The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Garlands

  • Kwankwaso: A gale of garlands

    That Kano State is changing is no longer news. It’s a trite. That Gov. Kwankwaso is working is not only a statement of fact but an understatement. Gov. Kwankwaso is the present day mythical King Midas, who turns around waste to wealth, transforms rubbles to bubbles, theft to thrift, and dysfunctional to functional.

    Determination, patriotism and prudence are the linchpins that underpin Kwankwaso’s success, and then draw him accolades from far and near. Predictably, the awards come, day in day out, in torrents, rings of garlands file everyday his neck and a deluge of trophies dotted every space of his office.

    The selection of Gov. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State as the co-winner of the Man of the Year award by the Sun newspapers did not come to most of us as surprise. In view of his unprecedented achievements in the urban and rural renewal, education, healthcare delivery and sports development, one cannot but agree with the editors of the Sun that the award is being given to whom honor is due. In fact if there is a rating agency or a magazine that measures achievements of governors across the globe, I won’t be surprised to see Gov. Kwankwaso winning.

    Gov. Kwankwaso started his second tenure with stopping theft of public funds by canceling the infamous security vote, purging bogus overheads and wedging frivolous expenditures by MDAs. When compared with the monthly recurrent expenditures of the immediate past administration, Kwankwaso saves up to N500 million every month. It was in recognition to his “sound achievements in public financial management, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law” that he received an award from MIS Training Institute of Nigeria in May last year.

    Kwankwaso then initiated measures that jerked up the Internally Generated Revenue of the state from N400 million to about N2 Billion monthly. In ensuring fiscal discipline, Gov. Kwankwaso was able to make capital expenditure higher than recurrent votes (2012: 63% capital, 37% recurrent; 2013 75% capital, 25% recurrent) and achieved up to 85% budget implementation in 2012 and 2013. He is the first governor to achieve 2:1 ratio in favour of capital vote. This and many other indicators therefore prompted the Transparency In Nigeria to select him as Best Governor of the Year in terms of budget discipline.

    Education being the focal area of his administration, Kwankwaso ensured that all primary and post-primary schools are rejuvenated, fenced and equipped. He constructed more than 1,600 classrooms and 800 offices. As a measure to hop up the enrollment level and motivate the pupils, Kwankwaso reintroduced the free feeding and distribution of free sets of uniform for all primary school pupils. The workaholic governor also introduced the establishment of boarding primary schools in each of the the Senatorial Zones of the state, converted some abandoned public buildings into standard secondary schools (Governor’s College, GGSS Janbaki and First Lady’s College). No wonder, the National Union of Teachers crowned him Governor of the Year at its 82nd Founders Day in July 2013.

    On tertiary education, he established the first and second state owned universities; that is the Kano University of Technology, Wudil (in his first tenure) and the North West University in his second tenure. On foreign scholarship, he has so far sponsored over 2000 students to universities across the world to study Medicine, Nursing, Piloting, Aeronautical Engineering, Pharmacy, and Marine Engineering, etc. Additionally, Gov. Kwankwaso established 23 new training institutes for vocational training and professional development. They include Film Academy, Sports Institute, Institute of Horticulture, Corporate Security Training Institute, Driving Institute, Farm Mechanization Institute, Horticulture Institute, Fisheries Institute, Irrigation Institute, Journalism Institute, Entrepreneurship Institute, Reformatory Institutes Institute, among others. The foregoing achievements obviously captured the attention of Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria to give him a Merit Award in August 2013 in recognition to his sterling achievements and support to education.

    On infrastructural development, three new cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo were established with the aim of decongesting the metropolis and providing planned layouts to meet the housing need of the people. The government is also constructing five kilometre dualised roads with drainages and street lights in each of the 44 Local Government Areas of the state. Kano’s superimposing flyover built by Kwankwaso at the city centre is captivating sight. The flyover, which is at about 85 percent completion stage, is the first of a kind in Northern Nigeria. The second flyover, covering more than one kilometer, is already taking shape as construction work takes place day and night.

    As obtained in developed climes, pedestrians in Kano walk smoothly by the road as neatly laid interlocking tiles adorn the sidewalk of the roads. Street lights were installed and rehabilitated, ditto the traffic lights on all the major roads to reduce accidents and enhance security of lives and property. Perhaps the foregoing effectuation prompted the Project Light-Up Nigeria to award him as “Governor with Highest Number of Streetlight” in its Annual Light-Up Awards in 2012.

    The Jakara-Kwarin Gogau river, which hitherto served as breeding grounds for vectors and haven for criminals, will no longer bear its features as standard gauge road with accompanying infrastructure is being constructed atop. Kwankwaso also initiated a 35 Megawatts Independent Power project at Challawa and Tiga Dams and initiated the construction of a metro-line (light train) across the city. Both projects will commence in earnest. These and many more perhaps captured the attention of the National Conference of American Black Mayors to award him at its 39th sitting in Atlanta, Georgia, US.

    Under the present administration, over 620,000 indigenes of Kano were either trained and empowered or sourced employment for. This will positively impact on the lives of estimated three million people. As part of his effort to create jobs and boost economic prosperity, Kwankwaso established 44 Garment Industries, one in each of the 44 LGA of the State. They are currently being constructed alongside 44 Micro Finance Banks in the 44 LGAs of the state to support small and medium scale industries with loans. Gov. Kwankwaso also provided a N1 billion commercial Agriculture facility to support commercial farmers and also provide N2 billion loan facility in collaboration with Bank of Industry to support Small Scale Enterprises with soft loans. Therefore the Award of Excellence in Recognition of his contribution to poverty alleviation and youth empowerment initiative by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2012 was as deserving as the “Most Outstanding Life Time Achievement Award” for contributions to agriculture, youth & women empowerment, education and socio-economic development by the Nigerian Youth Consultative Forum in June 2013.

    Both lists of the wards and projects are seemingly infinite. Kwankwaso achieves his goals with finesse and governs with passion, stamina and discipline. I believe if the art of good governance would be co-opted into Ballon d’Or or Grammy Awards, Christiano Ronaldo or Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Bruno Mars and the like may hardly realize their dreams.

    • Jaafar is the Special Assistant to Kano State Governor on Media & Public Relations

  • Tambuwal: 48 garlands for people’s Speaker

    Tambuwal: 48 garlands for people’s Speaker

    Imam Imam extoils the virtues of the House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, who clocks 48 today.

    Eulogising the life of any person, especially a respected leader, who has stood for the common good, is not easy. As the United States President Barrack Obama said while reading his tribute at the funeral of the great Nelson Mandela, it is hard to capture in words, not just the facts and the dates that make a life, but the essential truth of a person – their private joys and sorrows; the quiet moments and unique qualities that illuminate someone’s soul. How much harder to do so for a giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice, and in the process, millions around the world.

    Though today marks the 48th birthday anniversary of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, penning down words to capture the essentials of the man who is today seen as the brightest spot in the Nigeria’s political firmament, is no mean task.

    Tambuwal is the quintessential humble individual, who has defied the notion that politicians, especially of the Nigerian variety, can say the truth to the powers that be while still in power. By now, Nigerians have come to identify their number four citizen as a fearless representative, whose words and deeds are not at variance with the hopes and aspirations the men and women of his dear country.

    The story of Tambuwal is the story of courage. His meteoric rise to the top of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly only reaffirmed his position as a master tactician in a discipline built on the philosophy of self respect, fair play, hard work and the spirit of give and take.

    However, it’s not just in politics that Tambuwal made his mark. Trained at a very young age as a teacher and later as a lawyer; his commitment and doggedness as a moulder of the minds of the future generation and a servant in the temple of justice have served him well in his present endeavours. His performance as the Speaker of the House of Representatives has set the bar in governance. His intrepidity in the face of tough challenges has equally served as inspiration to his honourable colleagues. As many of them pointed out, it has emboldened them to go about their duties without fear, or favour.

    For Tambuwal, seeing Nigeria rise to greatness is a task that must be accomplished. He has, at every available opportunity, reminded his colleagues of the need to promote democracy and respect human rights. These ideas stem from his belief that strong democracies are more likely to secure peace, deter aggression, expand markets, promote development, combat terrorism and crime, uphold rights of workers, avoid humanitarian crises, protect and improve the global environment, and protect human health.

    The Speaker’s widely circulated opinions and discourses on good governance, public service, constitutional reform, youth and women empowerment and national development cannot be lost on genuine lovers of our country. He had on many occasions demonstrated his love for country above personal interest and taught others to do the same.

    In all his conducts, Tambuwal has maintained the humble and truthful disposition universally associated with the descendants of Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio. Na Shehu da gaskiya aka san ku is a euphimism known all in Hausa-speaking entities to mean people of trust, respect, integrity and love for humanity. No wonder, he was named Aminu – the trustworthy. In addition, he has demonstrated, high level of compassion for the less privileged. The case of Okikioluwa Olawuyi, the baby without skull, whom he helped to raise N10m to complete her surgery expenses in the USA, is a case in point.

    Politically, following in the tradition of democratic inclusiveness, Tambuwal maintains social contacts with all Nigerians, irrespective of their political leanings. It accounts for why he is today visible in social gatherings of people of different ideologies, ethnic groupings and religious inclinations. While some ignorant few tend to interpret such contacts differently, Tambuwal is unfazed and has maintained the need to build bridges of unity and understanding among various peoples of Nigeria and beyond.

    Not since independence have we seen a politician promote an ideology as fervently as the Speaker does. Tambuwal has promoted the concept of a strong dichotomy between politics and governance. To him, there is a marked difference between a candidate in an electoral contest on the platform of a political party and an elected official who has assumed a non-partisan responsibility and taken the oath to protect and preserve the constitution, to serve the people and the nation. While the former is not merely at liberty, but under a duty to be partisan, the latter must conduct himself in a manner worthy of the call to non-partisanship in governance. And whenever partisan interests conflict with national interest, it is partisan interests that must be sacrificed in the preservation of the national interest.

    Tambuwal’s candor, nationalistic outlook, ability to make fair and inclusive decisions, maturity and his desire to interact freely and affectionately with all Nigerians has today earned him the confidence of his colleagues and all Nigerians. His strong stance on discipline, accountability, and truth, and his penchant desire to do things differently, has set the bar and becoming an example for elected office holders in the federation.

    As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the intriguing narrative of how he was elected Speaker of the House that should resonate with political scientists. That experience should also serve as a reminder of the many profound achievements we could record, if we rise above the inhibiting considerations of tribe, region and religion.

    At 48, Tambuwal’s youth points to a future of hope and possibilities. Besides, his apparent willingness not to be encumbered by the political exigencies or double-speak that had stunted our progress in the past is indeed inspiring. For him, what matters is the nation’s interest. Call that an unyielding idealism and you won’t be entirely wrong.

    Tambuwal has, like Obama said of the great Madiba, showed us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals. In the arc of his life, we see a man who earned his place in history through struggle and shrewdness; persistence and faith. He tells us what’s possible not just in the pages of dusty history books, but in our own lives as well.

    To this trailblaizer of a lawyer, respected politician, accomplished leader and a trusted parliamentarian, I say a happy birthday.

     

    • Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal

  • Garlands for a public servant

    Friends have hosted Alhaji Hassan Bello to dinner to celebrate his appointment as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    In his days at the Federal Government College (FGC) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Alhaji Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), was fond of singing this song titled: He that is down needs fear no fall.

    Penultimate Saturday, he was moved by the warmth that radiated at the Oceanview Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, to recite those lines again.

    He was before a small gathering of men and women from all walks of life comprising his friends and family members.

    It was at a dinner to celebrate his appointment as NSC’s executive secretary.

    Many in the shipping world where he grew were in attendance. The reception was an avenue for lawyers and business tycoons to interact.

    Many stared in bewilderment seeing the ‘learned men in fashionable attires and not their traditional wig and gown.

    Hausa women were not left out. Though their hair were covered, their skirts and gowns glittered; topped with beautiful enchanting smiles. Their mien and carriage bespoke affluence.

    They were there to share in the joy of the former legal adviser to the NSC whom they all spoke about in superlative terms as a good man with a good heart.

    Mike Igbokwe (SAN) anchored the event. He called out guests one after the other to speak on Bello.

    The Special Adviser to the Minister of Transport on Maritime Affairs, Mallam Dikko Bala, said Bello deserved the appointment because of his forthrightness.

    Chief Peter Okocha, chairman of Michelle Terminals, endorsed all that was said, describing Bello’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole.

    Bello’s predecessor Captain Adamu Biu said his successor would take the council to greater heights.

    He urged Bello’s wife of 18 years to support him by managing the home front well to enable him carry out his task effectively.

    Others who spoke were the Managing Director of Ports and Terminals, Lizzy Owude; Chidi Ilogu (SAN); and Mrs Ify Akerele of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping.

    Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States Prof George Obiozor said it was a matter of time before Bello’s good works manifest, expressing confidence in his administration.

    Also present were Funke Aboyade (SAN) and Miss Margaret Nyamse, who was his classmate. They were the pioneer students of FGC, Ilorin, in 1973.

    Born 53 years ago in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Bello’s father was the Grand Khadi of the state. He passed on when he was only three years old. His late mother Hajia Hafsat Bello brought him and 15 other siblings up to be lawyers.

    “Even as the son of a judge, I still have sweet memories of him bringing sweets home for us,” Bello stated.

  • 60 garlands for an achiever

    60 garlands for an achiever

    FOR Pastor Folu Olusanya, the Managing Director of Celmeng Group of Companies in Europe, US, Nigeria and Ghana, last Saturday is a day to remember as he joined the sexagenarian club. He left no stone unturned to mark his 60th birthday. He hosted his family members and friends to a treat at the Central Business District (CBD) Alausa, Lagos.

    The scenery was beautiful. The hall was ornately decorated in wine and gold; scintillating local and international gospel music wafted, from the four ends of the arena.

    The birthday also served as a reunion forum for colleagues and former classmates of the celebrator.

    The event took off with the hymn Great is thy Faithfulness.

    Olutola Tade emceed the event.

    The Sunny Jay Music Band dished out gospel praise and worship songs.

    A brief sermon was given by Bishop Victor Taiwo Adelakun, titled: ‘The Mystery of Life’.

    Describing the celebrator as a man after God’s heart, an embodiment of maturity and humility, he noted that Olusanya has always been close to his maker.

    The cleric urged the guests to measure their life by how much they have donated to the needy and not by how long they live, adding that everyone has a special duty for everyman on earth.

    The children of the celebrator presented their father with an award. Guests applauded their gesture.

    Other friends and well-wishers of the celebrator came out in turns to eulogise him. They all had many good things to say of Pastor Olusanya as they took turns to describe him in superlative terms.

    Wife of the celebrator, Oludolapo said her husband is one in a million having been ever caring and loving husband in all their years of marriage.

    One of the celebrator’s daughters said she learnt the art of marriage from her father, having put his family above all things.

    Mr Dele Fajiyi, a high school mate and colleague of the celebrator, described him as a kind-hearted, hardworking and courageous man.

    “I have known him to be a man who carries everyone along in all he does,” he said.

    He also thanked his wife for being a worthy assistant and supporter for his friend.

    To Pastor Olusanya’s sister, Mrs Yemisi Kalesanwo, her brother has been a mentor to her and her siblings, who also doubles his family work as a husband to being more than a father to them.

    Fun was brought into the celebration as some friends and well wishers were called upon to play a game of passing round a basket which contained wrapped questions. Any guest who had the basket on him by the time the music paused had to pick a paper from the basket. At some time, one of his classmates was caught in the middle of the game and had to tell what the nickname of the celebrator was in school. It was Cacul.

    The celebrator and his lovely wife mounted the stage to cut the beautifully designed three-step cake amid fire works, after which he had a special dance with his wife and children.

    The proud sexagenarian was full of thanks for the love shown him. He prayed for the younger ones to live worthy and longer lives.

     

  • Garlands for Aminu Tambuwal

    Garlands for Aminu Tambuwal

    Sokoto state with a heritage of history, colour and pageantry blazed another trail when drums were rolled out in an evening set aside to recognize achievements which had brought honour to the state in various fields of human endeavours.

    The government had set aside a day to honour indigenes of the state whose accomplishments in their chosen carriers could not be ignored. Among those honoured with the 2012 prestigious State Merit Award include the Speaker of Nigerian House of Representatives, Rt.Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    Others were the Car Designer with the General Motors Company of United States of America, (USA) Alhaji Jelani Aliyu Haidara Dogon Daji, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, Sarkin Gobir, Gwabadawa, Alhaji Mohammadu Zayyanu and the only female honouree, Hajiya Sa’adiya Omar Bello

    The auditorium of Sokoto state Polytechnic, venue of the award ceremony, was filled to the brim hours before the arrival of prominent indigenes of the state and other important dignitaries drawn from within and outside the country. As expected, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar led other prominent indigenes of the state, which included former President Shehu Shagari to the epoch event, while Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko led government functionaries.

    President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was represented by the Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bello Sali, while the National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamagar Tukur, was represented by his Deputy, Chief Sam Sam Jaja.

    Also present at the Seat of the Caliphate for the memorable event was the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Alfa Belgore.

    For the Speaker, who was cheered into the venue by hundreds of volunteers, the aphorism that ‘charity begins at home’ holds true. A prophet is now being recognized at home.

    The arrival of the man of the moment, accompanied with scores of his colleague members, led by Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha electrified the entire venue of the event. Secretary to the Government of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sahabi Isah Gada, was quick in laying the template and the motive behind the award, which was to honour indigene of the state at home and in Diaspora who offered quality service to humanity at all levels.

    Linking the rich tradition of the Caliphate to the present and the future, he stated that the administration of Governor Wamakko was determined to recognize worthy individuals, whose achievements in life brought honour to the state. Like the Biblical saying that those who are diligent in their services shall stand before the Kings and not mere men, the honourees, including the Speaker stood before the King with cheers from the teeming crowd.

    Tambuwal’s moment of glory came when he stepped forward to receive the Merit Award from Governor Wamakko when the hall erupted with a loud shout of Allah Is Great. The governor himself summed up the honour done to the Speaker in his remarks at the event when he remarked that Aminu Tambuwal had impressively lived up to the confident expectations of his colleagues and the people of Nigeria.

    He enthused: “As an illustrious son of the Caliphate, he (Tambuwal) has taken up the challenge of national leadership foisted on him by his esteemed colleagues, who rallied round and almost unanimously elected him Hon Speaker of the Lower House over a year ago….No doubt, Alhaji Aminu Waziri has impressively lived up to the confident expectations of not only his colleagues, but indeed, fellow Nigerians with his calm and responsible leadership of the House in a manner that has strengthened our democratic dispensation and deepened our understanding of the delicate intricacies and the necessary symbolic relationship between the three arms of our democratic government.”

    Without equivocation, the governor was emphatic that Sokoto state and the Caliphate are proud of the Speaker. “I must say without equivocation, that we are deeply proud of this young man and charming public officer, particularly for being a worthy ambassador of the culture and traditions that define the significance of the enduring legacies of the Seat of the Caliphate in the evolution of the nation….We are also proud that through Aminu Tambuwal, the sterling human and leadership qualities nurtured by his unique upbringing has once again proven to be not just relevant, but indeed indispensable to the much desired peace, unity progress and development of Nigeria.”

    For earning the support and confidence of the diverse of Nigerians elected as Honourable members of the House of Representatives as the Speaker and Leader, Governor Wamakko concluded that Aminu Tambuwal merited the State Merit award.

    President Jonathan in a message delivered by the Head of Service of the Federation commended the Sokoto State government for honouring people who had distinguished themselves in the service to humanity.

    He stated that the gesture was in line with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, even as government was intensifying efforts to tackle the security challenge facing the nation. The PDP Deputy National Chairman in his remarks applauded the state government for recognizing and honouring contributions to nation building by people from the state, noting that such honour will act as catalyst for others to do more. He specifically commended the choice of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, adding that Tambuwal had done the party proud by leading the House very well.

    Tambuwal while giving the vote of thanks was cheered to no end indicating that his popularity and acceptance among his folks have continued to wax stronger based on his performance as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    While thanking the people for the honour done him because of his modest contributions to nationhood and that of other recipients, the Speaker said they have been challenged to do more for the sustenance of the rich tradition and culture of the Caliphate. Tambuwal said the State Merit Award was special to him because it came from his own people. He also promised that the House of Representatives under his leadership will continue to decide on the side of the people for improvement on their standard of living.

    Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was elected the Speaker of the 7th Assembly of the House of Representatives. He was first elected to represent Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State in 2003 and has held leadership positions as Minority Leader, Deputy Whip before his current position as Speaker of the House. A lawyer by profession, Aminu Tambuwal was a strong force in the politics of the Nigeria Bar Association [NBA]; he belongs to the Body of Benchers including being a member of the International Bar Association [IBA], as well as member of the American Bar Association.

    • Ojo, Chief Press Secretary to the Honourable Speaker wrote in from Abuja.