improvement of teachers welfare.

Gobe ta Allah ce
©Santurakin Dutse

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Opinion

A Reflection on the VOA Broadcast Suspension

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By Saleh Shehu Ashaka

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Voice of America (VOA), a beacon of unbiased news and a symbol of free press, finds itself in silence. The abrupt cessation of all broadcasts, across languages and platforms, marks a significant moment in the history of global journalism. This development, attributed to funding cuts under the Trump administration, signals not just the end of an era but also raises profound questions about the future of international broadcasting and the role of media in a rapidly changing world.

For decades, VOA has served as a vital conduit for information, bridging cultural and political divides, and providing a platform for voices that might otherwise remain unheard. Its mission, to deliver accurate and objective news, has been a cornerstone of its operations, fostering understanding and dialogue across nations. The sudden halt of its broadcasts is a stark reminder of the fragility of media institutions and the ever-present threat of political influence.

The decision to cut funding to the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, reflects a broader trend of diminishing support for public broadcasting. It underscores the challenges faced by media organizations in maintaining independence and integrity in an era where information is increasingly weaponized. The implications of this move are far-reaching, affecting not only the employees and journalists dedicated to their craft but also the millions of listeners and viewers who rely on VOA for reliable news.

In the absence of VOA’s voice, we are compelled to reflect on the critical role that media plays in shaping public discourse and holding power to account. The free flow of information is the lifeblood of democracy, and any attempt to stifle it poses a threat to the very principles upon which democratic societies are built. The suspension of VOA broadcasts serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting press freedom and ensuring that media organizations can operate without fear of retribution or censorship.

Moreover, this development invites us to consider the broader geopolitical implications. VOA has long been a tool of soft power, promoting American values and fostering goodwill abroad. Its silence creates a vacuum that could be exploited by other state-sponsored media outlets, potentially reshaping narratives and influencing public opinion in ways that may not align with democratic ideals.

As we navigate this uncertain landscape, it is imperative that we advocate for the restoration of funding and support for VOA and similar institutions. The preservation of a free and independent press is not merely a matter of national interest but a global imperative. It requires a collective commitment to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and truth.

The suspension of VOA broadcasts is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing media organizations today. It calls upon us to reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and to recognize the indispensable role that journalism plays in fostering informed and engaged societies. As we await further developments, let us remain steadfast in our support for those who strive to illuminate the world with truth and integrity. The end of an era need not be the end of hope; rather, it can be a catalyst for renewed dedication to the ideals that VOA has long championed.

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Opinion

Hon Sunusi Bature: Time to Take the Podium

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By Ahmad Dambazau

The National Assembly is a constitutional locomotive for any purposeful democratic government, it provides checks to the government of the day and a legal basis for the system in general .This basically accounts for the high respect usually accorded and, of course, the attendant high expectation placed on it. The legislative arm of government like any other is saddled with the responsibility enshrined in the constitution and among such major functions includes representation, oversight and law making in addition to many other numerous functions.

Be that as it may, it has been a genuine cause for worry for Nigerians that, despite our series of experimentation with democracy, our legislators have performed below expectation. Their handling of national issues has especially remained without constitutional decorum and political experience required of people of their exalted status. Part 2, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, vests the legislative powers of the federation on the National Assembly which comprises the Senate and House of Representatives.

Dawakin Tofa ,Tofa and Rimin Gado Federal constituency is one of the few constituencies in Nigeria represented by the same legislator for 18 years(2007-2005) despite poor representation .

As the federal constituency searches for the best man to represent them for this serious legislative task. One name keeping ringing bell is Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa ,Media and Communication Expert and Director General of Media and Publicity to Kano State Governor.Sunusi has earlier served as the Chief Press Seceretary to the Governor in the early days of the administration .

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Mallam Sunusi is a seasoned PR guru, development communication and stakeholder engagement expert with 21 years working experience in both international development, private sector and the Media in Nigeria.

He is a winner of the Cambridge education award on investigative journalism in 2008, Bature has worked at different capacities in various national, International and Bilateral organizations such as the British Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the United State Agency for Internal Development (USAID), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children International, Discovery Learning Alliance and the Rockefeller Foundation.

He held several positions which include General Manager Corporate Services at Dantata Foods and Allied Products Limited (DFAP), Director Stakeholder Engagement at YieldWise Project, Country Program Manager at Girl Rising (ENGAGE) Project funded by the US Government, State Project Coordinator for MNCH Campaign Project of the BMGF, Deputy Director Operations at Discovery Learning Alliance, State Program Officer, Policy Advocacy and Media Development, Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist among other positions.

Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. Hons.) in Mass Communication from University of Maiduguri, Sanusi holds a National Diploma in Mass communication from Kaduna Polytechnic, a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Education and Promotion.He also bagged MSc. in Social Work with specialization in Community Development from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, Oyo State and another master’s degree in Public Relations (MPR) from the prestigious Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. He participated in the MSc program on Project Management at Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland.Until his appointment, Sunusi Bature served as the Vice President, Nigeria operations for a UK based firm, Kingston Organic PLC.

Hon Dawakin Tofa has opened yet another vista of debate among electorates on the value of quality representation with vigour,expertise and experience of having a wider constituency responsibility and coverage .He has vindicated his mettle among his constituents that even as an appointee of the Governor his eloquent consistent and fearless voice always seeking the improvement of lives of his constituents accountability among representatives of the people.

He is truly a representative of the people though unelected going by the amount of work he was able to do for the overall benefit of his people. In fact, it is worth elucidating that this PR guru was able to touch the lives of the people in his stewardship in the private and public sectors. So far he has proved to be one of the few politicians that attracts government presence to his community. No matter what anyone would say, the amount of dividends of democracy that this community leader was able to bring to the door step of the people is unmatched.

Sunusi Bature’s development credentials and landmarks speaks volumes. The highlights of which were stellar achievements of re-positioning the educational sector in the more definitive ,radically ,progressive and futuristic manner , not to mention the capacity building, empowerment and educational scholarship for his people ,all shone brightly for both his admirers and detractors to access.

The Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kano State, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has been honoured with the prestigious Most Outstanding Spokesperson Award by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information. Dawakin Tofa was selected for this esteemed award in recognition of his instrumental role in promoting not only the positive image of the Kano State Governor and his giant strides also for effectively showcasing the only NNPP ruling state in Nigeria.
In the award citation, Mallam Sunusi was hailed as an unwavering proponent of non-violent communication, renowned for his extensive network and adept delivery of practices with clarity in objectives, and strategic framing of engagements with his audience.His profound impact and effectiveness in perception and reputation management are highly commendable.

In whatever one indulges in there are always people to observe and give their verdict .It is a well- known fact that there is nothing stronger than the people’s verdict.it shows a collective desire which inevitably is the voice of reason. The momentum of Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa legislative bid is gathering amongst all strata of the constituency is enough testimony that experienced count in the race for the parliamentary seat.

Dambazau wrote in from Kano.

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Opinion

Nasir El-rufai: The Strategic Politician in Recent Times

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By Abubakar Sadiq Dauda

Malam, as he is fondly called, is a very brilliant politician with alot of success stories. He is a genius per excellence when it comes to politics. He sets his main priorities and cares less about other sub priorities that may not yield to any serious positive impact. That simple act of setting his main target and work tirelessly to ensure that he delivers on the mandate makes him an outstanding politician.

In 2013, he was the brain behind the formation of APC. He committed his entire time and energy to bring Tinubu, Buhari and Atiku into thesame fold. The goal then was to defeat the ruling party, PDP.

Initially, he refused to compromise on his main target by not seeking for any elective position, which he knows may affect the chances of achieving his main priority. As fate will swing into his favour, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was the major contender in the opposition as it was then, requested that El-rufai must contest for Kaduna governorship position in 2015. The rest is now history.

Fast-forward to 2023, El-rufai showed his zealousness and potentials by going for the bigger ‘fish’ again. His main objective was to make sure Tinubu (who hail from the South) succeeds Buhari, and APC should continue to take charge of the affairs of Kaduna state. He chose not to vie for any office in other for him to commit his time, effort and resources to achieve his main objective. The rest as they say is now history.

Again, today being the 10th of March, 2025, a well known discourse (judging by strategic meetings held recently) was finalized, formalized and brought into the public sphere by thesame figure, Nasir El-Rufai. The theme which is well known in many quarters is to make sure that the Government of the day at both national and at state level (emphasis on Kaduna) lost the election that will graciously take place in 2027.

Malam is fully committed to attain thesame success he recorded particularly in 2015 and 2023. In other for Malam to be successful, he will remain steadfast, focused and committed in achieving his main objective (judging by his past precedence).

Unlike many politicians and political actors, Malam believes in personal sacrifices to ensure that he gets the job done. He is able to outline is main priorities and commit all he has to attain the greater success he aspire, not minding whose ox is gored.

His fearlessness, foresight, brilliance, hard-work has overtime proves beyond doubt that he is indeed a strategic politician who should not be taken in for a ride.

Sadiq is a political analyst, writes from Kano and can be reached via sadiqdauda55@gmail.com

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