Why Katsina is exciting right now

I’ve never met the man, but I hear he’s easy-going and I’m compelled to believe. Since he gradually climbed the ladder of leadership as a young lawyer, his articulate approach to issues either in the law profession, or in community relations endeared him to many, so he caught the eyes of the electorate. He was […]

I’ve never met the man, but I hear he’s easy-going and I’m compelled to believe. Since he gradually climbed the ladder of leadership as a young lawyer, his articulate approach to issues either in the law profession, or in community relations endeared him to many, so he caught the eyes of the electorate. He was dragged reluctantly into the murky waters of politics but his dexterity would see him to the highest office in the state.
Even though he was not then regarded as one of the frontrunners in the race for the gubernatorial seat of the state in 2007, he emerged as the chosen candidate to the reception of all in the state. His candidacy was to become a turning point in the popularity of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which was then being decimated by the battle for the control of its soul ahead of the election that year. His administration soon became the darling of the people and even the opposition was invited and its contribution recognized.
Infrastructural development through community participatory approach has changed the landscape of the state from a rural one to an urban delight. Katsina town today is not only like any other state capital of old, with more facilities and social amenities. Education, youth and women empowerment, economic growth mechanisms, social cohesion, agricultural revolution, manpower development, alternative energy source and many others are thriving.
Hospitals which were hitherto glorified diagnosis centers soon grow into reliable sources of good and affordable healthcare facilities. Complicated health challenges that were to take Katsina State indigenes to either foreign or far local cities can now be adequately catered for the state. Food security, an important and necessary ingredient for national survival has been fortified with the restructuring and resumption of a more strengthened modern food production skills, improved and available fertilizers, equipment and well trained extension farming officers.
I could go on and on, but I’ll close by advising other states to borrow a leaf from Governor Shema, so their own citizens can be as excited as we are in Katsina State.
Hassan Nagado wrote in from Dutsinma ([email protected])