Jigawa State

By Khaleed Suleiman Abdul

We thank Allah for a life well spent. Indeed, from Allah we come, and to him we shall return. Professor Musa Abdu Auyo’s death is undoubtedly one of the few transitions that shocked Bayero University Kano and the entire academic circle within and outside Nigeria. 

The Comrade, as we fondly called him, was an unrepentant freedom fighter and social justice crusader. His uncommon spirit of tolerance and forgiveness earned him popularity among different classes of people. In fact, he is a man of the people, and the turnout of people from all walks of life who paid their last respects during his internment testified to that.

My first close encounter with him was when he and a few other individuals helped me secure admission into Bayero University. That was about three decades ago, 1993 – 1994, to be precise. From then on, the relationship knew no boundary and continued to wax stronger until his death.

I always recall with joy how he facilitated the securing of admission for ten qualified candidates in different departments and faculties whose credentials were forwarded to him by my humble self.

His simplicity and sense of accommodation enabled him to act or respond with dispatch to any request I put before him, particularly on student admission or counselling issues.

He once said, “As a lecturer, I don’t have much financially to give, but when it comes to securing admission or imparting knowledge to people, I must do my best”.

Comrade was always ready and willing to help you irrespective of your tribe, religion, class, or age. He believed that society must change positively through education and the creation of public awareness. 

His exemplary, simple lifestyle contributed immensely to our conduct. 

He taught us the spirit of accountability, answerability, patriotism, and sympathy in the common person.

The late academic guru was bereaved by two wives and nine blessed and educated children. One of them is completing her PhD, and others have or are doing their master’s degree and undergraduate programs in different fields of human endeavour. May God Almighty protect and guide them, ameen.

Professor Musa Auyo graduated in library and information sciences from the prestigious Bayero University Kano, received a master’s degree in the same field from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and received a PhD from BUK. He has also been a professor from the same institution lately.

He was the Head of the Department of Library and Information Sciences, Dean of the faculty of education, Bayero University librarian, one-time pioneer librarian at Federal University Kafin Hausa, and, very recently, chairman of the Board College of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State.

Despite all these academic responsibilities, the late professor still found time to belong to associations within and outside the university walls. 

I remember as a student, whenever a symposium was organised, and comrade Auyo and the likes of Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano (IBK), late Auwalu Umar, and Auwalu Kawu of sociology were to make a presentation, the theatre always appeared too small to accommodate the mammoth crowd of students anxious to hear words of wisdom from the effervescent cum erudite scholar.

His belief in public education and enlightenment led him to champion the establishment of the Auyo Youth Association (AYA), Hadejia Youth Organization, and Literacy Club Society of Bayero University (LICSOBUK) in which I worked closely with him to champion the cause but was short-lived immediately after we graduated.

He was a great pillar, a beacon who nurtured and groomed students and intellectuals within and outside the campus. Some of his students today are professors doing well in their chosen professions. They include professors Abbas Mai Dabino and Baffa Abubakar, to mention a few.

I recall with pride how the late Professor Auyo, as a crusader of social justice and other sound-minded intellectuals in the Senate, saved many students from rustication for merely embarking on a lack of electricity and water protest in the new campus, where the Vice Chancellor insisted that the students must be punished. 

However, these noblemen, including the late professor, stood their ground to ensure no student fell prey to victimisation.

In conclusion, filling the vacuum created by your demise will be very difficult. Your contribution to education, community development, social justice, mentoring, and nurturing within the university perimeter and across society will remain indelible in our memory.

We pray to almighty God to grant you the highest level of Jannah, peace, and everlasting Rahma in your grave until we meet and part no more. Alhamdulillahi!

Khaleed Suleiman Abdul (Sardauna of Gwagwarwa) wrote via akhaleed431@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

Three teenage girls tragically drowned in a pond in the Buji Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Saturday. 

The Spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, ASC Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Dutse on Sunday.

The girls, identified as Fatima Sule (12), Nasiya Sale (12), and Huwaila Sa’adu (13), all from Tulla village, were reportedly cutting grass to feed their livestock near the pond when the accident occurred around 11 a.m.

According to the NSCDC, they received a distress call from the Tulla community shortly after 11 a.m. They quickly responded by sending officers, including divisional disaster management officers, to the scene for a rescue mission. 

Community members and NSCDC personnel worked together and were able to recover the bodies after approximately 30 minutes of searching.

The girls were taken to the nearest health centre, where they were pronounced dead. 

The investigation indicated that the spot where they were gathering grass was the same place where they drowned.

The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Muhammad Danjuma, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged parents to monitor their children closely, especially during times when ponds and rivers are swollen, to prevent such tragedies.

By Anwar Usman

The police in Jigawa have confirmed the death of five persons and 15 others missing in a canoe accident that occurred on Thursday in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to news men in Dutse.

Mr Shiisu stated that the incident occurred at Nahuce in Taura Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

“Today, at about 1200hrs, information from a reliable source revealed that a canoe conveying 20 passengers to cross over Gamoda River at Nahuce Village capsized.

He identified the deceased passengers as Abdurra’uf Mohammed, aged 15, Suleman Ali, 20, Shafiu Mohammed, 25, Ado Nafance, 7, and Alasan Mohmmed, 16, all from Taura LGA.

Mr Shiisu said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmadu Abdullahi, had prayed for the restfulness of the souls of the deceased and for Allah to give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Dail Reality (TDR) gathered that the incident was coming one month after a similar incident in Kwalgai Village, Auyo LGA, leading to the death of two persons and the rescue of 18 others.

By By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe

The Coordinator of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League, Mahmud Hadeija, says the body remains committed to providing the necessary enablers for the game to excel in the nation.

Speaking with Sports Writers during the 2024 Nigeria Beach Soccer League, second round at Nnewi High School Beach Soccer Pitch, he said it would not relent in developing the sport through staging competitions.

While describing the game as unique and one of the fastest-growing leagues in Nigeria, he stressed that youngsters could demonstrate their skills and participate actively on a national scale through the game.

Hadeija, who is President of the African Beach Soccer League, emphasised that fostering a robust Beach Soccer League in the nation could enhance the growth of the game and the nation’s global sports presence.

“The good thing now is that we have the league that is ongoing for the fourth year, fourth season consistently and gradually both on the technical aspect, organisational aspect and also the structure of the teams.

He expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Beach Soccer Association for successfully hosting the event and providing the players with support services to pursue success.

Victor Madubuko, Contributing Chairman of Anambra State Beach Soccer Association, said his gift for innovation and passion for doing something new spurred him to contribute to the development of the game.

Madubuko said he was glad that the collaboration with stakeholders and sponsors, including Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), was yielding the desired result.

One of the highest goal scorers in the league, Chimobi Ekwo, Anambra State Beach Soccer Team, said the team, which has remained unbeaten so far, would not relent in its determination to excel in the Super Four Competition slated to be held in Kaduna.

Six teams from Kebbi, Kaduna, Jigawa and Anambra States are participating in the League.

By Muhammad Suleiman Yobe 

The Chairman of the technical committee on the mini sports festival, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Yaalleman, also the chairman of the Jigawa State Badminton Association, went around to supervise the preparations to kick off the Jigawa State Mini Sports Festival 2024 across the five selected participating associations.

During the supervision, the chairman was accompanied by the senior special assistant on sports and other members of the technical committee. He commended the executive governor of the state, Mallam Umar Namadi, for approving the conduct of the festival for the teeming youths in the state.

He said the state has many potential and talented youths, which, if properly utilised, will make the state more productive in all sporting activities.

He equally appreciates the efforts of the state commissioner of sports, Hon. Sagir Ahmad, for giving all associations the necessary support directly to organise their program and selecting the experienced team to handle the successful conduct of the program.

He said that these initiatives have immensely benefited the association in terms of court repair, sporting equipment purchases, and the rest.

He thanked the governor and Commissioner for sports for fulfilling their promise about the conduct of this festival.

He also appealed to the Commissioner to make this program quarterly, as this would help reduce tension and crime and increase revenue and employment for the state.

By Saifullahi Attahir Wurno 

The word success always carries a nostalgic feeling throughout history. It’s a word that everyone wants to associate with, and it can be seen as fulfilling one’s desire to live a happier, easier, contented life.

Many people ask what causes success. The only answer is hard work, but is hard work really the answer to success? We daily encounter people who are more hardworking than us but who are a hundred times below us in terms of success or living a comparatively easy life.

This article is based on Malcolm Gladwell’s book The Outliers: The Story of Success. The author tries to gather all the apparent and hidden factors that led to the monumental achievement of a few individuals, including athletes, footballers, artists, businessmen, prominent law practitioners, scientists, doctors, and more. 

Outlier is an English word that means someone outside the normal frame, people who have achieved tremendous success and fortune beyond average individuals. Examples include Lionel Messi in football, Bill Gates in computer, Dr Ben Carson in medicine, Usain Bolt in sports, outstanding political leaders in history, writers, etc.

The author concluded that outliers are those who have been given opportunities and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them. Most outliers are products of history, of the community in which they were born and raised, of opportunity, and of legacy.

Here is a story:

Ahmad was born in 1995 to a low-income family in Kafin Hausa town. His father’s sources of income are peasant farming and radio repair. His mother was a housewife who mainly depended on her husband for her daily needs and those of her children.

This family of 7 was completely dependent on their father’s meagre income and the small farm that Ahmad always accompanied his father to whenever he went on holidays. This taught Ahmad the habit of hard work early in life.

His father had a primary school level of education, while his mother had good Islamic knowledge but had not attended Western education. This motivated Ahmad to be very passionate about studying higher and becoming someone later in life. 

Ahmad lacks the luxury that may distract his attention; his father’s constant advice and natural ingenuity make him a bright child in primary school. He surpasses his classmates. He finishes top of his class and is admitted into the prestigious Science Secondary school Kafin Hausa.

At school, Ahmad met other young, ambitious, and bright students from all over the state, giving him the opportunity to network, learn, and challenge himself to further academic excellence.

In 2013, at 18, Ahmad graduated from GSSS Kafin Hausa with seven credits in his WAEC result (including all five science subjects). Luckily enough, the government of that period under Alhaji Sule Lamido requested students who have five credits and above in WAEC to submit their papers for scholarship screening.

To cut the story short, Ahmad got a Scholarship to Study Aviation Engineering in Egypt. He graduated successfully and secured a job with a big Airline company in Lagos. From then on, his life and destiny changed forever.

 Using the above story, let us analyse some of the factors that lead to young Ahmad’s success;

Studies have shown that family background plays a critical role in how people are raised and what they end up becoming. Despite his parents’ lack of deeper knowledge of Western education, they have inculcated a strong desire for their children to excel.

Another advantage of the family background was the lack of luxury, which helped Ahmad be less distracted and more focused on his studies. Imagine if he had been born into an affluent family surrounded by television, watching cartoons or comedies daily, or his father had been into the habit of buying them mobile phones and other game gadgets. Definitely, that would have distracted his attention, making him less energetic and determined to escape the poverty line.

Good networking was essential for attaining success in life. Ahmad’s interaction with other boys with similar interests, ambitions, and determination while studying at GSSS Kafin Hausa played a monumental role in catapulting him higher on the ladder of success. If he had been brilliant enough but had graduated from one local and poorly equipped secondary school, the story might have been different.

Right timing was also an important factor; had it been Ahmad graduated a year or two before Lamido started awarding the scholarship, no matter how brilliant or the excellence of his SSCE, he might have ended up studying in one of the local colleges of Education or polytechnic.

Of course, success occurs most often when preparation meets opportunity. God has guided Ahmad to prepare well for his exams and classes, reading the extra mile, reading past questions, and networking with the right people. So, when the time for the WAEC and the Scholarship exam came, he was unaware, so he excelled.

Many people only wish to succeed but never prepare ahead of time. In the end, remember that Success is Ultimately THE GRACE OF GOD, whose benevolence gathers all the above factors to work for you when he decides for you to succeed at something.

Saifullahi Attahir Wurno is a medical student at Federal University, Dutse. He can be reached via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.

By Garba Sidi.

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. 

I am writing to bring to your attention the commendable efforts of Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala (T.O.) during his tenure as the Chairman of Hadejia Local Government. As a concerned citizen of Hadejia and someone who deeply cares about our town’s progress, I wish to express my support for Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala’s candidacy for a second term.

Throughout the years, it has been observed that, apart from Bello Auyo, no other leader has contributed as significantly to the development of Hadejia as Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala. His dedication to improving our town is evident in the transformative projects initiated under his leadership.

The essence of democracy lies in representing the people’s will, and Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala (T.O) has proven himself to be a leader who genuinely understands and serves the people’s needs. “Government is the people, for the people, by the people,” and this principle resonates with the Hadejia community, which admires his leadership.

Furthermore, I would like to highlight Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala’s unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He wholeheartedly supported the party, actively participating in the campaign for His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, contributing significantly to the success of the 2023 elections.

Despite facing unjust attempts to tarnish his image, Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala perseveres to bring beneficial projects to Hadejia. Recognising that certain political rivals may be trying to sow discord between his administration and your esteemed government is crucial. I sincerely hope you see through these divisive tactics and acknowledge the positive impact he has had on our community.

The people of Hadejia are well-informed and discerning, and they can distinguish between genuine efforts for development and misleading narratives meant to undermine a dedicated leader. Denying Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala the opportunity to run for a second term could be perceived as a hindrance to the progress and development of our town.

I trust that this message will reach you, and I urge you to consider the positive contributions of Honourable Abdulladir Umar Bala (T.O.) to Hadejia. Allowing him to run for a second term would be a decision in favour of continued growth and prosperity for our beloved town.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The program, which was designed to foster economic empowerment and gender equality, was launched on Wednesday in Jigawa State by Blue Sapphire Hub in collaboration with the US Embassy in Abuja as part of its transformative Women on Wednesday (WOW) initiative.

The initiative had made significant strides in Kano and Sokoto states.

It aims to equip women entrepreneurs with essential entrepreneurial and digital skills and also alleviate poverty.

The inaugural cohort in Jigawa State comprised 30 women-led small businesses with limited entrepreneurial and digital skills.

Through a series of workshops, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities, participants were immersed in a supportive environment designed to enhance their business acumen and market reach.

However, key institutions such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Jaiz Bank collaborated closely with Blue Sapphire Hub to ensure the success of the program.

The participants report increased sales, improved financial management practices, and expanded market opportunities.

The graduation ceremony for the first cohort of WOW 2024 was held on January 25, 2024, with notable dignitaries in attendance, including the Honorable Commissioner of Women’s Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, and the Principal Private Secretary to the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Garun Gabas.

A highlight of the ceremony was the generous pledge of N1.5 million made by Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab on behalf of her ministry and the Jigawa State Government to support the businesses of the WOW participants.

The Jigawa State Government has demonstrated unwavering support for the initiative, actively engaging in its implementation and expansion.

The WOW program is not merely a one-time initiative but rather a year-long commitment comprising four cohorts.

This sustained approach promises continued empowerment and growth for women entrepreneurs throughout Jigawa State.

By Muhammad Sulaiman Adam

Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi has approved the appointment of Barrister Salisu Abdu as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, Malam Bala Ibrahim and made available to The Daily Reality.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointments of Musa Kallamu Uba Auyo as Permanent Member I and Hassan Hashim as Permanent Member II of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The statement also disclosed that the Governor had approved Barrister Yakubu Ibrahim’s appointment as the Secretary of the Commission and Shehu Abdu Zakar and Dr Hadiya Aliyu as Part- Members of the Commission.

The SSG stated that the appointment of the appointees followed their screening and confirmation by the Jigawa State House of Assembly during its 118th sitting on Tuesday, 13th February 2024, equivalent to 3rd Sha’aban, 1445AH.

“Barrister Salisu Abdu was born in Gumel town, Gumel Local Government Area, in 1963. He obtained his first degree from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, where he graduated with an LLB in 1990, then proceeded to Nigeria Law School, Lagos (BL) in 1991 and completed his one-year NYSC in 1992 and served at the Premier Commercial Bank, Maiduguri, Borno State.”

Malam Bala Ibrahim said the new Chairman served as Director of Public Prosecution at the Jigawa State Ministry of Justice from 2000 to 2004. He also served as a Member of the Board of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), representing the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) between 2022 and 2023. 

Barrister Salisu is a trained Lawyer with vast experience in the crusade against official corruption, Bank fraud, money laundering and other economic crimes.

The appointment of the appointees is based on merit, competence and personal integrity.

“I urged the new appointees to discharge their duties diligently according to the SSG.

By Alhaji Musa Muhammad 

The more you have been infected with kidney failure, the more you will come to the mind of the people: “You are finished”. Others take you as a corpse just walking before its last breath.

Hadejia, the area with a number of such cases, is still facing the problem without knowing its root causes. However, there was a time when one of the presenters (name withheld), during a campaign awareness, warned vegetable/fish farmers to avoid using pesticides and herbicides on direct fruits, for example, eggplants.

He said there was a time when he saw a  farmer spraying his eggplant farm and asked him why he was pouring it. The farmer replied yes, I’m spreading it for every fruit to rip simultaneously. The Dr said are you not afraid the chemical will affect the consumers? The farmer replied, ‘I’m not the one who consumed it”.

Efforts have been made by some politicians, especially former senator Ibrahim Hassan, to take urgent action to tackle the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, there is no remarkable feedback about the different gatherings held on the kidney problem in the area.

Community-based organisations have done a lot in organising sensitisation meetings in collaboration with health practitioners, but the community members are still witnessing the increase in the problem.

One thing to be done regarding the kidney problem is the need for the government to take urgent action and mobilise the environment on the causes of the disease.

I must commend the effort and struggle of Dr Isah Billami during his tenure as chairman of Hadejia Ina Mafita to organise a town meeting to learn the solution to the problem. However, there was no positive feedback on the issue.

Our politicians range from the council chairman, members representing Hadejia at the state House of Assembly, senators representing Jigawa Northeast and the Governor at large; your response is highly needed now.

Allah ya kawo mana dauki , Ameem .

Alhaji Musa Muhammad wrote from Hadejia, Jigawa State.