Opinion

Jigawa at 34: The Poetry of Progress, the Philosophy of Responsibility-Lamara Garba

Published

3 months ago

August 29, 2025

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa state with his predecessors in office during the celebration of the creation of Jigawa State

By Lamara Garba Azare

Thirty-four years in the life of a state is like a river carving its way through rocks; steady, patient, sometimes turbulent, yet always forward. Jigawa, born on that fateful Tuesday, 27th August 1991, out of Kano’s map and skepticism, was once dismissed as barren land with little hope of survival. Some mocked it as a mere “civil service state,” others doubted whether it could pay salaries, let alone build an economy. Yet, as the calendar marks 34 years, the story has changed. Jigawa has risen with quiet resilience to become one of the most peaceful and administratively stable states in Nigeria.

The early years were defined by scarcity. The first military administrator, Colonel Olayinka Sule, is remembered for lamenting that he inherited “only one brick house.” That statement captured the reality of Jigawa’s beginning: a state without structures, institutions, or resources. Roads were scarce, schools too few, and hospitals barely functional. Yet the people endured, and leaders improvised. Colonel Ibrahim Aliyu, who followed, set in motion the first structures of governance, laying the foundation of ministries and local councils. To many, those years felt like planting seeds in dry ground, but they were necessary steps in the long journey of becoming.

With the return of civilian rule in 1999, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki stepped in as the first elected governor. His administration invested in fiscal reforms, introducing measures to expand internally generated revenue and experiment with new public-private partnerships. Though his tenure was not without controversies, he carved out a fiscal pathway that reduced the dependency on federal allocation. After him came Sule Lamido, whose eight years brought a new sense of pride to Jigawa. Lamido, influenced by his socialist leaning, embarked on massive infrastructural transformation—roads, schools, hospitals, and housing projects. He established the Jigawa State University at Kafin Hausa, expanded Dutse Airport, and made the capital a hub of activity. He also became known for his reforms in public service, branding Jigawa as one of the few states with relative transparency in public finance.

After Lamido came Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, fondly called “Baba Mai Calculator.” His tenure emphasized prudence, continuity, and rural development. He is remembered for expanding road projects, completing water schemes, and paying attention to agricultural reforms. Under him, Jigawa consolidated its reputation as a state that avoided reckless borrowing and maintained financial discipline. His eight years were defined by calm governance, with Jigawa standing out in a country often shaken by political turbulence.

Today, Governor Umar A. Namadi continues from where his predecessors stopped. At the 34th anniversary celebration, he spoke with both gratitude and resolve. He reminded his audience that Jigawa’s story is not about individuals but about a people who endured hardship, believed in progress, and built a state from near-nothing. “With profound gratitude to Allah SWT,” he said, “I am delighted to stand among our past leaders and our people on this historic day. From the bereft position of 1991, Jigawa has come of age. It has not been a smooth journey, but an arduous one marked by sacrifice, resilience, and disciplined leadership.” His words carried the weight of history as he acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors—military and civilian alike—and framed his administration as another link in the chain of continuity.

On Wednesday, 27th August 2025, the State capital, Dutse, became a theatre of gratitude and reflection. Past governors, elder statesmen, traditional rulers, academicians, and citizens converged not merely to celebrate a date, but to affirm the philosophy of unity—that leadership, in its truest form, is a relay where each handoff builds a greater tomorrow. The Shekoni, in words that carried both humility and grandeur, captured the essence of the day when he declared:
“With profound gratitude to Allah SWT, I am highly delighted for having the privilege of being in the midst of all the highly notable individuals here present, who have greatly contributed to the making of our dear State of Jigawa. In particular, I am truly highly honoured and humbled by the presence of all the past leaders that have found time to be with us here today to grace this auspicious and memorable occasion of the 34th Anniversary of the Creation of Jigawa State. We most profoundly thank Allah SWT, by Whose grace, mercy and benevolence, you are all opportune to be with us here today to mark the occasion.”

His words reminded the gathering that Jigawa is not the achievement of one man or one government but a collective labour of leaders, elites, and citizens alike. In a moment that stilled the hall, the Emir of Dutse rose to speak. His voice, calm and regal, carried the authority of history and the warmth of a father blessing his children. He said, “My dear people of Jigawa, today is not just about celebrating years; it is about celebrating patience, vision, and unity. When this State was created, many doubted its survival. But see where we stand today thriving, dignified, respected. This is the fruit of discipline, of faith in Allah, and of leaders who placed service above self. As we mark 34 years, let us remember that development is not only about roads, hospitals, and schools. It is also about the moral fibre of our people, the dignity of our youth, the empowerment of our women, and the protection of our traditions. Let us continue to live as one family, bound by faith, guided by wisdom, and inspired by hope. For the future of Jigawa is not in the hands of a few—it is in the hands of all.”

His message resonated deeply: that progress is incomplete without unity and moral strength, and that Jigawa’s greatness lies in its people as much as in its infrastructure. To balance tradition with intellect, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, former Minister of Education and one of Jigawa’s most distinguished daughters, offered her reflection. With the elegance of scholarship and the passion of a patriot, she declared, “As we celebrate Jigawa at 34, let us not only recount the legacies of our leaders but also measure how far we have come in nurturing the minds of our children. Education has always been the ladder out of poverty, the torch that lights the path of progress. I am proud that Jigawa has invested in this sacred sector, but I must urge that we do more. Our girls must be given the wings to fly, our boys the skills to create, and our teachers the honour they deserve. For it is only through knowledge, discipline, and values that the dream of Greater Jigawa will find permanence. Let us ensure that no child in this land is left behind in the march towards development. That, for me, will be the greatest legacy of our 34 years.”

Her words cast a prophetic challenge to the State: that physical structures will one day fade, but education remains an immortal gift that shapes destinies across generations. Together, the speeches of the Shekoni, the Emir of Dutse, and Professor Rufai wove a tapestry of perspectives: governance, tradition, and scholarship. It was a reminder that true progress requires the harmony of all pillars of society.

Namadi then turned to the present, outlining his efforts under the 12-Point Agenda for Greater Jigawa. Barely two years in office, he has overseen the completion of over 300 km of inherited roads with another 800 km under construction, embarked on a 600-unit housing scheme with hundreds already completed, and pushed forward the long-awaited Dutse Water Project. His government has launched erosion and flood mitigation projects to reclaim degraded lands, empowered over 300,000 youths and women through job creation programmes, and established new agencies to modernize agriculture and livestock production. “These are not just projects,” he declared, “they are building blocks for a greater Jigawa.”

But even in celebration, the challenges were not ignored. Jigawa still struggles with out-of-school children, with youth in search of jobs, and with the slow pace of industrialization. Poverty, though reduced, still casts a shadow across many families. At 34, the state stands at a crossroad. Its achievements prove that steady governance can make a difference, but the next chapter will depend on how leaders confront the deeper questions of education, employment, and industrial growth.

The story of Jigawa is the story of unity across political divides, across time, and across visions. It is the story of resilience, of leaders who built not for themselves but for a people, and of citizens who have borne sacrifices with patience. The anniversary, however, was not just a look backwards; it was a gaze forward.

As the Emir reminded, unity and morality must remain the compass. As Professor Rufai urged, education must remain the ladder. And as the Shekoni prayed, faith must remain the anchor. Jigawa at 34 is not just a celebration of years; it is a philosophy of progress. It is the poetry of resilience. It is the reminder that from barren soil can grow a garden if nurtured with patience, vision, and faith. Undeniably, thirty-four years on, Jigawa teaches Nigeria a lesson: that from barren soil, a garden can bloom if watered by discipline, faith, and unity of purpose.

Lamara Garba Azare, writes from Kano

Opinion

Insecurity: Was Badaru’s Exit a Voluntary Resignation or a Disguised Dismissal?

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

_By Abba Dukawa_

Whether former Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru Abubakar resigned or was quietly removed by the President, one thing is certain: the Defence Ministry urgently needs an experienced and capable leader, especially amid today’s escalating security crises.

In the Tinubu administration, citing “health grounds” has become the political equivalent of “ dog ate homework” a polite euphemism for someone who has essentially been dismissed.

The truth is that Badaru had no business being Defence Minister in the first place. He brought no relevant experience to the role, and his temperament was ill‑suited to a nation facing a deepening security crisis. His appointment baffled anyone genuinely concerned about Nigeria’s stability and survival.

Before his exit, Badaru had already exposed himself as hopelessly confused and entirely unfit to lead the Defence Ministry – the institution responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s military.

In a BBC Hausa Service interview *before his unceremonial departure* from the cabinet, he revealed glaring deficiencies in his understanding of security challenges. He even made a shocking claim: that the Nigerian Air Force cannot eliminate terrorists hiding in forests because some hideouts are “too thick for bombs to penetrate.” He said:

_“In this kind of war, from time to time there will be relief; sometimes they will do something that will shock everyone on the ground, although I have heard some say their whereabouts are known and who they are. It is true that their whereabouts are known, but they are people you cannot attack, or they are in the forests where our bombs cannot reach them.”_

His remarks reveal not only a lack of resolve to confront insecurity but also a habit of offering puerile excuses to justify failure. Under his watch, Nigeria witnessed some of its bloodiest days, as terrorists and bandits unleashed violence on defenseless citizens across the Northeast, Northwest, and North‑Central regions. During this period, terrorists abducted and publicly executed Brigadier General Uba and three of his men in Borno State.

The truth is that Badaru was unfit to be Defence Minister long before his exit. His comments suggest a Nigeria permanently at the mercy of bandits, yet these criminals were allegedly never apprehended because their locations were “too remote” or “too difficult to attack.”

Thankfully, President Bola Tinubu has responded with a sweeping overhaul, replacing the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs. He has now nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, citing his ability to “further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.”

General Musa, 58, is a highly decorated soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 to October 2025. His distinguished career includes appointments as Theatre Commander of Operation, Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, and recipient of the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012. President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s leadership, describing him as a “tested professional capable of strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.

The former Defence Minister’s defeatist comments have sparked widespread criticism and demoralized troops on the frontline. The focus now shifts to President Tinubu’s administration and General Musa’s ability to restore confidence and security across the nation.

Challenges ahead for General Musa as defence minister, Strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance systems to combat terrorism and banditry.

Improve barracks conditions and support for military personnel. Accelerate efforts to tackle Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other insurgent groups. Strengthen partnerships with global security agencies. Overhaul procurement processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Emphasizing innovation and technology will be crucial: advanced surveillance, AI‑driven threat analysis, and regional cooperation can make guerrilla warfare more predictable and attackers more accountable. With his extensive experience and proven track record, General Musa is well‑positioned to bring positive change to Nigeria’s defence sector.

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

Opinion

When Former Commissioners, LG Chairmen Endorse DSP Barau

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Abba Anwar

Politics, at whatever rate, is a matter of choice and process selection. When political actors, become impregnated with uncertainties, double speak/standard, coordinated lies and enduring loose ends, result will be goofed end.

Agreed, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano has been in disarray, immediately after the Supreme Court judgement of 2023 gubernatorial election result. But nothing or very little is being done to genuinely and honestly ameliorate the situation. The major crisis is that of disunity, mistrust and master-servant relationship between and among leaders and followers.

Another major dilemma, as far as party cohesion is concerned, particularly among leaders, is who becomes flagbearer of gubernatorial ticket come 2027, at the expense of all other elective positions. This, creates an ocean of gap between gubernatorial aspirants and their supporters. Genuine or fake supporters.

From the Supreme Court judgement of 2023 gubernatorial election result, to date, almost all the aspirants, including the then flagbearers, Gawuna – Garo ticket, came to know, who their real and genuine people, within the party, are. From that time to date, individual choices are examined and partitioned according to their political needs and engagement.

Switching over across political preferences, overtly or covertly, are fast manifesting. Loyalty, both divided and unwavering, are taking more shapes and directions. This is also a fact, attached to party leaders, elders and all other stakeholders. From ward level to local government level up to state level.

Looking at the political space, within the context of APC in Kano, we have gubernatorial aspirants in the persons of the current Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, the 2023 gubernatorial candidate, His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and his running mate, His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, AA Zaura and others who are being lured in a deceitful manner, to join the race.

It appears to many recently that, the space is becoming clearer and gloomy to some. As 2027 is fast approaching, many things started evolving from within. While leaders and stakeholders are using the situation to cash out, few others see more opportunities for enduring political choice. Created by the current situation and time.

It is from the standpoint of this scenario, enduring political choice, that former Commissioners and former local governments Chairmen, decided to take a queue towards the direction of DSP Barau. Though immediately after the Commissioners visit to the DSP, and after DSP’s Facebook handle revealed that, the former Commissioners were at his office for a solidarity visit, one of the former Commissioners, Mutari Ishaq Yakasai, was on air blaming that disclosure as misleading and concocted lie.

Explaining further that, they were at DSP’s office to thank him for appointing some of their members, former Commissioners, to position in his office. While he (Barau) also facilitated the appointment of some of them to other positions.

Before Yakasai came on air dismissing Barau’s Facebook post, there were stories everywhere, that one of those who visited Barau in his office, amongst the former Commissioners, rejected DSP’s Facebook post, that they were there for a solidarity visit, as 2027 was fast approaching. But all the stories did not reveal the identity of the very person, who rejected DSP’s revelation. Then came Yakasai’s disclosure.

Just few hours after that, another former Commissioner who was also there during the visit, Kabiru Ado Lakwaya, went to the air and was carried in many stories, that, they were all there and paid a solidarity visit to the DSP. Explaining further that, they all agreed to support him for his 2027 gubernatorial ambition. When Lakwaya revealed that, there were arguments, from all ends. Some dismissing his claim as misleading and unbecoming of a man of his caliber.

After him, another former Commissioner, Musa Iliasu Kwankwaso, came on air supporting Lakwaya’s submission, in a very clever way. But a good listener, could deduce the main substance of his narrative. That, everyone has the right to support anybody of his choice. Arguing that, it was only a political choice, that all are entitled to.

What gave clearer perspective was a video clip that came from DSP Barau’s media unit, presenting the visit of the former Commissioners, live and direct. In that clip, some of the former Commissioners, whose remarks were shown, were all clear and categorical that, they were at DSP’s office to put their weight behind him. Adding that, part of their appreciation, for his intervention in the survival and development of the party, APC, was to tell him that, they would support him in all his political ambitions.

That clip put a stop to all the debates about what took the former Commissioners to the Deputy Senate President. Nothing was also heard again from either Yakasai or any other person.

Another similar visit was that of the former local governments Chairmen. Who also paid a visit to the DSP. Which the Senator in his own Facebook handle, disclosed that the former Chairmen were at his office to pay him a solidarity visit, towards 2027 elect.

In their own case also, after the visit, there were hues and cries that some of them alleged to have denied that they were there for a solidarity visit. But to the chagrin of all, unlike former Commissioners, none of the former local government Chairmen came to public and denounce what the DSP said on his Facebook handle. That they, were there to put their weight behind him.

The way I see it, is this, that, some people hide behind some teleguided wishes, acting behind the script of self – serving choice, leaving behind outer-wishes and engagement. While Kano APC is still intact, from the periphery , so many important stakeholders, understand why they should roam about and fix themselves into, what they think is better for them.

But the thing is, while unity is paramount and necessary for the party, sincerity of purpose and honest relationship, are prerequisite for victory come 2027. Among the aspirants we have there are very few of them, whom I can vouch that they are not in the race as do or die affair. Yes they have clean mind for it. And they understand its chemistry, opportunities and challenges. So working hand in hand with them, is not only deserving, but necessary.

Agreed, former Commissioners and former local governments Chairmen, are entitle to their political choice, they have a lot to offer in reconciling all parts within the larger body of the party. So also all other former this or former that, who held positions during the reign of the former Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. What we all need is sincerity of purpose, transparent political engagement and unscathed political choice.

While former Commissioners and former local governments Chairmen are probably shifting ground, I want DSP Barau to have it at the back of his mind that, he shouldn’t expect them all to support him at this stage. Some could be waiting for the natural process to take its cause. Not knowing that they are part of the natural process. But at whatever length, former this or former that, have every right to take their political direction, at their own pace, we should all know that, the overall aim is the victory of the party during polls.

Unity of the party is necessary at any cost. As integrity and honesty are necessary from the part of our leaders, followers should know that any tragedy in future, if care is not taken, will be harsher on them, as mere subjects. Take it or leave it. Unity is important to the party, as air is important to life.

Anwar writes from Kano
Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025

Opinion

Re: Governor Abba Don’t Play Politics With Insecurity: Replying Senator Barau

Published

6 days ago

November 29, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

By Abdullahi Hafiz

I read with keen interest a press statement issued by Senator Barau I. Jibrin’s media office calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf not to politicise the issue of insecurity.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to refrain from politicising the challenges of insecurity and instead focus on addressing the numerous problems bedevilling the state under his watch.

The statement, which is replete with hollow reasons and unsubstantiated claims, has now also exposed the Deputy Senate President’s non-awareness of the true state of politics and politicking and even the welfare of the people he claims to represent — the people of Kano North.

Senator Barau’s likeness for attention in Kano has drawn many people into deception, thinking that the senator, who is also the second in command at the legislature, is always trying to prove what is not on ground since his election into the Senate in the year 2015.

In one way or the other, as a lawmaker and the highest-ranking one for that matter, Senator Barau’s development agenda is only being seen in the pages of newspapers and the digital media.

As he mentioned through Ismail Mudassir that the Kano State Government should not play with the issue of insecurity, it left many people wondering and wandering what Senator Barau meant.

In a situation whereby the community which Senator Barau came from — the Kano North Senatorial District — is now vulnerable to insurgent attacks as it shares borders with many communities in Katsina that were ravaged by banditry, it is very appalling and takes one to unease.

Security, apart from protecting lives and properties, includes ensuring a motorable road for your constituents, which is one of the safest means of security.

For example, the Kano–Gwarzo Road was awarded since Senator Barau’s entry into the Senate 10 years ago, and he was instrumental in awarding the contract for the total rehabilitation of the road. Unfortunately, by the time you bypass a section of Kano metropolis after BUK and Janguza Barracks, what you will encounter as a driver up to Kano’s border with Katsina is an unmotorable road linking Kano to Dayi.

The road is in total disrepair, and it was Senator Barau who brought the motion for re-awarding the construction of the road since 2015.

The question the majority of the constituents are asking is why the road is still in a state of disrepair when most of the federal roads in southern Nigeria were completed.

Leaving a major unmotorable road in your constituency, which you brought in 2015, is one of the serious disasters of insecurity, incompetence, and retardation of the progress of Kano, which you accused Governor Abba of.

As Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is the Chief Security Officer of the state, and Kano is at his heart. He has not aided any sabotage in undermining the security of the state like the way you were accused of.

During the social media popular programme Fashin Baki anchored by Barrister Bulama Bukarti, Abba Hikima, Nasiru Salisu Zango, and Jaafar Jaafar, investigative journalist Jaafar Jaafar accused you of being instrumental in undermining the well-being of Kano and its people. Still, your media office or spokesperson did not offer any rebuttal to that accusation. Are you afraid that journalist Jaafar Jaafar may have cogent reasons for making those allegations against you?

“Jaafar Jaafar said a lot of people are pointing accusing fingers at the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, of undermining the security and well-being of Kano, but people should know that Senator Barau is at the forefront.”

On the claim by Senator Barau’s media office about providing support to security agencies, Governor Abba, who was mandated by the Constitution of Nigeria to do that, has surpassed you. The main issue some of us from Kano North are daring you to tell us, for our own security of lives and properties, is the issue of Gwarzo Road, which you supervised its reconstruction. But what happened in ten years since you entered the Red Chamber as Chairman and head of an important Committee of Appropriation?

Now that you are the Deputy Senate President, what happened to the multiple awards of contracts on that road?

Comrade Abdullahi Hafiz wrote from Kano