I routinely regulate pessimistic thoughts. I know not the reason. But I guess, is the nature of the environment that birthed me. However, as I grow, I met people. In these people, I see a hope being rebirthed. I see the need to comment on their character, deeds and leadership style demonstrated.
I want to start by telling my story. I was born and raised in a community I call Borough. One of the areas off the beaten path. But it is peaceful and liveable. It is an agricultural hub where the majority of people are living in poverty. It is sociable and accommodating though. People who are not in the business are there. However, companies grow. In this clan, politics reigns supreme. But they handle everything on their own. These and numerous more factors influence how I think.
I traveled in, opened and closed eyes with my queer-optimistic-thought until I met the Director General, NITDA. My journey with him was not a physical one. His gesture to the grassroots people touched my person. I was selected to participate in one of the programs his agency singly sponsored and still do sponsor similar life-changing programs all across the federation. I made the list of artisans to be trained on phone repairs. The caliber of the participants weakened my believe.
Albeit discharging responsibilities is one’s compulsory task, Allah will make those shouldering them to account. Those who excellently fulfill those responsibilities and stand out ought to be mentioned and celebrated. The current Director General of NITDA has indeed inherited a dire concern for the downtrodden masses and has immensely built on that. The posture of seeing rural dwellers being self-reliant will rekindle the hope of Nigerians. I was myopic, thinking that those activities were only done in my state, being the state of the D. G. I realized that his developmental strides transcend Jigawa State and have reached every nook and cranny of Nigeria. This compelled me to make each NITDA’s social media handles outlet a mecca for routine consultations, through which I paved a way for three to four different persons to access such programs. These people, including myself, are today independent, thanks to the courses.
The Director General’s voyage has had an effect on NITDA. His extensive background with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone, and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited has revolutionised NITDA and increased the GDP of Nigeria. As a result, he was granted a three-year extension to his term of service and presented with the National Productivity Order of Merit Award by former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
The computer access centers are welcomed by Nigerians. In his digital inclusion efforts, he made sure they are built everywhere across the country, in government ministries, agencies and departments. Community based computer access centers are also planted. Villages have access to being digital. A leadership of this kind deserves a mention and the leader ought to be immortalized.
The DG NITDA clicks four years in office today, being 20th of August, 2023. I know quite a number of beneficiaries are in dire need to channel their words of immense gratitude to his ears. I therefore choose to do that to the public. I say a prayer on behalf of the whole well-wishers: May Allah (S.W.T.) shower his blessings, protection, and guidance to Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, DG NITDA. A BIG CONGRATULATIONS SIR, MAY THE SKY BE THE STARTING POINT.
ABDURRASHID ALI ZAREKU
JIGAWA STATE COORDINATOR,
YOUTH AND CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION FOR DEVELOPMENT
(YCSCD).
Abdurrashidali2@gmail.com
08121014605, 08142498724.