Katsina State

By Uzair Adam

The Katsina State Police Command has debunked claims circulating in a viral video that a police officer shot and killed a colleague during recent protests against bad governance in the state.

The video, shared widely on X, shows a security agent allegedly shot by a police officer while dispersing protesters in Katsina. The agent is seen lying motionless on the ground, sparking outrage and concern.

In a statement to the press, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Katsina State clarified that the video was “manipulated and taken out of context.”

The PPRO identified the individual in the video as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who sustained injuries from an accident during the protest, not from a gunshot.

“The fact is that the security agent shown in the video is an officer of the NSCDC who fell from a patrol vehicle due to an accident involving the vehicle at the scene of the protest.

He was immediately rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Centre), Katsina, where he was treated and discharged,” the PPRO explained.

Katsina State Police Commissioner, CP Aliyu Musa, reiterated that no fatalities were recorded during the protest.

He urged the public to prioritize accuracy and verify information through official channels.

“We call on members of the public to disregard this misinformation and always verify information through official channels,” CP Musa stated.

He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, in collaboration with other security agencies.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Tragedy struck in Katsina State as bandits killed Dr. Tiri Gyan David, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), and abducted his two children. 

The attack occurred at the lecturer’s residence in Yarima Quarters, Low-Cost Estate, Dutsinma Local Government Area, around 1:30 am on Tuesday.

The bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, shot sporadically to scare residents. 

An eyewitness reported that the hoodlums invaded the community, causing chaos and fear.

Dr. David was the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Rural Development at FUDMA. 

His killing is the latest in a series of bandit attacks in the state, despite efforts to restore peace.

The Katsina Police Command confirmed the incident, promising a detailed statement soon. 

The command’s spokesman, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged the attack but did not provide further details.

Dutsinma is one of the ten security frontline local government areas grappling with frequent bandit attacks almost daily, despite efforts by both the state government and security agencies to restore peace in the state.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among residents, with many calling for increased security measures to protect lives and properties.

By Ibrahim Adamu Ingawa

In the vast expanse of Nigeria’s Katsina State, beneath the scorching sun and amidst the sporadic rains, a silent predator lurks, imperiling the health and well-being of its inhabitants. Climate change, though often overlooked, poses a formidable threat to public health in Katsina State, catalyzing the emergence and spread of infectious diseases at an alarming rate.

In recent years, the fingerprints of climate change have become increasingly evident, leaving behind a trail of devastation in its wake. From the bustling streets of Dutsin-Ma to the tranquil valleys of Bakori, the impacts of rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are unmistakable, reshaping the landscape of disease transmission in profound ways.

Take, for instance, the surge in malaria cases that swept through Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area in 2019. Heavy rainfall and flooding provided the perfect breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, resulting in over 500 confirmed cases within a month. Similarly, the parched earth of Kankia Town bore witness to a cholera outbreak in 2017, fueled by drought conditions and inadequate sanitation infrastructure, claiming the lives of several hundred individuals.

But the toll of climate change extends beyond the realm of vector-borne diseases, reaching deep into the fabric of public health in Katsina State. The specter of Lassa fever loomed large over Bakori Local Government Area in 2016, as changing climatic conditions facilitated the spread of this deadly virus, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Meanwhile, in Funtua, rising temperatures and increased mosquito activity paved the way for a dengue fever outbreak in 2015, further exacerbating the burden of disease in the region.

Yet, perhaps the most poignant manifestation of climate change’s impact on public health lies in the floods that ravaged Jibia in 2018. As torrential rains inundated the town, turning streets into rivers and homes into islands, a silent menace took root. Stagnant floodwaters became breeding grounds for disease vectors, leading to a surge in malaria cases and exacerbating the plight of already vulnerable communities.

In addition to the visible impacts on infectious disease outbreaks, climate change is also facilitating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Katsina State, thereby exacerbating public health challenges. The rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns create favorable conditions for the proliferation of resistant bacteria, as well as the emergence of new strains which are resistant to the drugs that are meant to kill them. Increased use of antimicrobial agents in response to climate-related infectious disease outbreaks further contributes to the selection pressure driving AMR. This alarming synergy between climate change and AMR underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both phenomena and safeguard the health of Katsina State’s population.

Despite the magnitude of these challenges, hope remains on the horizon. Armed with knowledge and skills I acquired in addressing the most pressing issues of public health over the past few years, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to develop innovative interventions aimed at tackling the consequences of climate change on infectious disease outbreaks in Katsina State. From outbreak preparedness and prevention to the implementation of robust control mechanisms, I am zealous in my determination to contribute in safeguarding the health and well-being of my fellow citizens at the Home of Hospitality. But my journey has not been without its obstacles.

Since my return from the United Kingdom after my internship at the world-leading genomics research institute (the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge), there has been interference from certain elements, which has impeded my ability to implement meaningful change. Yet, in the face of adversity, my resolve remains unshaken, fueled by a burning desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by the ravages of climate change in my dear State.

The impacts of climate change on infectious disease outbreaks represent just one facet of the multifaceted challenges confronting the public health milieu of my beloved State. I remain resolute in my commitment to driving forward the positive transformation of Katsina State’s public health sector. Anticipating the opportunity to deploy my skills and expertise, I stand ready and poised to seize it at any moment.

As I look towards the future, I am filled with optimism, knowing that together, we can overcome the challenges posed by climate change on ever-increasing infectious disease outbreak and forge a path towards a healthier, more resilient Katsina State. I believe that through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering determination, we can turn the tide against this invisible threat and pave the way for a brighter, healthier tomorrow.

Ibrahim Adamu (Ingawa) writes from Katsina State. He’s a
Project Grantee at The Foundation to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance (Sweden). He can be reached via ibrahimassalafee@gmail.com/ +2348134386907

By Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani

Barring any last-minute changes, Al-Qalam University will hold its 2nd Combined Convocation on Nov. 25, 2023. The day is what everyone associated with the university eagerly looks forward to seeing. 

Al-Qalam University, Katsina (AUK), hitherto known as Katsina University, Katsina (KUK), is located in Dutsinma Road, Katsina State, and known for the academic aspiration of those who seek knowledge deeply rooted in sound morals. Al-Qalam University was established in 2005 as Nigeria’s first private Islamic university.

The university has gone from strength to strength since its establishment 18 years ago. It presently runs six schools/colleges, which offer assortments of options for the students: The College of Social and Management Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, College of Education, College of Humanities, College of Post Graduate Studies, and School of Basic and Remedial Studies. It awards 22 undergraduate degrees (among which five courses offer both full-time and part-time programs), 11 master’s programs, and nine PhD programmes, all accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in line with the laws governing university education in Nigeria. 

Recently, some new courses were accredited by the NUC, which brings the total number of programmes to 36 for the 2023/2024 academic session. Despite being a non-profit institution and the difficult economic situation in Nigeria today, the university continues to flourish. However, this is not far-fetched as it is run by an exemplary governing council and administratively headed by an astute academic, economic luminary, and open-minded scholar, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri, who has not only built on what his predecessors had achieved but also devised different means to take the university forward. He is equally supported by the hard-working team across the various faculties and colleges to actualise the founders’ dreams of the first Islamic University in Nigeria. 

The Programme of the 2nd Combined Convocation is quite extensive. Therefore, I will highlight some of the events for want of space.  The Vice  Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri, disclosed some of the events scheduled for the imminent second combined convocation while briefing journalists in Katsina on Nov. 19, 2023.  

According to the information, 139 postgraduates will be conferred with different honours during the convocation ceremony, including seven Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D), 125 Masters, and seven postgraduate diplomas (PGD). 

“We are going to honour and celebrate graduates from the 2016 to 2023 sessions, which means on Nov. 25, we are going to confer degrees on graduates for eight sessions. 

“This is to say specifically that we are preparing to ensure that graduates of this 2022/2023 session are also going to be celebrated at the convocation ceremony,” the VC said. 

Apart from this, there is also a Qur’an recitation contest for all interested university students to participate.  This is one of the major events scheduled for the convocation. Winners of the Qur’anic recitation competition, both the female and the male categories, will receive N1 million each. 

A pre-vocation lecture will be delivered on Nov. 24, 2023, by a distinguished scholar, Dr Usman Muhammad Bugaje, on the topic: “The out-of-school-children and the  Conscience of the Nation: A Discourse on the Genesis, Prognosis and Solutions of the Almajirci Phenomenon.” 

A novelty football match between Al-University students (AUK All stars) and its alumni (AUK Legends) is part of the programme, emphasising that all domains of learning: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor are given priority. 

To cap it all, four eminent personalities who have made a tremendous difference in various fields of human endeavour will be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees: including the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman; Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu; Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura, and Alhaji Abdulsamad Isiyaka Rabiu. 

Al-Qalam University Katsina is where it is today because of the leadership, who have remained steadfast to the ideals of the founding fathers and have employed transparent methods. The Vice-Chancellor, for example, is accessible, and every Thursday has been set aside for any student with a suggestion or problem to meet the Vice-Chancellor and iron out the issue amicably. This is good leadership and highly remarkable.

I am not writing this piece to pretend we have a flawless system. There is no system without flaws. All systems have their shortcomings in one way or the other. This may not be apparent without meticulous observation. But this we understand as we explore the system or rather utilise the services of the system. Hence, I do not claim a perfect system exists here or advance anything error-free for the public. 

To buttress my points, I was personally affected by one of such fallibilities when I was wrongly accused of committing an offence I didn’t and have always stood against. Herein, Al-Qalam University, especially its College of Education, exercised due diligence by using all the legal instruments to get to the root of the matter and ensure justice was done. In my opinion, the greatness of any system or institution should be measured not by the duration it exists but by how effectively its services are rendered to those in need. This proves where the institution belongs. 

Prof. Nasiru Musa Yauri’s giant strides are evident, from academics and sports to other equally important sectors of this citadel of learning. With time, Insha Allah, this institution can reach the heights its illustrious founding fathers envisioned when they established this university in 2005. May Allah (SWT) help Al-Qalam University to reach its rightful destination for the benefit of Nigeria. 

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani is a student of Al-Qalam University Katsina.

By Muhammad Malumfashi

It is no longer intriguing to discuss with the victims of withheld pension payments under the current administration in Katsina State. The pensioners are experiencing severe hunger, their children are unable to attend school, and as a result, their families are vulnerable to social problems for which the governor of Katsina is responsible.

How can a rational government extend the screening process until salary time, knowing that their screening team is not mature and time-conscious enough to complete their work before the start of the salary period? This government, which claims to be ‘intelligent’, is creating unnecessary chaos.

I have listened to the accounts of the victims. Regrettably, this government is not taking significant steps to address the issue. These unpaid pensioners dedicated their lives to serving our state. Some could have found lucrative jobs elsewhere but chose to remain in Katsina and serve their home state until retirement. And now, the government is rewarding them with starvation. What an ungrateful government!

If Governor Dikko Umar Radda (PhD) indeed possesses a doctorate, he should not have merely stated it through words, but instead, he should have demonstrated it through his actions. Unfortunately, his actions don’t even match those of someone who has never had the opportunity to attend elementary school. A PhD, in my opinion, should be characterised by excellence, compassion, promptness, and exceptional decision-making. However, the current government, led by Dikko, is the complete opposite of what we expected.

Dikko should not give us the impression that we are moving from frying pan to fire under the APC’s administration in Katsina. We have long to witness a significant distinction between educated leaders and those lacking education. But Dikko demonstrates, through his actions, that the only difference lies in whether they attain power. They are all birds of the same feather.

Dikko started impudently with a fervent religious overtone and resolute vigour regarding his esteemed doctorate. Katsina’s initial expectations were that a transformation would ensue, surpassing the advancements of neighbouring states in infrastructure development, educational excellence, scholarly interventions, agricultural sustainability, and unexplored approaches to security intelligence. However, to our dismay, we regret electing this incapable and uninspiring PhD holder to lead our state affairs.

We earnestly implore Governor Dikko to take compassionate action, whether motivated by his moral duty or the preservation of his scholarly prestige and promptly provide the pensioners with their long-overdue pensions. Their current living conditions have reached an unacceptable state, bordering on the unimaginable, and if not addressed promptly, dire consequences may unfold.

It is disconcerting to witness the sight of workers and pensioners protesting on the streets, exemplifying the government’s ill-treatment towards them. Should our esteemed governor not execute the necessary actions, it would mark an unfortunate first during his tenure and harm the state’s harmonious relationship with its workforce.

A thorough assessment of his achievements thus far has made it evident that a degree or doctorate certificate is not a prerequisite for government appointments or the ability to govern effectively. Dikko’s PhD has not set him apart from his predecessors; instead, he merely builds upon their legacies. The sole accomplishment I can attribute to his tenure is the establishment of the ‘Katsina State Security Watch Corps,’ which emerged as a product of his government initiative. Unfortunately, there seem to be no further substantial achievements to highlight.

Nonetheless, our followers are responsible for recognising that even the constitution does not require a specific educational qualification, such as a degree or PhD, for individuals seeking governance. We should disregard excessive education and prioritise transparency, credibility, competence, experience, past performance, and a candidate’s track record to determine their eligibility for our vote. This is because having a PhD has not translated into tangible benefits for our society, such as improved living conditions or economic prosperity.

Initially, I believed that with the grandiose claims made by Dikko and his supporters about his PhD degree, Katsina would have transformed into a modern metropolis like Dubai or Qatar by now. However, disappointingly, we have yet to surpass the standards set by even neighbouring states in the northwest, let alone compete with the more developed southern states.

We have now realised that all the hype and celebration surrounding Dikko’s qualifications were falsehoods (duk karya ne). He has failed to deliver on his promises, and the role of the governor surpasses that of the Director-General of Smedan. Furthermore, Katsina is not simply a local government like Charanchi.

Muhammad Malumfashi wrote via muhammadisyakumalumfashi@gmail.com.

By Isah Miqdad

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, has approved the appointment of Naufal Ahmed as Director General (ICT Directorate).

The appointment, which is with effect from 14th August 2023, is based on the conviction that Mr Naufal will serve faithfully, diligently, and in the best interest of the service.

As the visionary founder of the esteemed Kirkira Innovation Hub, Naufal has pioneered the establishment of the first-ever technology hub in the region. This groundbreaking initiative has served as a transformative force, equipping countless young individuals with vital technological skills and providing them with a platform to thrive.

Naufal’s remarkable career as a tech ecosystem builder has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an unwavering passion for innovation and youth empowerment, his impact on the tech landscape of Katsina and Nigeria at large is undeniable.

He has been a sought-after speaker and organiser at numerous conferences across Katsina and the country, sharing his insights and inspiring others to embrace innovation.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Naufal has received numerous accolades, including being named among the Opportunities Hub’s 100 Most Influential Youths for his significant contributions to youth development and entrepreneurship.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A frustrated husband in Katsina State has reportedly divorced his 14-year-old wife after realising that she was attended by the male medical practitioner while giving birth.

It was gathered that the woman was rushed to the hospital for medical care because of the complications she had during her labour.

However, as there was no female medical practioner on ground to attend to her, the woman was attended by the only male medical practioner available.

Dr. Fatima Adamu, the Executive Director of Nana Women and Girls Empowerment Initiative, disclosed this on Thursday while speaking as a keynote speaker at the Human Resources for Health Production Dialogue in Abuja.

She appealed to governments, especially state governments, to ensure there was equity in the recruitment and deployment of medical personnel to rural communities.

“A 14- year old Fulani girl in Katsina State,she delivered and had difficulty with delivery, so we had to take her to the hospital and after the delivery, the husband divorced her because she was attended by a man. This young girl was divorced all because she was attended by a man during delivery,”she lamented.

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

Many years ago, when I was a young lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic, I had a discussion with a senior colleague of mine. I have always disliked having disagreements with my seniors because I easily admit defeat as I don’t want to appear disrespectful. 

My discussion with the Chief Lecturer was around General Muhammadu Buhari’s achievement as PTF Chairman. The senior colleague, who bitterly disliked Buhari, was of the opinion that PTF under Buhari “did nothing except for some roads he constructed around Katsina”. When he was reminded that the road he followed daily to work was constructed by Buhari’s PTF, the man vehemently denied it even though it was well known to all the people around the Tudun Wada area of Kaduna, and he could easily find out in case he forgot. But his mind was beclouded by hatred. Hatred stinks, and it blinds.

My discussion with my senior colleague came to my mind this week while I was travelling back to Kano from Kaduna. For two decades before Buhari assumed office as a civilian President, this road had become one of the most dilapidated in the country, and Nigerians, including myself, wrote to call the attention of President Buhari to it while his administration was still taking off. These calls did not fall on deaf ears, and even Buhari’s enemy cannot deny that the quality of work done in the renovation is high.

Of course, more work is needed on the Kaduna-Abuja side, and although it is ongoing, it is clear that the project will outlive the Buhari administration, which has less than three weeks to go. His is, however, much better than PDP governments that were more interested in politics than service.

Two other projects attracted my attention while on the same journey. They are the Kaduna-Kano-Maradi rail line and the famous AKK gas pipeline project. The speed at which the two projects are being pursued is high, but the completion date can obviously be no earlier than May 29, 2023.

On December 25, 2018, while travelling along the Kano-Katsina highway, I stopped at Tsanyawa to take a picture of an accident caused by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s five-kilometre project. The five-kilometre project was a failed project of the Kano State Government under Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in which a five-kilometre length of the expressway was supposed to be built in each local Government headquarters.

For local government headquarters on major federal highways like Tsanyawa, Bichi, Rimin Gado, etc., the state government only succeeded in spoiling Federal roads on which partitions were made without increasing the widths of the roads. I displayed the picture on my Facebook page with a call to Kano State Government to correct the mistake it made. 

Two years later, on 24th October 2020, I stopped at the same spot in Tsanyawa and took another picture of the road after Buhari’s dualization project. The dualization solved the problem in both Bichi and Tsanyawa, the two local government headquarters on that road. I am personally happy that the dualization of the Katsina-Kano road was embarked upon by the Buhari administration because it is the road I ply more than any other in my life.

So why are we only looking at the mistakes? Were our expectations from Buhari too high? Did his mistakes overshadow his achievements? Or are we simply difficult to satisfy?

A fair answer is to say, “All of the above”. You may not be happy to hear that, but it is my opinion.

I have never seen people more expectant than Nigerians. When they love a person, he is fault-free and infallible. Anyone who disagrees with him must be insulted and disgraced. He will solve all their problems. I think that is why when they eventually hate the same person, they go to another extreme of not seeing anything good with them. Buhari is a victim of this, unfortunately. Examples of other objects of extreme blind love by their supporters are Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

What about the mistakes? Are they too many or too grave, or both? Are all of them mistakes or blunders? Or are they simply contempt for Nigerians or some groups thereof by President Buhari?

I sometimes wish Buhari did not accept to become the President. Many people are at a loss about how he simply allowed innocent people to continuously be killed in his home state while speaking about defeating Boko Haram in the faraway North East. By the time he leaves at the end of this month, President Buhari will leave Katsina more insecure than he met it. Last week, a major national daily reported the migration of dreaded bandits in large numbers from Zamfara to Katsina state. 

On several occasions, when Buhari was asked about banditry in the North West, he dismissed it as a fight between people of the same culture and tradition. This can mean farmers/herders or Hausa/Fulani communal clash. Many victims like me are not happy with this kind of response and see it as the reason why well-known bandits’ kingpins are operating freely in our state, kidnapping, enslaving, killing, raping, etc. 

The least corrupt Nigerian politician I know will leave Nigerians in a more difficult economic hardship than he met them. I observed Nigerians taking a long time comparing their income and prices of foodstuffs (yes, food, not any luxury item) in 2015 when Buhari came and in 2023 when he is leaving. Nigerians are suffering.

What about Education? Buhari kept poor people’s children at home for eight months last year and many months in 2020 while his children were schooling in Europe is an indication of the contempt he has for the poor people of Nigeria who formed his support base. The number of out-of-school children is rising. The Almajiri Education Commission should have come earlier, but it is still a welcome development which we hope the incoming President should implement with the seriousness it deserves.

Finally, Nigerians are also difficult and unfair. When they love a politician, they don’t consider him a human being with strengths and weaknesses. If they do that at the beginning, they will certainly be fair to him at the end. But like some binary machines, they only have two states; absolute love and absolute hate.   

Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from Bayero University, Kano. He can be contacted via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Amir Sa’ad Ribadu

The 2023 election cycle has introduced quite a handful of female politicians ranging from the candidates themselves to the wives of candidates. Some female politicians have garnered massive publicity and relevance within their states, while others have become national figures and inspirations to women all over Nigeria.

One such woman is the wife of Katsina state Governor-elect Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda, whose sudden emergence in the Katsina state political scene has made her an inspiration to women and a political force to reckon with in Katsina.

Before her emergence into the scene as a result of her husband’s success at the Katsina APC primaries sometime in May 2022, Hajiya Fatima, fondly known in Katsina as Zinariya is only known for her philanthropy, passion for educating the girl-child and healthcare delivery by a few beneficiaries of her foundation, PAC-F. PAC-F, which she founded a few years back, has kept her busy. In a recent interview, Hajiya Fatima attributed her passion for philanthropy, which birthed PAC-F, to her late mother.

In another interview in December, she told reporters how she intends to support her husband’s policy, especially in eradicating poverty and improving the healthcare and educational environment for the Katsina girl child.

It is therefore not surprising when she was seen campaigning so vigorously that she is said to have taken her husband’s message personally to 146 wards out of the 361 wards in Katsina, which is unprecedented for the wife of any guber candidate in any state in the North.

Her campaigns mainly centred around her husband’s policy document. Also, they focused on her passion for helping the girl child and supporting her husband in making healthcare delivery accessible to all in Katsina, especially women.

She seems to have been accepted by women and young people in Kastina because most can relate with her, owing to her age, ability to understand and proffer solutions, and natural propensity for generosity. Her acceptance is evident through the crowd she gathers every time she’s at a campaign rally or even in her house when she’s around Katsina.

Her Batagarawa low-cost home has become a popular destination for many who need assistance for medical purposes or daily needs. Her humility, they say, is akin to that of the carpenter of Nazareth.

Her youthful determination and willingness to contribute to her husband, Dr Dikko Radda’s campaign, could be seen in how passionately she reached out to the electorates in Katsina villages. She travelled through the length and breadth of Katsina’s Funtua Zone, a zone marred by insecurity and violence, and on many occasions, some members of her entourage have opted to stay back, but not Zinariya. This is because she was determined to witness first-hand the situation of the typical Katsina family in the villages where insecurity and poverty are rife.

It is, therefore, not surprising to see youth and women rally around her, chanting slogans of hers and her husband’s whenever she is around. This and many more reasons are why Katsina is said to be lucky to have a youthful, energetic, and passionate Governor in Dr Dikko Radda, who shares precisely the same qualities as his wife, Zinariya Fatima Dikko Radda.

Amir Sa’ad Ribadu writes from Libreville Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja. He can be contacted via mrribadu@gmail.com.

By Yusuf Murtala

With great delight, pleasure and excitement, I write to congratulate you on this marathon achievement of being elected Governor of Katsina State in the recently concluded election. Your success is a sign that Katsina state is on the verge of becoming a greater state again. I pray you to achieve your plans for Katsina state in sha Allah.

I write to inform or remind you about the current or sorry state of my dear town, Maska, which I believe is part of your plans to restore the good image of rural areas and carry them all along in your administration, which you stated in your blueprint that they could also contribute to the development of our dear State.

With a population of over 50,000, Maska is left behind by previous administrations/governments because they’re not informed about the abundant natural resources. It has, which can if carefully managed, generated a handsome amount of revenue for the state.

I Would not hesitate to remind you about the dirty Condition of our (Maska Community Comprehensive Hospital) which was built a long time ago by a patriotic citizen to save the town and its environs from the suffering they experience in an attempt to carry their patients to the local Government near them for treatment. It’s in a dirty condition as inadequate or lacking infrastructural development to treat patients. Female and male wards are left shattered that even animals will suffer to live therein. Toilets and maternity wards where our parents ( Pregnant women ) are received is also a thing to cry out for. I hope his excellency will consider us on this too.

Our local market (Maska Monday Market) is undoubtedly a hub of the economy, where millions of transactions are carried out every Monday. Thus, reconstructing it by providing or building newly constructed shops or stores will ensure much attendance, especially in the rainy season. This will also encourage investors or businessmen from and around the town to participate actively and hugely contribute to the economy of my dear state and the country at large.

I will not forget to remind you again about the Dam in my town which, if also given a concern, will save several unemployed youths from roaming the street. Moreover, reconstructing it will also create jobs for the teeming populace as it will be used to enhance dry season farming, popularly known as (Noman Rani) and encourage fishing farming which is also a means of generating income for the state.

Security issues of the state are among the top priorities you highly placed in your blueprint, and we firmly believe they will be drastically eradicated quickly.

Finally, your excellency, we hope and pray that this letter will reach you in good and sound health. We also pray that your administration will be smoothly carried out.

Yusuf Murtala can be reach via yusufmurtala595@gmail.com