No doubt, personality is no substitute for intellect; a leader’s intellect is useless without personality. It is in this light that I bring you the Deputy Governor of Jigawa state and APC gubernatorial flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, Mallam Umar Namadi (Dan Modi), who is always willing to serve, rather than be served. I mean to serve humanity despite the fact that the way is thorny, slippery, narrow, dusty, but easy, having in mind people like Namadi.
Namadi is one of the few public servants who stood firm to ensure that they are not swallowed by the position they occupy, or the power they muster, the chance they got, the excuses they give, the financial status they possess, and the institutions they have as defenders. Many in his shoes got intoxicated by the aura of power and ultimately got consumed by their positions thereby, forgetting their roles as servants of the people who elected them.
Described by most people as gentle, generous, humble,trustworthy and down -to-earth, Umar displayed good leadership qualities which endeared him not only to Governor Mohammed Badaru who identified his potential but also the people of Jigawa state in general.
Believed widely as a person who matches his words with action, Dan Modi is one of the few leaders who has not been involved in any form of scandal, dishonesty or betray of public trust, traits lacking in most our politicians. He has made exceptional strides in special intervention in the areas of education, health, agriculture, women/youth empowerment.
Dan Modias combines rare academic capability with administrative and organisational acumen. This is evident in the many strategic administrative positions and challenges he had been given over the years in his private/public life, which he discharged with uncommon success.
Leaders, especially the cerebral and the professionally oriented ones, tend to be influenced by their background and professional training in dealing with specific issues of governance. They find it expedient providing solutions to their challenges through their professional windows, and often, it has worked for them because they are playing in a turf where they are masters. This is an unprecedented case of Umar Namadi, a chartered accountant of repute and manager of people and resources of unique standing.
He has pledged to take the advantage of his contact and access in both private and public sectors in Nigeria and oversees in attracting real investment, infrastructure development, making Jigawa state the number one investment destination, capacity building for the women and youth, exploration of agricultural potential.
Umar Namadi sees Jigawa not as a doomed state but: ‘an industrious, entrepreneurial state, robust in growth, rich in culture, vibrant in labour and attractive for investment…..’he widely believed to be the personality that is equipped with the pedigree, integrity and capacity to drive the state through the pathway of phenomenal positive changes to a destination where it is confidently and truly reflect “Jigawa: The New World” following the path of unprecedented development of the state piloted by the outgoing Badaru administration”.
Governor Badaru’s survival in Jigawa is a testimony to the fact that political performance that is people-oriented always pays. In every sector of the state, Badaru has distinguished himself so well that the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been battling to get its message across to the people of the state, without any success.
Despite the dwindling income of governments across the country, Jigawa has remained the only state where workers receive their salaries by 25th of every month. Badaru has also ensured the completion of all the projects inherited by his administration; at a time other political leaders play politics with people-oriented projects.
This enviable track record by Badaru and the APC sets the pace for Danmodi’s emergence as the next governor of Jigawa state. Danmodi himself flaunts excellent records in his academics and career, both in the public and private sectors. While people can easily say a few negative things about other gubernatorial contenders in the state, the case of Danmodi is totally different. He is a man with an impeccable record. The choice of Namadi has really shown that Governor Badaru means well for the state.
Danyaro, senior special assistant (print media) to Jigawa state governor, writes via [email protected]
