The Life and Legacy of Muhammad Garba: A Story of Commitment, Leadership, and Excellence

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano

Muhammad Garba’s rise from a young man in Kano to a reputable figure in public service, media, and union leadership is evidence of his commitment, foresight, and ceaseless work to improve Nigeria. A number of noteworthy accomplishments throughout his more than three-decade career demonstrate his development, tenacity, and unshakable dedication to the media industry, public service, and the people he represented.

*Early Beginnings in Journalism*

Born and raised in Kano State, Muhammad Garba was exposed to the rich cultural diversity and vibrant political atmosphere of northern Nigeria. His early years in Kano shaped his outlook and provided the foundation for his future endeavors.

Garba started working as a journalist in 1989 for Triumph Publishing Company Limited, one of the Kano’s most well-known media outlets. As a journalist, Garba soon came to see how the media could affect national debate and public sentiment. His ascent in the media sector was driven by his love of impactful, accurate reporting as well as his natural grasp of the function of journalism in society.

Notable were Garba’s strong work ethic, ability to meet deadlines, and astute editorial judgment. From reporter to sub-editor, chief sub-editor, group news editor, and finally deputy editor, he rose through the ranks quickly.

He developed his leadership skills in each of these positions while gaining the knowledge and expertise necessary to handle the intricacies of newsrooms. Garba played a crucial role in determining Triumph Publishing’s editorial direction as he rose through the ranks, helping to preserve the publication’s standing as a high-caliber news outlet.

*Union Leadership: A Champion for Journalists*

In addition to his achievements as an editor, Garba’s strong participation in unionism showed his leadership potential. He thought it was important to safeguard the rights and well-being of journalists, particularly in a setting where press freedom was frequently threatened. After being elected as Chapel-The Triumph’s chairman, Garba started his union involvement by assiduously defending the rights of the organization’s journalists.

Soon after, Garba’s leadership abilities and influence helped him rise to a higher position as president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). His career took a significant turn at this point. In this esteemed position, Garba promoted press freedom, improved working conditions, and moral principles for journalists throughout Nigeria.

Significant progress was made in press organization during his time as NUJ president, guaranteeing that journalists’ rights were upheld and their voices heard. Under his direction, the union consolidated its standing as a powerful force in Nigerian media, capable of interacting with employers, government officials, and civil society organizations to defend journalists’ rights.

*Transition to Public Service*

Given his extensive background in media, leadership, and public affairs, Garba’s move from journalism to public service was a logical one. He was in high demand for government jobs due to his reputation as an excellent communicator and his in-depth knowledge of the political environment.

He first served as the press secretary to both the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Deputy Governor of Kano State. In these roles, Garba was responsible for managing the flow of information between political offices and the public. His work as press secretary required him to be tactful, efficient, and strategic, ensuring that the political leaders he represented had a strong, clear message that resonated with the public and stakeholders.

Garba was appointed as the Commissioner for Information in the Kano State Government under former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR because of his expertise in media management and public relations.

As Commissioner for Information, Garba was tasked with managing government communications, including handling media relations, overseeing the dissemination of government policies, and ensuring transparency in governance. His ability to navigate the complexities of state media and his flair for crafting compelling narratives helped elevate the public image of the Kano State Government.

*Chief of Staff to the National Chairman of the All-Progressive Congress (APC)*

Garba’s career achieved a new height when he was named Chief of Staff to Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC). In this capacity, Garba rose to prominence inside the ruling political party’s organizational apparatus. Managing the party’s operations, supervising communication tactics within the APC, and organizing important assignments for the National Chairman were among his responsibilities.

Garba was recognized for his extraordinary organizational and strategic skills when he was appointed Chief of Staff. He was given important assignments requiring a thorough comprehension of Nigerian politics, the objectives of the APC, and the effective execution of those goals.His behind-the-scenes efforts, which made sure the APC’s message reached its supporters efficiently, were crucial to the party’s operations and electoral campaigns.

Being Dr. Ganduje’s close advisor, Garba was essential in shaping the party’s policies and tactics, especially those concerning election and governance. In both local and national politics, the APC’s success was greatly aided by his capacity to organize extensive political operations.

*A Legacy of Service and Leadership*

Throughout his career, Muhammad Garba has exemplified the qualities of a servant leader: dedication, humility, and a tireless commitment to the people he served. Whether as a journalist, a union leader, or a public servant, Garba’s primary focus has always been on serving the public good. His influence in Nigerian journalism, unionism, and politics has left a lasting impact, one that will be felt for generations to come.

Garba has made a significant impact on the media landscape. More press freedom and a more professional media environment have been made possible by his efforts to improve the working circumstances of media practitioners and to fortify the Nigerian journalistic union. He demonstrated his capacity to serve the public with honesty and openness during his tenure as a public servant, making sure that the programs and policies actually benefited the populace.

As a political leader, Garba’s work with the APC influenced the party’s communication approach, which helped it remain effective and relevant in Nigeria’s rapidly changing political environment. His attempts to make sure the party ran smoothly contributed to its standing as one of Nigeria’s most powerful political organizations.

Muhammad Garba’s rise from the press to the top levels of public service is a compelling illustration of what is possible with diligence, tenacity, and a strong sense of purpose. He will always be regarded as a person whose contributions influenced the political, media, and public service environments of Nigeria. His career is a testament to the virtues of integrity, leadership, and determination.

In conclusion, everyone who wants to change their community can find inspiration in Muhammad Garba’s incredible journey. His accomplishments serve as evidence of the strength of dedication, development, and societal contribution. Future generations of Nigerian and international journalists, leaders, and public servants will surely continue to draw inspiration from Garba’s legacy.

Written by a digital journalist Umar Idris Shuaibu, from Kano.

The Nigerian Army held an investiture ceremony on Monday, December 23, 2024, to decorate 35 newly promoted Major Generals at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who was the Special Guest of Honour, lauded the officers for their courage, dedication, and professionalism, which earned them this significant career milestone. He highlighted that their elevation serves as a testament to their sacrifices and commitment to national service.

Addressing the officers, the CDS stressed the importance of their roles in tackling the nation’s pressing security challenges. He described their promotion as a symbol of hope for Nigerians and a clarion call to intensify efforts in safeguarding the nation and defending democracy. He urged them to remain steadfast, loyal, and dedicated to their duties while ensuring the welfare of the troops under their command.General Musa also expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for approving the promotions, assuring the President of the officers’ unwavering commitment to national service.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, congratulated the officers and their families, emphasizing the vital role of family support in their achievements. He reminded the officers to uphold the trust placed in them by the Nigerian Army and the nation. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his strategic leadership, as well as to the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, for their support.

Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Major General LG Lepdung expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for endorsing their elevation. He pledged the officers’ dedication to the ideals of service and their resolve to work collectively for the betterment of the Armed Forces and the nation.

In a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu Director Army Public relations said the ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Senator Abdulazeez Musa Yar’adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army; Honourable Aminu Balele, Chairman of the House Committee on Army; Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff and the Inspector General of Police; and former Chiefs of Defence Staff. Also present were Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of Army training institutions, representatives of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), and other well-wishers.

The Kano State Government has announced a significant initiative to target 1.5 million women with multiple micronutrient supplementation. This ambitious project is part of the World Bank-assisted initiative known as Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN).

Dr. Umar Yahuza, the Project Coordinator for ANRiN in Kano, shared this information while interacting with newsmen at one of the training centers for healthcare personnel drawn from the 484 wards in Kano. Dr. Yahuza highlighted the scale of this intervention, emphasizing that such a massive effort is happening for the first time across the state.

Dr Umar Yahuza at Niimah Guest Palace one of the centers for the training

“This is the first time something massive like this is happening across the state. We intend to train over one thousand healthcare personnel,” Dr. Yahuza stated. He explained that the training is designed to respond to the identified challenges of stunted growth and malnutrition among women and children.

Stunting, a condition often resulting from chronic malnutrition, is a significant concern in Kano State. Dr. Yahuza pointed out that the increase in stunting rates can be attributed to other states’ refusal to implement similar nutritional interventions. However, he praised the Kano State Government under the leadership of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for its proactive approach and commitment to addressing these nutritional challenges.

“The Kano government under Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has done well,” Dr. Yahuza remarked, acknowledging the state’s efforts in improving nutritional outcomes.

The ANRiN project aims to provide preventive nutrition services to a teeming population of pregnant and lactating mothers. The training of healthcare personnel is a critical component of this initiative, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver effective nutrition services at the grassroots level.

As part of the project’s implementation, healthcare personnel from various health facilities in Kano, including medical doctors and dieticians, are being trained. The training covers essential aspects of nutrition and aims to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers to combat malnutrition and promote healthy growth among women and children.

The success of this initiative is expected to significantly impact the health and well-being of women and children in Kano State, ensuring that they receive the necessary micronutrients to support their growth and development.
One of the participants and a health worker, Nusaiba Garba, said she has learned a lot, including how to educate pregnant and lactating mothers on positioning during breastfeeding and how to relate well with patients.

Another beneficiary, Usman Balarabe Usman from Kibiya , said there are many things he learned from the training, things that he previously did not take as seriously but are very important in managing pregnant and lactating mothers, including how to welcome a patient.

Usman Balarabe Usman ,one of the participants from Kibiya