By Sani Bello Hamza
During the first phase of Covid-19 pandemic, I had a long heated argument with my friends on whether it’s conscientiously right to write tributes, articles, or publish vote of thanks praising politicians on the occasion of their birthday or after achieving a remarkable feat in public service.
I naturally detest the idea of praising politicians for performing their constitutional duties or eye service. Years later, I found myself proffering an exception saying we subconsciously pen down birthday wishes and votes of thanks to celebrate the birthday or achievements of “selfless and dedicated leaders” who have distinguished themselves as politicians or public servants. Coincidentally, I found myself in the same position today celebrating the birthday of a selfless and dedicated leader- Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State.
I believe the whole idea that spurred our conversation was not unconnected to the fact Nigerians have not been privileged to witness first class leadership from leaders who do not only put the interest of the state above their personal interest, but sacrifice their personal interest for the greater good and welfare of the state. If we can have, at least five selfless and dedicated leaders like Governor Dikko Radda in our respective states, we won’t be mindful of the policies of the federal government as we will be satisfied with the level of development, growth and improved welfare in our states.
Well, I’m not here to bore you with history or story of how I was, and I’m still ready to debate and propagate the people-centred policies of Governor Dikko Radda in public and private gatherings. I must confess the Governor Dikko Radda will be eternally remembered among of the best and finest politicians in the history of Katsina state. He do not only deserve it but he earned it.
In Nigeria today, it’s practically impossible to discuss transformational leadership without digressing to use Katsina state as a case study. Katsina state has grown to become the pace setter in the north and Nigeria at large. Northern governors had on numerous occasions publicly acknowledge the unreal transformation visible in Katsina state for the past two years he has been in office.
Well, it’s true that you can’t sow sorghum and and harvest maize. Voting for a creative and competent leader is a guarantee of an improved standard of living and development in all facets of live in a state.
This has been the story of Katsina state in the hands of the sterling governor who has distinguished himself as an administrator and now, as a governor of the most demanding state in Nigeria.
Whenever I read a timeline x-raying his achievements in the health, education and the deteriorated security architecture of Katsina state, I feel inspired and proud of a man whom I cherished as a distant-mentor, role model and a leader.
From Radda primary school to attaining PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Gov. Radda has shown the spark of intelligence and attributes of the leadership style we are privileged to witness today.
In his effort to permanently bring an end to the lingering challenges of insecurity in katsina state, Gov. Radda took the bold move to finance and commissioned the Community Watch Corps of Katsina comprising 1,466 trained security personels to complement the effort of the armed forces in combating insecurity in the state. This courageous move has not only been emulated by other northwestern governors but has also helped to drastically reduce insurgency and gradually erasing the names of notorious bandits and war lords from the surface of earth. Kudos!
In his pursuit to revive education in Katsina state, Gov. Radda has approved the construction of 75 well furnished and stationed secondary schools across the state. The schools will be equipped with modern learning equipments to make learning fun, engaging and interactive to the students.
Not only that, after reviewing the comprehensive report submitted by a special committee tasked with the process of teachers recruitment in the state, Gov. Radda has approved the employment of the employment of 7,325 qualified teachers who passed through the rigorous recruitment process.
Wait, that’s not the end, the healthcare sector of the state is witnessing a complete overhaul as the governor has successfully construct a 12-bed capacity dialysis centre at General Amadi Rimi specialist Hospital. At the same time upgrading the Faskari comprehensive health center to a general hospital. Well, that’s still not the end…
In his relentless effort to secure the future of the state health care system, Gov. Radda’s administration has sponsored 41 students to study MBBS in Egypt in a fully funded scholarship and upkeep of about N774,344,600. Wow!
Also, in this era of technology the people’s Governor has also offered a full-tution scholarship to 68 indigent students across the state to study Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology in China. This will undoubtedly boost the morale of indigent students to pursue academic excellence and subsequently make Katsina the technology hub of the North.
As we celebrate the birthday of His Excellency Governor Dikko Radda today, we must acknowledge the fact that his journey has not been all rossy, it was an arduous journey to rescue the good people of Katsina state and leave an indelible mark in their lives through a purposeful and impactful Leadership.
We will celebrate you today, tomorrow and always your Excellency!
Cheers to many more years to come..
Sani Bello Hamza write from Zaria.Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He writes from Zaria and can be reached through 09013506168 or sanibellohamza@gmail.com.
