JIGAWA AT 35: NAMADI CALLS FOR UNITY, JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Governor Honours Founding Fathers, Past Leaders, Citizens; Says State’s Future Depends on Peace, Strong Institutions

By Abdullahi Idris Dustse 

DUSTSE: As Jigawa State marks 35 years of its creation, Governor Malam Umar Namadi has called for renewed commitment to peace, justice, responsible leadership and sustainable development, urging citizens to build on the foundations laid by the state’s founding fathers and successive administrations.

The governor made the call in his anniversary message marking the creation of Jigawa State on August 27, 1991, by the Federal Military Government under the leadership of the then Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR.

Created out of the old Kano State, with Dutse as its capital, Jigawa has, over the past 35 years, evolved through the contributions of successive governments, institutions and generations of citizens.

Governor Namadi described the anniversary as an opportunity for gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment to the ideals that informed the creation of the state.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers, elder statesmen, religious and community leaders, public servants, professionals, women and youth leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens whose contributions have shaped Jigawa’s development.

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of successive leaders of the state, both living and deceased, including the pioneer Military Administrator, Major-General Olayinka Sule; the first elected civilian governor, Alhaji Ali Sa’ad Birnin-Kudu; Brigadier General Ibrahim Aliyu; Colonel Rasheed Alade Shekoni; Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Zakariya Maimalari; Alhaji Ibrahim Saminu Turaki; Alhaji Sule Lamido; and Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

He equally recognised former deputy governors, legislators, judges, commissioners, heads of service, permanent secretaries, local government leaders and civil servants who have served the state at various levels.

TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS GET SPECIAL PRAISE

Namadi reserved special commendation for the traditional institutions across the Hadejia, Kazaure, Gumel, Ringim and Dutse Emirates.

He praised the emirate councils, district, village and ward heads, ulamas and community leaders for their contributions to preserving the state’s cultural heritage, maintaining peace and strengthening the relationship between government and the people.

According to him, traditional institutions remain important partners in sustaining social cohesion and ensuring that development reaches communities.

‘JIGAWA’S PROGRESS IS A COLLECTIVE EFFORT’

The governor stressed that the progress recorded by Jigawa since its creation could not be attributed to any single administration or individual.

He acknowledged the contributions of farmers, traders, teachers, healthcare workers, artisans, scholars, entrepreneurs, security personnel, religious leaders, public officers and other citizens whose daily efforts continue to drive the state’s economy and social development.

“From the earliest days of institution-building to the present, Jigawa has advanced through the steady labour of its people,” he said.

Namadi maintained that the most meaningful way to honour the founding fathers was not simply to remember their names, but to preserve and advance the values for which they worked.

He said those values included peace, justice, opportunity, responsible management of public resources, protection of vulnerable citizens, respect for elders, investment in young people and the strengthening of institutions capable of outliving individual administrations.

‘HONOUR YESTERDAY, SERVE TODAY, PREPARE FOR TOMORROW’

The governor described the 35th anniversary as a moment to “honour yesterday, serve today and prepare for tomorrow.”

He urged citizens to renew their commitment to building a Jigawa that is peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, disciplined and knowledge-driven.

Namadi also sought the continued understanding, patience and support of the people as his administration implements its development agenda, with emphasis on sustainable development, socioeconomic wellbeing, peace and prosperity.

He stressed that the state’s future would depend on collective responsibility, stronger institutions and a shared determination to build on the achievements of the past while confronting emerging challenges.

As Jigawa enters its 36th year, the governor called on citizens to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of those who laid the state’s foundation and work together towards a future that offers greater opportunities for succeeding generations.

He concluded by praying that Almighty Allah would reward all those who served Jigawa, forgive the shortcomings of those who had passed on, strengthen those still alive and continue to bless Jigawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.