fbpx
Connect with us

Opinion

My Vision for Jigawa State (VII)

Published

on

Mustafa Sule Lamido

 

By: Mustapha Sule Lamido

I wish to start by commending all stakeholders who have been working round the clock to ensure that we remain on the right track. Over the past few weeks, we have been holding consultation meetings with leaders and elders from all 27 Local Government Areas of our dear state to establish a strong synergy that will enable us to finetune our policies and pass our message across to the grassroots. I commend the efforts of all volunteers working for the betterment of Jigawa State.

In the past few weeks, I have received concerns that our focus is still largely on the regular perennial issues of education, health, agriculture, water resources, etc. which every leader in Nigeria keeps talking about. Actually, I share these concerns also. In fact, I find it disturbing that we are still battling to get the basics right in Nigeria even after over 60 years of independence. One wouldve wished that by now, we should be discussing sophisticated issues of 21st century development, but we cant erect the building without a foundation. This is why we still have to emphasize on solving our foundational problems. Hopefully, we will get things right in a few years time.

Today, I want us to discuss agriculture which for now is the bedrock of the Jigawa State micro-economy. Over 75% of our people are farmers though at subsistence level. Agriculture is so broad that you cannot discuss its development in summary. Therefore, our vision for the sector is so wide and comprehensive that we have decided to discuss it in two series. Our major long-term plan is to make agriculture a macro-economic commercial venture that can be independent of government funding. We want to create an enabling environment which farmers will become strong enough to run their ventures just like factories and companies. In the long run, government will be the one benefitting from agricultural revenues even without huge budgetary allocations for the sector.

First and foremost, we are lucky that all the natural and artificial factors favourable to agricultural development are already available in Jigawa State. Our State has a total landmass of 24,742 square kilometres, a large proportion of which is certified to be arable. Ground survey data from the Jigawa State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (JARDA) indicates that our State has a total fadama (wetlands) size of 3,433.79 km (14% of its total landmass). In addition, we have a population of over 3 million able-bodied youths.

In addition to our new plans for agriculture, we intend to build on the achievements of the previous PDP administration. Our major deliverables are, establishment of a conducive environment through solving the farmers-herders conflict, revolutionary upgrade from subsistence to commercial farming through agricultural mechanization, sustainable agricultural funding, modernized and scientific agriculture through research and revival of agricultural extension, developing an irrigation masterplan for all-year round farming, modernized animal production and upgrade of veterinary clinics, effective storage and increased agro-processing, increased access to subsidized farm inputs and establishment of a strong linkage between agriculture and industrialization.

We will start by establishing a synergy with relevant national and international organizations in order to achieve the complete formalization of the agricultural sector. We shall deploy experts to conduct a comprehensive soil classification across the state and document the environmental requirements of all crops so that farmers can be guided on what to produce, how to produce them and where to do so. This will pave way for the gradual migration of Jigawa State into scientific agriculture. We shall work to evaluate the periodic contributions of agriculture and its components to our GDP.

As a matter of policy, we shall encourage all civil servants and other corporate entities to take up agriculture as a second venture. Our government will consider granting significant funds as agricultural loans to civil servants at zero interest rates to be deducted from their salaries over time. Only those who show convincing evidence of existing investment in agri-business will benefit.

We shall deploy a viable and sustainable means of supporting serious farmers with the right capital. Under the Anchor Borrowers Scheme of the Federal Government, the CBN is reported to have disbursed over 5 billion Naira as loan between 2016-2021 to Jigawa State farmers. However, it is difficult to objectively assess the sustainable impacts of these loans on the sector in the state. In partnership with the same Federal Government, we will start from the depoliticization of these loans so that only real farmers will have access irrespective of political affiliation. We will then expand the scheme at local level and improve it through monitoring and evaluation Insha Allah.

We will revive agricultural extension by extensively and intensively using the services of relevant graduates of the agricultural discipline. They will be given exclusive consultancy and extension service training and development exposure on new and better ways of mechanised agriculture and utilisation of better yielding seeds and varieties of animal/fishery breeding methods, etc.

We will conduct a comprehensive review of the policies and implementation mechanisms of agricultural inputs to farmers and cooperatives. To ensure the sustainability of fertilizer supply at affordable prices, we will work with private investors for the establishment and strengthening of factories with the capacity to produce the right quality and quantity throughout the year. We shall also work to attract further investors that specialize in other farm consumables like pesticides and animal supplements to see the possibility of producing them in Jigawa.

We cannot move beyond our current status if we dont substitute crude implements with modern ones; but we are aware that achieving agricultural mechanization will require time and huge resources. Since it will be nearly impossible to provide farm machineries to all categories of farmers at once, we will emphasize on agricultural equipment hiring and maintenance arrangement. Under this, there will be a community-based arrangement to deploy these equipment and tools to farmer groups to expose them to their uses and elementary maintenance. The services of the newly trained extension workers and practitioners will be utilised here.

We shall give priority to irrigation agriculture. Jigawa has 8 Dams, Dambo, Kazaure and Wawanrafi Dams in Kazaure LGA, Warwade Dam in Dutse LGA, Galambi and Hayin Walde Dams in Gwaram LGA, Kafin Gana Dam in Birnin Kudu LGA and Kalwai Dam in Kaugama LGA. Insha Allah, we shall develop a new irrigation masterplan to make the best use of our existing water resources. In my next focus, I will continue with our agricultural policies and programmes for Fulani nomads, animal production, agro-processing, storage and marketing as well as the complete agricultural value chain.

Gobe ta Allah ce
©Santurakin Dutse

#

Opinion

An Open Letter by Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) To Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, a member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State

Published

on

 

An Open Letter by Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) To Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, a member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State

Dear Hon.

YOU ARE A POLITICAL DISAPPOINTMENT TO THE NORTH AND YOUR EVIL CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE NORTHERN NIGERIAN INTEREST IN RESPECT OF THE MALEVOLENT AND ANTI – NORTH TAX REFORM BILL SHALL NOT SUCCEED

The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), on behalf of the 19 Northern States leadership of the Assembly, wishes to express our unequivocal disappointment in you, following a recent TV interview you granted, and outrightly endorsed the evil plan to undermine the North, and further relegate the region economically and commercially. Your shameful act of publicly supporting the proposed tax reform bill put forth by the Tinubu administration, is the highest order of disrespect to your constituents, Kano State people and the entire Northern Nigeria

As representatives of the Northern Nigerian youth, we believe that this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, without taking into cognisance the current economic reality in the country

#

Our disappointment is more on your vow to prioritize the passage of Tinubu’s evil tax reform bills in the National Assembly. While the proposed tax reform may be of so much interest to the people at the centre, however, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion the bill, that is clearly anti-North, exposes your misguided commitment to the course of protecting the interest of those you represent. It is very practical that the North faces a barrage of critical issues such as: acute shortage of electricity supply, rampant insecurity across the region, naked poverty, unemployment and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name just a few.

It is our belief that these are some of the challenges your constituents suffer from, and the purpose of your election was to fundamentally champion the course to address them through effective legislation and advocacy, rather than dedicating your legislative energy to serve some agenda that could further marginalize the Northern Nigerian people, the region where you come from. It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritize your focus towards championing the course to alleviating the pressing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people in the North. This tax reform, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the burdens of businesses and families in Northern Nigeria—businesses that are already struggling to survive due to unreliable power, inconsistent policy, Federal Government support and poor access to essential services.

Northern Nigerian requires only the leaders who could speak in the interest of the region, not hired lobbyists who would do everything to misguide and deceive their people for some cheap political gains.

We wish to inform you that, Northern Youth Assembly,n is highly disappointed for the likes of you, who would be engaged in supporting Tinubu’s evil plan of destroying the North.

We are committed to fight this course with our last drop of blood, expose the evil ones who are ready to auction the North, as we could no longer surrender our destiny into the hands of political merchants, betrayers and political hypocrites

The proposed Tinubu Tax Reform Bill, is evil and that was the reason why, the National Economic Advisory Council, rejected the bill in the first place, while people like you are trying to justify right, what is wrong in its totality

Signed.

Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi,
National Assistant publicity Secretary

Continue Reading

Opinion

APC Stalwart Urges Deputy Senate President to Leave Gwarzo Alone

Published

on

 

It has come to my notice of some sponsored hirelings under pseudo guise of “Renewed Hope Ambassadors Forum” have initiated a media assault against the person of the former Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, demanding he stop criticising the President over his ministerial removal.

First off, a simple online check will reveal absolutely nothing substantial about them. This proves that it is a makeshift-sham group created by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin to sabotage the All Progressives Congress in Kano. This unregistered, unrecognized outfit has one purpose: to spread chaos and destruction, serving as Barau’s personal attack dog. No legitimate person or institution takes them seriously. Their legitimacy is a joke, their agenda is as clear as daylight and their true intentions are as transparent as glass.

Contrary to the groups claims, the former Minister hasn’t publicly criticized the President since his removal. It is never in his character as a politician to go down so low for any political gain or fame and this principle aligns with his established political demeanor, marked by a reluctance to engage in contentious debates or verbal sparring for political advantage.

The former Minister is a disciple and mentee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he said in an interview with BBC Hausa that the President singlehandedly nominated him to serve in his cabinet and he therefore sees no fault when he relieved him of his appointment even though he has informed him of his reason to do so. He rather thanked the President for the opportunity to serve his country.

One of the reasons given was that Kano North is overloaded with appointees and there was the need to appoint someone from Kano Central but Gwarzo questioned the decision to appoint Ata instead of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna who was the Gubernatorial candidate of the party in 2023.

#

And to be fair to him, Gwarzo was right in making that suggestion looking at their credentials and antecedents, Gawuna is politically more equipped than Ata. It is clear that Ata lost even in his ward, local government and senatorial district during the 2023 election; he worked wholeheartedly against the party for losing the primaries against Aminu Sulaiman Goro.

These were Gwarzo’s baseline arguments, so attacking him and accusing him criticising President Tinubu is nothing more than a well brewed lie for political opportunism. Gwarzo remains President Tinubu’s mentee and disciple and has not yet renounced him, so how could he ever criticise his mentor and benefactor?

To this moment, Gwarzo has consistently expressed his unwavering respect and admiration for the President, affirming that his loyalty will remain unshakeable, regardless of circumstances.

Even those who worked for his removal are aware that Gwarzo is the number one loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu followed by the APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

It is unarguable that Gwarzo ranks among the top five loyalists of the President in entire Northern Nigeria, alongside notable figures such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ibrahim Masari, and Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Senator Barau Jibrin’s claim of loyalty to the President seems to be just lip service, as his track record suggests he’s a self-serving politician who only values relationships when they benefit him. Barau’s history reveals a pattern of using people for his own gain and discarding them when their usefulness expires.

The President should exercise caution in dealing with Senator Barau Jibrin, given his history of betraying those who helped him rise to power since 1999. Now, he’s attempting to leverage his office to deceive the President into believing he has complete control over Kano politics to make the President think he has more power than he actually does.

Barau cannot defeat AT Gwarzo in Gwarzo, he cannot do that to Murtala in Kabo, Abubakar Kabir Bichi in Bichi, Sani Bala in Tsanyawa and Ghary, Hamisu Chidari in Dambatta and Makoda and Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe in Dawakin Tofa, Tofa and Rimin Gado, same thing goes to Bagwai and Shanono.

He hides under the umbrella of these individuals to win the election not because of his capacity but because of the platform and the aforementioned names.

People like Senator Barau are only loyal to you when you’re in power. The President should ask his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari about people like him.

Gwangwazo, a member of the All Progressives Congress writes from Kano Municipal

Continue Reading

Opinion

Ata’s Political Arrogance: Disconnected from Kano’s Realities

Published

on

Yusuf Abdullahi Atah,Minister of state housing and urban development

 

Abdullahi Yusuf Ata’s recent statement about his ability to deliver Kano State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 reeks of political overconfidence and an astonishing lack of self-awareness. His claims, particularly about regaining APC’s stronghold in the state, deserve to be scrutinized for their glaring contradictions with his political history and current standing.

First, Ata’s tenure as Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly was abruptly cut short by his impeachment, largely based on accusations that he lacked the capability to manage the affairs of the House. The motion to remove him was spearheaded by key political figures from his own party, including Labaran Abdul Madari and Abdullahi Chiromawa, suggesting that even within his political ranks, Ata was seen as ineffective. This was a glaring indication of his inability to lead, which raises immediate doubts about his supposed political strength and ability to effect meaningful change in Kano.

Abuja Residents Protest Against Minister Wike Over Alleged Land Grabbing

His defeat in the 2023 general elections across multiple positions, including State Assembly, Kano Governorship, Senate, and even the presidential election, paints a picture of a politician whose influence is not only waning but practically nonexistent.

If Ata cannot secure a victory in his own local government of Fagge, a vital constituency in Kano, how can he realistically claim to have the political capital to reclaim the state for the APC? His defeat speaks volumes about his disconnect with the electorate, who have repeatedly rejected his leadership at multiple levels.

Ata’s assertion that Kano Central, the region he claims to represent, will swing back to APC under his leadership is equally questionable. While he boasts about the region’s substantial voter base, it is important to remind him that political success is not merely about numbers but about credibility and leadership. His track record offers little evidence of either.

The people of Kano have demonstrated their unwillingness to back his leadership in recent elections, and his inability to secure even his own ward suggests that his claim to revive APC’s fortunes is based more on delusion than reality.

Furthermore, Ata’s attempt to place himself as a key player in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is puzzling, given that his previous stints in political leadership, including his role as Majority Leader and Special Adviser to the Governor, yielded no tangible results. His promises to complete ongoing housing projects and deliver on his ministerial duties sound more like empty rhetoric aimed at salvaging a reputation that is increasingly difficult to restore.

It is vital that Ata reconsiders his current trajectory. Rather than continuing to make baseless promises about political victories, he would be better served by focusing on his current ministerial responsibilities. He must acknowledge the fact that he has no real political power or influence to reclaim the APC mandate in Kano. His continued posturing is more likely to harm his standing and waste valuable political capital, which could otherwise be used in more productive endeavors.

To put it bluntly, Ata’s prideful statements do not align with his past performances, and his focus should be on serving the people through his ministerial role rather than indulging in delusions of grandeur about the next election cycle.

Garba Ubale Kankarofi is a political analyst and writes from Kano. He can be reached at +234 706 816 0279.

#

Continue Reading

Trending