By Adamu Muhd Usman
“The challenge is not to manage time, but to manage ourselves.”
—— Stephen R. Covey
Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, but today is a gift. That is why it’s called the present. The powerful words above focus on action, belief, and self-worth, with examples like “Make it count,” “Never give up,” and “Believe you can.” What inspired me to give this caption and include these quotes is to relate them to Malam Umar Namadi (F.C.A) Dan Modi, the fifth (5th) governor of Jigawa State after H.E. Barr. Ali Saad, H.E. Senator Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, H.E. Dr. Sule Lamido (CON), and H.E. Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.
My purpose is to use this as an opening to ask Malam Umar five (5) questions and seek his response or actions. I believe Malam Umar is among the leaders with wisdom and the ability to take sound decisions. However, even great leaders sometimes value advice and suggestions from their followers, including those of us in opposition parties like the PDP—especially when it comes from people who genuinely want the leader to succeed.
Some may ask why I offer advice or suggestions to Malam Umar. Yes, I am not everyone else, and they are not me.
While some have allegedly accused Dan Modi of holding grudges, having a quick temper, and rarely letting go of past mistakes or offenses, I recognize that Malam Umar is human and has imperfections. I believe that, despite his human lapses, he will amend, improve, and excel as governor of Jigawa by the special grace of God.
Life teaches us that if we are not careful, rumors or allegations can make us hate the innocent and love hypocrites or enviers. People may attempt to destroy your image or stain your personality, but they cannot take away your good deeds. No matter how they describe you, those who truly know you will still admire, extol, and appreciate you.
As Paulo Coelho once said, “Don’t waste your time with explanations; people only hear what they want to hear.” Just act and do the needful. The best lesson in life is to listen to everyone and learn from everyone—because nobody knows everything, but everyone knows something.
I want to use this medium to appeal to the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar, regarding certain issues that need his priority. As Goethe once said, “We always have time enough if we will but use it aright,” and Warren Bennis noted that “managers have their eyes on the bottom line; leaders have their eyes on the horizon.”
Here are my five critical questions:
1. Sule Lamido established Jigawa State University, Kafin-Hausa, to give indigenes greater access to higher education. Before its establishment, many eligible candidates of Jigawa origin failed to secure admission due to lack of opportunities. My question is: if Lamido, from Bamaina town, Birnin-Kudu Local Government, and Dutse Senatorial Zone, could establish and operate the university within 3–4 years, what is preventing Malam Umar, a native of Kafin-Hausa, from completing even a single faculty of medicine in nearly three years? Also courses like Mass Communication, Law, Engineering etc are suppose to be under study but Alas! On the contrary.
2. Absence of Local Government Secretaries in all the 27 LGAs: For over a year now, since the elected council chairmen assumed office, all 27 local government areas have been operating without secretaries. This absence has significantly crippled administrative work and political engagement across the state. What is blocking their appointment?
3. The state local government education departments have been without education secretaries for months. Why is this critical sector of societal development being neglected?
4. It is on record that the Jigawa State Government set aside over four billion naira (#4B) some months ago to address potential flood disasters. While we thank God that 2025 did not witness destructive floods, what will happen to this money? Will it disappear, be saved for future calamities, or be used for other purposes?
5. It was reported that all 27 local government capitals will receive solar streetlights. Where does this plan stand? I appeal to the governor to rethink replacing the Lamido-era streetlights, which are far better and more extensive than the intended solar ones. If old lights are removed, what will happen to the existing bulbs, stands, and wires? Experts say the cost of just the wires of Lamido’s streets light could exceed the total cost of installation the solar streets light. The government should consult the people and ensure this project genuinely benefits the populace. Personally, I do not want the old lights removed; instead, solar lights should be installed where streetlights are absent. Since there is magnificent improvement in power supply (NEPA/KEDCO) the old streets light could be link to the NEPA.
At this juncture, I urge the governor to take the necessary action and be a blessing to Jigawa. Remember, not all blessings come in the form of money or material things. Sometimes, having a faithful, honest, transparent, and compassionate leader is the greatest blessing. One of the highest compliments anyone can give is to say, “You are different.” Malam Umar, strive to be different and a true blessing to Jigawa. I wish you well.
Jigawa of my dreams
Adamu writes from Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State
