National awards and popular verdicts

Before then, and in the last few years, several institutions in and around the world recognized his great contributions to law, science, education, agriculture and good governance and extended several awards as a way to say thank you to a man who has spent his entire life in the service of humanity. The national award […]

Before then, and in the last few years, several institutions in and around the world recognized his great contributions to law, science, education, agriculture and good governance and extended several awards as a way to say thank you to a man who has spent his entire life in the service of humanity.

The national award is just another milestone in the life of this young and amiable man whose venture into politics was destined to bring positive change to the people of state, and his nation in general. Let me say some of these innovative and grand services to the nation this man (Shema) has carried in the last four and half years or even before his emergence as the executive Governor of Katsina state was not only commendable but far reaching.

As a lawyer, he spearheaded the reinvigoration of the legal profession in the state when he served as attorney general and commissioner of Justice under Late President Umar Musa Yar’adua, then the state governor.

He brought several landmark improvements to legal system in the state through several reforms that ensured quality in the practice of law and general dispensation of justice. He also spearheaded prison reforms and decongested several prisons through prompt application of justice in the state.

When in 2003, the desire for continuity emerged, and the need for credible leadership to take on and move the state towards development and prosperity became imminent, the choice to drag him into the contest was sealed.

This was as a result of his credibility, competence and the belief by the then former President Yar’adua that for his legacies to be sustained a man of intellectual and visionary foresight is required to take on the mantle of leadership in Katsina.

Since his emergence, the socio-economic development of Katsina State has marvelously blossomed, and the infrastructural development is equaled to none in the north western part of the country.

One of the biggest socio-economic problems bedeviling most African countries and the world in general is the issue of teeming youth unemployment. His administration introduced the skills village initiative that trains and provide life line to young men and women to become self reliant. This initiative alone has now become one of the most replicated economic blue prints many states and even the government is copying. His education reforms have also led Katsina State to leap frog from one of the educationally disadvantaged states to one of the most advanced. This fact was supported by a recent federal government declaration of the state as the best in terms of universal primary education; a whopping N700m reward was awarded for that achievement.

In the areas of health, agriculture, sports and human development the state has never had it so good leading to accolades and recognition by the labour unions, NUJ, and several other highly recognized institutions in the country.

The award of the Commander of the order of Niger, CON by President Jonathan Ebele was only a pointer to the shining example of what this man of the people has come to represent.

While the people of the state and many across the nation have expressed their elation at the recognition extended to this man of vision and credibility, the impact of this recognition will continue to elicit reaction for many years to come.

Already, debate has started over the import of these series of recognition from within and outside the country and what they mean to the political life of this humble, and dedicated man of the people. I will end this brief article with a quote from one of the reactions pasted across the city of Katsina by a resident, a genuine and grass root feeling about this man so many have recognized.

“This recognition is for your immense contribution to the development of your people, your state and your country. So far, you have accomplished and distinguished yourself as a credible administrator per excellence in the service of God and humanity. We salute a man of courage, wisdom and foresight on this momentous occasion.”

Kagara can be reached @ [email protected]