By Adamu Muhd Usman
Leaders possess wisdom and make sound decisions, but they also value advice and suggestions from their followers, especially those who genuinely want them to succeed. I would like to use this medium to appeal to the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi (FCA), also known as Dan Modi, regarding several pressing issues that require his attention.
Your Excellency, as is well known and widely believed, the rainy season is eagerly anticipated by many due to its importance for the growth and survival of plants, animals, and humans alike. Every year, people prepare extensively for the arrival of the rainy season, particularly in these challenging times for Nigerians. This preparation includes clearing farmland for planting, applying manure, renovating structures, clearing culverts, constructing houses, and building drainage systems. However, this season also brings widespread fear of flooding, especially here in Jigawa State.
While the rainy season is a blessing—providing abundant water that many people struggle to access—it has increasingly become a source of fear and sorrow. The rains now bring unexpected and excessive flooding, leading to the loss of lives, displacement of people from their homes, and the destruction of property. Flooding has become a persistent problem in Jigawa State.
I commend Governor Umar for his efforts in addressing and mitigating the impact of flooding, particularly in 2024. I witnessed firsthand, in the second week of January 2025, ongoing work along the Kafin-Hausa riverbank, indicating that measures are being taken to tackle this issue.
However, erosion and desertification also pose significant threats to the state and should not be overlooked. These issues require robust and effective measures. Encouraging tree planting and discouraging deforestation are crucial steps toward combating desertification.
I urge the governor to continue implementing strategies to reduce the destructive impact of flooding and to address these environmental challenges comprehensively.
Another pressing issue is the conflict between farmers and herdsmen, which has become a national concern. We call on the Jigawa State Government to find lasting solutions to this menace. The root causes of these conflicts—such as the encroachment of grazing lands, blockage of animal routes, and restricted access to water for livestock—should be critically examined and addressed in the interest of peace, unity, and stability. Organizing workshops and seminars for Fulani youths across the state at various levels (hamlet, village, ward, or local government) would help raise awareness about issues like drug abuse and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands.
As the month of Ramadan approaches, I would like to reflect on last year’s palliative program, which yielded positive results despite some challenges. Delays in the program’s commencement and mismanagement led to the suspension of a commissioner and a few others. This year, with the state government increasing the feeding allowance from over two billion naira (#2b) to more than four billion naira (#4b), it is vital to ensure faithfulness, commitment, punctuality, and accountability in its execution.
Regarding the 2025 Hajj activities, we appeal to the state government to direct the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, in collaboration with the State Council of Ulama, to commence training workshops for selected Islamic scholars. These scholars will provide essential orientation to intending pilgrims before their departure to the holy land. Such educational initiatives have been highly beneficial in the past, distinguishing Jigawa State pilgrims for their exemplary conduct and promoting the state’s reputation in religious rites and practices.
Furthermore, under Governor Umar’s administration, the monthly allowances for physically challenged individuals, initially introduced during Sule Lamido’s tenure, have increased from seven thousand naira (#7,000) to ten thousand naira (#10,000). Currently, 200 beneficiaries in each local government area receive this allowance, with replacements made for those who have passed away. We urge the governor to revisit and restructure the Skills Acquisition Centres for people with disabilities, especially the blind. As the saying goes, “In every disability, there is ability.”
These centres will empower individuals with disabilities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large. We aspire for the people of Jigawa to be decent, law-abiding, responsible, and productive members of society.
As the American guitarist, songwriter, and singer Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) once said, “Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.”
Adamu writes from Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State.
