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.

By Muhamamad Suleiman Yobe

The Jigawa state chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has elected new officers to run its affairs for another three years.

Those elected are Aisha Iliyasu Surko of Radio Jigawa as chairperson,  Bishira Muhammad from Horizon FM Dutse as deputy chairperson, Salamatu Nuhu from FM Sawaba Hadejia as secretary, Maryam Ibrahim from NTA Dutse as deputy secretary and Aisha Muhammad Sani from Radion Jigawa  as Treasurer.

The election was conducted at Press Centre Dutse by the National Secretary of NAWOJ, Rabi Gwadabe.

In her acceptance speech, the newly elected chairperson, Aisha Iliyasu Surko, commended members for giving her the mandate and called on other contestants to come and contribute to the development of the Union.

Managing Directors of Radio Jigawa, Yusif Adamu Babura and JTV Abba Muhammad Tukur Gantsa, an elder of the Union Hajia Zainab Rabo Ringim and security agencies witnessed the election.

Your Excellency Sir,

I hope this letter will find you in sound health and high spirit. I am writing to express my heartfelt solidarity and appreciation for your recent appointments in Jigawa State, specifically your decision to appoint individuals of high repute and strong academic backgrounds.

Your recognition and value of the expertise of a highly educated professional of Jigawa State extraction is that of a leader with a progressive vision to put heads together and develop our dear State. By appointing well-meaning sons of the land into key positions to steer the affairs of our dear State, indicate your commitment to an open and all-inclusive government. It is indeed a commendable gesture. By this, you are not all promoting meritocracy but also ensuring that our government benefits from the knowledge and skills of these accomplished individuals.

This move not only showcases your dedication to improving the quality of governance but also sets a precedent for other States to follow. It sends a strong message that education and expertise are vital components of effective leadership.

I am confident that these appointments will lead to innovative policies and solutions that will benefit the people of Jigawa State. As a resident and citizen, I feel proud to have a visionary leader like you who places a premium on competency and excellence. Indeed, Jigawa will be higher than it is under your leadership.

Once again, thank you for your visionary leadership and for recognizing the value of this knowledgeable personality in shaping the future of Jigawa State. Your actions inspire hope and confidence in the direction our state is headed.

Please accept my best wishes for continued success in your tenure as our esteemed Governor.

Sincerely,

Engr. Abubakar Abbas Adamu (R. Engr COREN, MNSE, CIPMA)

Kofar Fada Sabon Garin Ya’’Ya’’ Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State

By Muhamamad Suleiman Yobe

Jigawa state task force on petroleum products says it will reveal the identity of filling stations found tempering with their litres to short-charge consumers.

The chairman of the task force, Alhaji Alhassan Muhammad, gave the warning when members of the committee visited some filling stations in Gumel, Jahun and Kiyawa local government areas.

He also warned that any filling station that does not possess Sarafin Gauge would be sanctioned.

He said a number of filling stations visited by the committee have no standard measuring gauge.

Alhaji Alhassan Muhammad advised marketers to always check their litres before dispensing fuel to consumers.

The chairmen said that from the inception of the task force to date, more than 30 filling stations have been warned for engaging in various unwholesome activities.

He commended some marketers in Hadejia and Gumel for possessing Sarafin gauge and maintaining proper litres in their filling stations.

By Ghali Tade

The Former Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, is a distinguished politician in Nigeria’s political space. He is an accountant who applies the knowledge and training of his field of study to politics, which earned him respect that could not be bought. Mallam Badaru, Mai Nasara, as he was addressed by our fathers or Baba Mai Calculator as he is called in Jigawa state, is a personality who understands the need to be God-fearing, honest, transparent, accountable, focused, determined, dedicated, and committed.

How he managed to be what he is today may be surprising to those who do not know him, but we see it as a reflection of the Hausa sayings, “Kyan ɗa ya gaji mahaifinsa & barewa ba ta gudu ɗanta ya yi rarrafe“. I loosely mean he inherited most if not all of his qualities from his parent, a renowned Islamic scholar in his time. These backgrounds have made him see himself as a public servant, not a ruler. A governor who led Jigawa state to a new world with a heart full of passion, compassion, and patriotism.

When I learned that Mai Calculator was leaving office as our governor this year, I worried about who would be like or better than him. Luckily enough, Baba Badaru has handed over power to another copy of Badaru with a workaholic Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman Gumel.

The present governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Umar Namadi, who served as finance commissioner and deputy governor to Baba Badaru’s administration, is an engine that played a vital role in ensuring that their campaign promises were fulfilled and Badaru succeeded in all sectors. Both Mallam Badaru and Mallam Namadi shared certain things in common. Apart from being the sons of renowned Islamic scholars in the state, they are chartered accountants who performed excellently. They are problem solvers and people concerned about the populace and the best way to sustain the reputation of their families.

Mallam Namadi’s loyalty and zeal to stand firm on justice, fairness, and truthfulness earned him respect and made him the choice of Mallam Badaru and the good people of Jigawa state. The bond between the two state leaders is unbreakable, considering the cement of truth used in building it. I think this is why Mai Calculator’s men are in the new administration serving as commissioners and other roles.

The political twin brothers achieved more than expected of them when they were governor and deputy of Jigawa state. I could vividly recall that in the speech he delivered at a farewell reception in his honour held at Banquet Hall Government House Dutse on Sunday, the 28 May 2023, His Excellency, the Former Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar listed numerous achievements of theirs in different sectors.

Despite inheriting Jigawa State with contractual liabilities of 114 billion naira and all the economic hardships while in power, Mai Calculator left the state with only 711 million naira in debt to pay. Unlike other governors who abandoned the projects of their predecessors, Baba Badaru distinguished himself by completing all inherited projects and focusing on transparency and accountability programmes to ensure the safety of investments.

Recall that ICAN had awarded Jigawa State as the best in Nigeria in Public resources accountability in 2021 and 2022 and the same in Budget transparency. In health, 18 more general hospitals were built to address the needs of the citizens in healthcare services. When he came on board, there were only 12, but he amplified them to 30. Also, three specialist hospitals and one orthopaedic hospital were established. Still on health, the people’s governor provided one comprehensive Health centre in every electoral ward of the state.

The number of hospitals on 24 hrs services increased, addressing the infant mortality rate.

In infrastructure, all the ongoing 700 kilometres of rural roads inherited were completed. Five thousand two hundred seventy-eight hand pumps have been repaired in water resources, 7792 solar water schemes were constructed, and 3500 PHC latrines were built, making Jigawa  State open defecation free. These efforts earned Jigawa number four in safe drinking water in Nigeria and number one in the entire Northern region.

On the other hand, Baba Mai Calculator’s administration witnessed massive federal government projects in the state. Beginning with the power sector, first time in 20 years, the Gagarawa power station project was completed and commissioned under the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari also awarded four substations in Gwaram, Kazaure, Babura, and Birnin Kudu.

It could be recalled that 164,000 families enjoyed #5,000 monthly stipends from the federal government. This is in addition to feeding a million pupils, which created jobs for 9,200 vendors. My state benefited from Trader Monie, GEEP, Npower, Anchor Borrowers, and other human capital development projects.

On FG’s road projects, the Dutse to Kano, Kano – Danbatta – Kazaure – Gwiwa – Daura – Katsina to Niger Republic roads are practical and visible development. Another road that I will never forget is Kwanar Dimawa- Kanya Babba- Ɓaɓura-Baban mutum road.

I vividly remember Former President Muhammadu Buhari was in Jigawa in 2018 to flag off Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme. Joyfully, he returned to the state to commission the same project after completing its rehabilitation and expansion. The project, an irrigational land of 5,700 hectares, currently provides jobs, food, and economic diversification.

Let me openly state that these are just a few blessings Jigawa state got from Baba Mai Calculator and Baba Buhari’s administrations.

What are Badaru’s contributions to APC and the emergence of President Tinubu?

Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar was the first governor to win from an opposition despite the PDP having control of Jigawa and Nigeria in 2015. His emergence as Jigawa’s governor laid a solid foundation for APC, attracting thousands of loyalists of other parties to APC.

As an APC Leader in governors’ primaries and general elections in some states like  Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, and Bayelsa, Baba Badaru performed wonderfully well. This has made APC stronger in these states; many votes were pulled from them in the last three elections.

Under his watch as Northern Nigeria’s coordinator for Tinubu’s campaign organisation, higher votes were got from his zone -North West with over two million and six hundred thousand in presidential elections. The dedication and determination of Mai Calculator and other APC stalwarts gave President Tinubu more votes from the north-west than the south-west.

Baba Badaru has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to fighting all the propaganda by negative minds on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As someone who comes from the same discipline as the President, Badaru is well-informed about the leadership qualities of Jagaban. These qualities were unknown by some people in the North. Hence enemies tried to paint him black but to no avail.

There was a time when the Former Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, refuted insinuations that the APC Presidential candidate, Ahmad Bola Tinubu, would be a Southern President if he won the election. He assured the presidential candidate’s antecedents indicate he is not a betrayer.

Abubakar, who spoke in Kano during an APC Presidential Candidate meeting with the Muslim Ullamas from Northwestern Nigeria, said all Bola antecedents vindicate him as a non-ethnic and religious bigot”. He even added that everything Bola Tinubu has done in his presidential aspiration, he has done it with the full participation of Badaru, Ganduje, and Nuhu Ribadu, people who are known for their nationalistic outlook.

He stressed that every stakeholder in the Nigerian project chose Bola Tinubu. Talking about his mental health and his fitness, our recent visits to Mecca on Ummara, where Tinubu walked miles without joining a car and his performance of Rituals of Tawaf and Saai shows that he is not only healthy but mentally alert on issues”, Mai Calculator explained.

In summary, Mallam Muhammad Badaru Abubakar is a blessing to Jigawa state, APC, and Nigeria at large. Jigawa is lucky to have an accountant as a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, an accountant as a Governor, and an accountant hoping to be a minister representing the state at the Federal Executive Council. 

Badaru is indeed an APC’s Silent Achiever!

Ghali Tade writes from Ɓaɓura, Jigawa state. He can be reached via tadebusinessr@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Musa

Education is a critical component of a child’s development, and a lack of quality education can have lasting consequences. The Jigawa state government’s “free education” program was intended to improve educational standards and make education more accessible. However, the so-called ‘free education’ program in the state may be doing more harm than good. While it’s true that the program removes the financial burden of education from parents, it also has hidden costs that may outweigh the benefits.

Students in the government’s “free education” program are not motivated to succeed. They know their education is already paid for, so they don’t need to study or work hard. This has led to declining grades and test scores, and students are unprepared for the future. Without motivation, students are less likely to engage with schoolwork and may have difficulty developing skills and knowledge. This can lead to a downward spiral where a lack of motivation leads to poor performance, further decreasing motivation.

Along with a lack of motivation among students, the “free education” program has led to a lack of accountability for teachers. Teachers are not motivated to do their best without the incentive of student performance. They are not held accountable for their student’s progress, which has led to a decline in the quality of teaching, and students may not reach their full potential. Without good teachers, students cannot learn the skills they need to succeed.

In addition to the issues with motivation and accountability among students and teachers, there is also a lack of motivation and accountability among parents. Since parents are not directly paying for their children’s education, they may feel less invested in their child’s success. This lack of investment can hurt the child’s education and the overall quality of education in the area.

In conclusion, the Jigawa state government’s “free education” program has serious hidden costs. It has led to a lack of motivation among students and teachers, leading to a decline in educational standards. This decline has serious implications for the future of the state, including economic decline, social problems, and an overall loss of competitiveness.

The government needs to re-evaluate the program and find a way to improve education without causing these negative consequences.

Ibrahim Musa is a primary school teacher at Egyptian Modern Model schools, Hadejia, Jigawa. He can be reached via imhadejia95@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), a famous Saudi-based non-governmental organisation, has pledged to construct a prestigious Islamic university in Jigawa State.

The Jigawa State Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the decision was unveiled during a visit by the state governor, Umar A. Namadi, to the WAMY office in Kano on Saturday.

According to the statement, WAMY also plans to construct a mosque with an Imam’s residence in a strategic location within the state.

Gumel stated that Governor Namadi was received by the Director of WAMY, Hashem Mohammed Abdelsalam, who said their purpose was to contribute to the spiritual well-being of the local communities of the state and beyond.

The statement read in part, “In line with their mission to empower communities and promote education, WAMY is now embarking on a monumental project to establish an Islamic university in Jigawa State. 

“Following the success of Alhikmah University in Ilorin, the organisation aims to replicate this model of excellence in Jigawa, fostering educational growth and uplifting the state’s educational landscape.

“Additionally, WAMY plans to construct a mosque with an Imam’s residence in a strategic location within the state, further contributing to the spiritual well-being of the local community,” the statement added.

By Muhamamad Suleiman Yobe.

Governor Malam Umar  A. Namadi has approved the appointment of Yusuf Adamu Babura as the new Managing Director, Jigawa State Radio Corporation.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, Malam Bala Ibrahim.

A veteran Journalist, the new Managing Director has been a professional broadcaster. He worked with Radio Nigeria Kaduna and also served as Special Assistant on Radio to the Governor from 2019 to May 2023.

Similarly, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Abba Muhammad Tukur as the new Managing Director of Jigawa State Television station, JTV.

Until his appointment, Abba Tukur was Manager Commercial of the Jigawa State Television JTV.

The statement added that their appointment is based on merit, competence and personal integrity.

Malam Bala Ibrahim urged the appointees to work diligently for the sound execution of the present administration’s policies and programmes.

Both appointments take immediate effect.

Muhamamad Suleiman Yobe

Jigawa State governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, has constituted a committee to retrieve pieces of land that were indiscriminately allocated to individuals and corporations without the approval of the government. 

At the Council Chamber of the Government House, the governor inaugurated the committee to be chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mallam Bala Ibrahim (Mamser), in his bid to re-establish order and due process. 

Recall that Mallam Umar Namadi has promised to bring back sanity and run an administration based on the ethics of bureaucratic governance. 

He said the objective is to prevent the occurrences of farmer/herder clashes as a result of such encroachment around the state, especially during the rainy season. 

The land retrieval committee is part of Governor Umar Namadi’s effort to ensure that land designated as a cattle grazing route is not encroached on for selfish reasons and therefore reserved to serve its purpose.