Opinion

Garba @56: A Golden Toast For Kano’s Chief Image Maker

Published

3 years ago

November 15, 2020

By Abba Dukawa

Despite the convulsion threatening the survival of the contemporary society, one can still boast of great men, though few, who stand tall in the society.

Men who write their names in gold while others write theirs in charcoal. In the heart of thousands of people, they can never be forgotten. The names and good deeds of such men will always shine like stars.

Such individuals of unique characters are celebrated everywhere, an action which encourages them to reach their peak, thereby serving as an impetus to younger generation.

Giants strides made by man are usually relieved with pomp and pageantry. While some roll out the milestone amidst glass clinging, some play the breakthrough low but, all in praises and in anticipation of better future ahead. In this momentous instance, the success story always overshadows the nauseating hurdles and barricades accompanying such feats

As such Public office holder requires some attributes to attain unrivalled position such as honesty, courage, dedication, intelligence, foresight, maturity and compassion among others.

Well-positioned and revered public servant normally possesses such attributes and the ability to carry along not only their subordinates but the entire system.

It is a fact that the public service sector had suffered a lot either at national or state levels because of bureaucracy ineffectiveness and naive public servants who have no zeal to work.

Nevertheless, there are few people here and there who are gradually changing the tides through diligence, professionalism, and due process. This kind of public servant that excel in their responsibility need to be celebrated as Comrade Muhammadu Garba clocks the age of 56.

I am celebrating this seasoned journalist of global repute. He is an excellent technocrat and loyal politician who takes up the challenges, faces commitments without hesitations as he approaches his assignments as Chief Image Maker Of The Kano State Government with dedications, humility and candour. His desire to get the best out of every situation is one philosophy that has really worked wonders, thereby catapulting him to the top.

Despite his achievements of being former
Deputy National President Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) later President of the Union and the President, West African Journalists Association (WAJA) but to us Triumphant in the Triumph family’s his greatest mark as the state commissioner of information was his commitment toward the revitalisation of the Triumph Publishing company which was closed down in 2012 by the former governor Kwankwaso.

Malam Muhammadu Garba proves to be a true Triumphant in the triumph family. He is an undisputable ambassador of the newspaper by ensuring that the organization has been revitalized by the present administration after the newspaper was brutally and unceremoniously closed down.

Perhaps, the decision of the commissioner to work assiduously in seeing to the actualization of the bringing back to life of the newspaper was informed by his awareness that Triumph Publishing Company is not just a newspaper publishing company but a training ground for journalists in the northern part of Nigeria. for, to argue that the company had produced a number of journalists, who had made their marks in the profession and thus creating waves in all aspect of human endeavour is an under statement.

The paper had produced prominent journalists like Garba Shehu, the SSA to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Mohammed Garba, the Kano State Commissioner for Information him self, and late Bilkisu Yusuf, a former Editor of the New Nigerian Newspaper, Kabiru Yusuf, the Owner of Media Trust LTD, Ali M Ali, Late Musa Tijjani Ahmad twice editor of Daily Triumph and also Leadership Newspaper other Triumphant in the Triumph family that rose the position of permanent secretaries in the state civil service are Ado Muhammad, Garba Inusa, Baba Halilu Dantiye and others on the lists of Triumphant in the Triumph family that rose various position of in the federal civil service Salisu NaInna Danbatta, Musa Ilala Other break stints in the academia are Dr Muktar Magaji Bichi, Dr Sule Yau, Dr. Farouk Kparogi, Dr Halima Kamilu Fagge and Dr Salisu Marafa just to mentions few.

One thing even his critics can’t take away from him is the fact that he, harbours no ill feelings and animosity against his critics. Taking into considerations his antecedents and his contemporary activities, one will, without the fear of contradiction, argue that the honourable commissioner, in most instances, sees his critics not as enemies. In fact, he treats them nicely, a disposition that has made him the toast of every media practitioners, staff of the state Ministry information and other peoples across the line. He is a man of valour who cherishes excellence and can hold his own among his peers. and is a man of substance whose administrative acumen is worthy of emulation especially his eyes for details and excellence.

Comrade Muhammadu Garba believes in excellence and promotes it in all spheres of life. His humility knows no bounds as he respects anyone regardless of age and social status. A detribalized professional, Muhammadu Garba has the desire to get the best out of every situation, a philosophy that has really worked wonders, thereby catapulting him to the top. His attitude to work has profound influence on many people as he handles every job with dispatch. There is no better way to confirm this than his regular presence at his office and the unprecedented record he has achieved in his five years stint as commissioner. The open door policy he adheres to religiously is no doubt an unambiguous manifestation of a man who has nothing to hind.

I am certain that comrade Muhammadu Garba provided much needed leadership in steering the affairs of the ministry. As the days passed, his leadership qualities and his proactive approach became evident to all. He is a truly an asset to Ganduje’s administration. Just during peace parley dialogue with journalists in Kano Governor Commended the Honourable Commissioner, Malam Muhammadu Garba for job well done as he appreciate his services to the state and the government toward promoting its activities. Saying “I have known him for more than 30 years and, worked with him closely right from when I was a commissioner, during the late Colonel Abdullahi Wase’s Administration, to the times i was a Deputy Governor at the returned of civilian adminstration, and as Governor till today. He has in deed, proven to be a journalist of international repute as my information commissioner. Through his skills, hard work and dedication, the government has enjoyed positive publicity which I hope will continue, even better”.

In the lives of many, birthdays are usually periods for sober reflections. The period for stocktaking. Numerous personalities with eyes on the verdict of history use such occasions to reflect on their contributions to the betterment or otherwise of their societies. However, Comrade Muhammadu Garba silently allowed the occasion of his 56th Birthday anniversary passed on in strict compliance with his natural humility and simplicity.

He is able to redefine the work ethics with an eye on the yearnings and aspirations of the work force of his ministry and his colleagues .in the lives of many, birthdays are usually periods for sober reflections .

The period for stocktaking. Comrade Garba is a man of his words and amazingly bold. He means every word he says and goes for it. His statements are never taken for granted as they are astonishingly translated into action for the good of the people. He commands a lot of respect from his colleagues and the peoples within and outside of state largely due to the way he articulates his ideas and thoughts each times he speaks as peoples listen with rapt attention.

I am indebted to my undisputable boss who mentored me and assisted me tremendously to learn art of good and developmental journalism. I can remembered being a fresher in the company. He took his kind interest in me despite his tight schedule. He had the time for me and freshers like me. He used to lecture me after which he assigned topics about which i wrote analytical article as it affected members of public. To my Presido a selfless public servant and an uncommon Triumphant in the Triumph family who thinks more about the other person’s feelings, wishing him sound health and wisdom to deliver on the mission for a greater Kano state as he clocks 56.

Muhammadu Garba was born on 22nd November, 1964 at Yakasai Quarters in Kano Municipal Council of Kano state. He is a graduate of History/Political Science and Master’s Degree on Development Studies from Bayero University, Kano. He obtained many certificates in Journalism. International Institute of Journalism, National Diploma in Journalism/Mass Communication. Rexton, Virginia, USA, Professional Diploma in Political and Economic Journalism. University of Ibadan, Professional Certificate on Election Coverage and Political Analysis. Administrative College of Nigeria, Topo, Badagary, Lagos, Certificate in Administrative Process and Procedures. He held various positions that include Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1993 and subsequently Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 1999.

He is a seasoned journalist with an experience that spans over three decades. Comrade Garba started his career as a Reporter at Triumph Publishing Company, Sub-Editor, Chief Sub-Editor, Group News Editor and Deputy Editor as well as member of Editorial Board of many National Newspapers.

He begins his Union Activism of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), as The Triumph Chapel Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), later elected two-term chairman of the state council of the union and was its Deputy National President, from where he contested and won the Presidency of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in 2009 for two terms.

Comrade Malam Muhammadu Garba was elected President, West African Journalists Association (WAJA) in Bamako, Mali and President, Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) in Casablanca, Morocco 2009 and was elected member, Steering Committee of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Dublin, Ireland.

Other Adhoc appointments held by Comrade: member Board of Directors, Kano State Broadcasting Corporation 1995; Secretary, Hajj Operation, Kano State Government 1995; Member Board of Directors, 10th FIFA Coca-Cola Youth Championship Nigeria 1999 (Kano Sub Seat); Chairman Media Publicity Committee, Nigeria Union of Journalists 1999;Member Governing Board of the Nigeria Press Council; Member, Publicity Sub-Committee of the National Council on Privatisation. Other are Member, National Council on African Peer Review Mechanism; Member of the Federal Government Flood Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committee;Convener, Media, and Publicity, Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P); and Commissioner representing the Civil Society, Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

Muhammad Garba was appointed Commissioner for Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in the state in 2015, and still retained his position in the second tenure of of the Ganduje administration.

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

Opinion

Minimum Wage Increment: Be Proactive My Governor.

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

By-Abba Hamisu Sani

1st of May every year is a special day for workers in Nigeria working with the government or with the Private sector.

The main issue ahead of this year’s celebrations is the expectation of the new minimum wage Increment.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce the new salary scale as Vice President Senator Kashim Shatima hinted recently that by the 1st of May, the new minimum wage will be ready for implementation.

Here I want to salute the courage exhibited by the Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki who has increased the minimum wage for workers in the state from 40,000 naira to 70,000 naira ahead of the 2024 Workers Day celebrations.

This prompted my attention to urge my state governor Abba Yusuf to follow the suit of Edo State governor in this direction.

Kano workers suffered a lot in the hands of the immediate past administration, ranging from different kinds of deductions which causes uncertainty on the amount to be collected by a worker and even pensioners every month.

Governor Abba if you do the same as Obasaki, the Kano people will be happy with you as it will boost the state economy and currency circulation.

It is very imperative at this time to be proactive and not wait for the Federal government announcement before taking your step in making Kano workers happy.

Infrastructural development is quite needed but at this time social security is the most critical as it has been said “A hungry man is an angry man”.

Workers’ salaries are too low to cater to their basic needs, such as food, rent, transportation, and school fees for their children while they see politicians cruising in jeeps and other expensive cars.

Finally, Governor Yusuf remember that these workers have sacrificed a lot during the 2023 elections to see that you emerged as Kano governor.

Is very important to consider their plight at this moment of critical economic hardship.

I urged all comrades in different forms of struggle including civil society Forum to join me in pushing the Kano State government to implement a new minimum wage in a dignified manner as the Edo State governor did.

Abba Hamisu Sani is a
Media Consultant /CEO Time Base TvAfrica & Africa Press.
Can be reached via timebasetv@gmail.com

Opinion

As Prominent Nigerians Pour Encomiums on the Late Sidi Ali-Dembo

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Late Sidi Ali

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

I was not in my regular station in Minna as I took a brief trip to Abuja for an all important matter. In the night of Thursday, 25th April, 2024, I was reading in the news that Alhaji Sidi Ali had passed on. Innalillahi waiina ilaihi rajiun

He was the father of the current Spokesperson of Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs). According to the news, he was among second Republic Parliamentarians.

Many mourners have trooped to his residence at the NNDC Quarters,Hotoro GRA, Tarauni local government area of Kano State for condolences. He was buried on Friday 26th April, 2024.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf in a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa described late Ali as a trusted public servant who made sacrifices to ensuring that Nigeria remains a united and indivisible country. The Governor acknowledged the positive contributions of the deceased as a Senator in the Second Republic in shaping the Parliament and the overall development of democracy in the country. He extended condolences to his families and prayed for those he left behind to have the courage to bear the loss.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the late author describing him as a creative writer. Part of his condolences reads: “I am pained by the demise of the noted journalist, author, and politician, Sidi H. Ali, who won my heart and that of many through his critical writings and the two books he wrote about me.” The former President equally expressed his condolences to his family and admirers.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin has extolled the virtues of the deceased, saying he contributed immensely to the development of the country in both political and media spheres.

Commission of inquiry to hold inaugural sitting Monday

According to a statement from his Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir the deputy Senate President describes Ali thus: ” The death of our late elder statesman,Alhaji Sidi Ali,is not a loss to his immediate family alone, but a monumental loss to the country as a whole.He served our country meritoriously in different capacities and displayed his wealth of talent for the unity and growth of the nation.”

Barau was at their Hotoro GRA residence in Kano to commiserate with his family and urged them to remain united, and emulate the good virtues of their late father.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement described late Sidi Ali as a respected veteran journalist, prolific writer, and a politician whose contributions to the field of journalism, literature, and politics have left an indelible mark. He added that Alhaji Sidi Ali, throughout his career, exemplified high standards of professionalism and integrity and provided invaluable insights with historical references into the pressing issues of time.

The minister said that as the nation mourns the loss of Alhaji Sidi Ali, his wisdom, compassion, and dedication to his craft would continue to inspire generations to come.

In the words of Senator Shehu Sani, the mournful message reads:
“I received the sad news of the demise of a renowned Elder statesman, author, journalist, politician and historian, Alhaji SIDI ALI. Apart from Tafawa Balewa and Sardauna of Sokoto, no other Northerner was closely known by historic figures and World leaders in the 60s and 70s like the late SIDI. The late Elderstateman was personally known by President JF Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, Kwame Nkrumah and many others.
The late Sidi Ali was a human library and a prolific writer. He was one man who could recall every event that happened in Nigeria’s history from independence till date. A great loss. My condolences to his family and the good people of Kano State.
May Allah grant him Aljanna firdausi, Amin.”

In the same vein, Lauretta Onochie, the Former Personal Assistant to Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, on her Facebook post also mourned honourable Sidi Ali. According to her, he was a great journalist, a great writer and a father to her.

One of his daughters said “Baba was a people’s person , he loved people generally across all strata. A humanitarian to the core.
A true Nigerian.
We grew up wearing clothes from MKO Abiola, Oloye Olusola Saraki, and many others”

According to a family source”The late Senator Joseph Tarka family and the people of Benue state were at the deceased residence on a condolence call. The Sidi Ali family and the Tarka Family have a long standing decades of close relationship. Senator Joseph Tarka is the father of the SGF”.

The former Registrar/Chief Executive National Examinations Council NECO, and the current Vice Chancellor, Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu University,Kano Professor Abdulrashid Garba also paid a condolence visit to the family.

Professor Hannatu Sabo, the Jigawa State Commissioner for finance, budget and planing also visited personally to sympathize with the family. Alhaji Sule Lamido, the former Jigawa State Governor,
Former Minister of State for works and Housing, Hon Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub , Senator Gumel,
A member of Federal House Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and others in the National Assembly from Kano State,Former Senator Aminu Inuwa, Professor Dandago,Kano Commercials ,traders and Academic communities were also fully represented during the condolence visit.

The elder statesman spent years serving the Nigerian International Press Centre, Ministry of Information and National Broadcasting Commission, among other critical institutions.

He travelled wide and his vast experience influenced his affection for journalism and communication. Ali authored 19 books, one of which is “Corruption in High Society”

According to Daily Trust Newspaper (27th April, 2023) “Ali was born in Kano but travelled to Ghana, where he met the country’s political leader, Kwame Nkrumah, who arranged for him to travel to London, and later, the United States to further his education”

In his 2018 birthday message, Former President Muhammadu Buhari established that Ali spent most of his life serving the country as a public affairs officer, “most remarkably for ensuring accurate and balanced information on government activities during and after the civil war.” (PR Nigeria news)

Personally, based on what I have read about late Sidi Ali, one can conclude that he was a fearless and pragmatic writer. It was reported that he was arrested by the regime of General Yakubu Gowon for writing an article against the Federal Government. A good writer is always sensitive and can’t look away when things are not properly done. To me, a coward can’t be a writer. The responsibility of an average writer is to use his pen to draw the attention of leaders to social anomalies in the society with a view to correcting them.

Honourable Sidi Ali was an APC Stalwart and a member of party’s Elders Committee in Kano State. He died at the age of 86 and was survived by children and grandchildren. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah firdaus.Ameen

abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com

07037813177

Opinion

Why They Are Afraid Of Ganduje

Published

7 days ago

April 23, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Abubakar Umar

While preparing to pen this write up I just scrolled the news and read that the Kano High court that ordered the suspension of the APC National chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have vacated the order pending the determination of the suit on 30th April.

From the look of things and with his glowing political clout since he joined politics in the second Republic Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje the former Governor of Kano state is giving sleepless nights to many politicians particularly from his home state of Kano where the melting pot of Nigerian politics emanated from.

No vex his emergence as the National chairman of Nigerias ruling party has brought down the evil machinations of some politicians who sees Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as a stumbling block to their political ambition at the national stage .

The administrator cum politician as many people will attest to knew very well that interms of experience and political calculations he has no match especially from the North West political zone where the National chairman hails from .

They know very well that the national working committee of the party and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu have done the right calculation by placing an elder politician and a two term Governor of the most difficult state to Govern in the whole Nigeria as the chairman of the Nigerian ruling party.

They knew very well that his stature has made him one of the most visible and hardworking APC National chairman since its formation in the year 2013.

The conscripted script being played by agents of destabilzation in order to make the ruling party irrelevant can only be done if they try to use some political zealots with the aim of making the National Chairman look like someone who can not sail through their evil conspiracy .

It was understood that the only way the NNPP Governent in Kano will change it’s political nest is to cut down the tree that is supposed to give it a shade but instead of humbling themselves and submit themselves to the party’s National Secretariat in which Dr. Ganduje is the leader they starte beating about the bush like a child’s play.

Dr.Ganduje had since humbled them politically and by visiting the state on January 25 ,2024 to invite them to the ruling party without vengeance .

He extended the hand of friendship that politics is is the ability to make sacrifices and compromise .

It was that compromise and sacrifice that made some of his political foes make accomplishments they never dream to achieve but still they are not grateful with the his sacrifice and patience .

Today the courts have vindicated by Dr.Abdullahi Umar and the APC national stalwarts across the country who are comfortable with the leadership style of Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.