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Opinion

My Vision for Jigawa State (V)

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Mustafa Sule Lamido ,Jigawa PDP Gubernatorial candidate

 

By: Mustapha Sule Lamido

Let me start by reminding my fellow Jigawa citizens of the enormous task before all of us. Taking Jigawa a step further on the development ladder will require collective revolutionary efforts from all stakeholders. For Jigawa to move away from its current status, it will require more than a four or eight-year performance by one or two state governors. We must put in place and support the sustainable implementation of long-term plans that will change the course of our history. I dont believe our political differences should stop us from charting a better course for the new world.

Today, I want us to discuss health and our plans for the sector. The past few years have been very critical and challenging for Jigawa State and Nigeria at large. Our regular battles with Malaria, maternal ill-health and infant mortality, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 alongside other endemics and our peculiar battles with annual floods which usually lead to the outbreak of diseases all demand that we give the health sector the priority and attention it deserves.

As a matter of policy, our first priority is improved health budgeting and implementation. It is commendable that the Jigawa State government budgeted up to 16% of its 2022 budget to health, but the range over the preceding years have been between 10-15% or less. Another main problem is budget performance. For example, Jigawa State budgeted about 13.5% (over 21 billion) in 2021 for health, but the performance was not up to 40% according to official documents, meaning that less than 8.5 billion was released out of the proposed amount. This will not yield the desired results.

Unless we are faced with unforeseen emergencies, Health will get the highest budget and funds release after education. Our major deliverables are improved health access for all irrespective of demography or location, free Primary healthcare for the Elderly who are Above 70 years, Free antenatal care for remote and rural women, subsidized healthcare services for the disabled, Improvement and upgrade of health facilities to provide consultancy services, improvement in manpower quantity and quality and effective Health insurance Scheme.

What is the current picture of health in Jigawa State? The total number of our health workers are less than 8,000. Data available to us shows that we currently have 156 medical doctors of which a very few are consultants, 57 pharmacists, 1,503 nurses and midwives, 4,500 community and Primary Health workers. These few workers are expected to take care of almost 7 million people. On the average, every medical doctor is to take care of over 40,000 people. These among others are the reasons why most secondary health services are beyond the capacity of our health architecture.

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In the whole of Jigawa State, only one state-owned tertiary-Specialist Hospital exist which was handed over to FUD as Teaching Hospital. Although two more are under construction at Hadejia and Kazaure, but we need more to meet up with our needs. We also have the Federal Medical Center Birnin-Kudu. The 25 General Hospitals we have including those still under construction are overstretched and hence need expansion, upgrade and additional staffing. Our 287 Primary Health Centres, including the uncompleted are mostly in bad shape without equipment and adequate personnel. As intend to address this including guaranteed power supply to many health facilities through the use of solar energy to reduce the cost and hazard associated with generators.

Some critical health reforms have been implemented since 1999 which led to the improvement of the sector. The Ministry of Health was rejuvenated to oversee the entire health sector through five departments: the Gunduma Health System Board (GHSB), two health training institutions consisting of a college of Nursing and Midwifery, a specialist hospital and a semi-independent Medicare organisation (JIMSO). The GHSB with its headquarters in Dutse has nine Gunduma Councils and over 664 health facilities comprising General and cottage hospitals, primary health centres, Basic health clinics, Dispensaries and health posts. We hope to build on these achievements.

As a prelude, we will Insha Allah upon assuming office formulate a transformative Health policy. We will then embark on the provision of health infrastructure, equipping and maintenance in batches. We will engage in massive planning for recruitment and development of required Manpower in addition to sponsoring the training of Jigawa indigenes as medical doctors, especially girls to address to reduce the shortage of female medical personnel. We will sanitize and standardize the process of procurement and distribution of drugs. We will Introduce a strong health management information system to ensure systematic planning and monitoring including surveillance and control of major diseases like HIV/AIDS.

We shall invest much on prevention which is better than cure. Most of our diseases come from the abuse of environment. We will Insha Allah strengthen the necessary legislation for the enforcement of environmental health laws, community sanitation and household hygiene. We will be more proactive than reactive. We will enter into collaboration with international and National stakeholders in health. Public-private partnership will be used to provide new world-class health infrastructure.

We will Insha Allah build the foundation for the building of a world-class hospital that consist of all medical departments with the ability to render any type of medical services and receive referrals from all 27 LGAs. If we succeed, in a matter of few years, Jigawa people will no longer have to go to Kano or any other state for treatment of advanced cases or severe medical complications.

We will declare a state of emergency against maternal mortality. Timely antenatal care will be made readily available and accessible to rural and urban women. Nigerians spend an average of 200 billion Naira annually in treating or fighting Malaria. We will declare absolute war against Malaria in Jigawa State.

We are quite aware that none of our policies will succeed without a healthy population. As such, we will try very hard to ensure a sound health system. We will prioritize the establishment of adequate response systems for emergencies across all 27 LGAs. We shall utilize your mandate to create and deliver a health-care system that nurtures a healthy and productive population in Jigawa State.

Gobe ta Allah ce
©Santurakin Dutse

Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

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Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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