The worth of an individual or group is the sum total of the kind of institution that shaped his formative years; institutions play a significant role in how a person turns out in the future. Without a doubt, the home is the first social institution, but the school or, more aptly, the kind of institution an individual attends, goes a long way in shaping personality’s world view. Barewa College stands tall among the early post primary institutions in Northern Nigeria that boast of an array of stars like the galaxy that are shining brightly in every sphere of our national life.
There is no gain saying that the landmark and weeklong celebrations of former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (GCFR) 90th birthday organised by his friends had a very significant presence of his alma mater, Barewa Old Boys Association(BOBITES) Zaria, Kaduna state. It was unique and captivating. The organic and mechanical solidarity (Max Weber), shown by his alma mater during the events, was unique and legendary.
Thus, I developed interest inthe personalities and profiles of some BOBITES stars who have played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s political trajectory, in leadership, economy and in the security architecture since leaving the college for higher calling and greater service to Nigeria.
For the records, it’s worth going down memory lane that some of these great BOBiTES are Dr. General Yakubu Gowon, Prof. Iya Abubakar, an intellectual colossus, Lt.Gen.Abudulraman Bello Dambazzau, former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of interior, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), former Minister of Special Duties, Umar Mutallab, Ibrahim Shafi, Pastor Joseph Okeke, Captain ibrahim, head pilot to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Kabiru Ayuba from Kaduna, Major General Jemitola ADC to Obasanjo, Malam Pate, and the indefatigable Abdullahi Muhammed Gana, the immediate-past Commandant-General Civil Defence Corps of Nigeria. All these beacon of hope have made progressive contributions to nation-building.
Interestingly, an x-ray of these great BOBITES’ immense contributions to nation-building is apt, symbolic and worthwhile. The leadership traits, discipline, dexterity, loyalty, honesty, tenacity, and commitment to service delivery are great virtues imbibed in them by their teachers at BOBA. These are the enviable qualities they are all are known for today. This is inline with the saying by Henry Adam that “Teachers affect eternity, they can never tell where their influence will reach”.
My first port of call among members of Barewa Old Boys Association, who am focusing as a great nation-builder, is Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammed Gana Jimada, the immediate-past Commandant-General of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps. Gana attended Barewa College from 1975 to 1980, successfully completing with his peers. The leadership traits inculcated in him and his school mates at Barewa College really inspired and prepared him and others for greater service to his fatherland.
Gana proceeded to the Sheikh Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto(UDUS) where he bagged bachelor’s degree in Sociology and masters in law enforcement and criminal justice. It was not surprising that he excelled in flying colours from both institutions.
When he was named the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps, he saw it as an opportunity and a higher calling to serve the country.
Gana’s pragmatic and purposeful leadership as the then commandant general, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps witnessed great transformation and significant milestone. All these feats and revolutionary successes recorded during his golden era were as a result of great leadership traits instilled in them at the Barewa College as the founding fathers of the college laid the foundation for the growth and prosperity of its products.
Thus, the visionary and dynamic leadership of Abdullahi Muhammed Gana brought a paradigm shift and accomplishments which made the NSCDC primus inteparis (first amongst equals). It’s also on record that under the dynamic leadership of Gana N800 million accrued to the organisation, from the issuance of applications and operational licenses to private guard companies in Nigeria. What a commending feat.
Another interesting aspect of Gana”s leadership was the NSCDC’s deployment of over 5000 personnel to the North-east geopolitical zone of the country to protect IDP camps, as well as helping to reclaim territories annexed by the insurgents as at that time. Furthermore, he carried out joint task force operations with the military to curb the then menace of insurgency, herdsmen attacks, banditry and other security threats in the zone.
Since security is a collective business and inline with Madam Theresa’s aphorism, “What you can do, I can’t do, what I can do, you can’t do, but together we can do great things”. He also synergised with the Nigerian Communication Commission to enhance telecom facilities as well as upgrade the security of telecom infrastructure. On this premise, he ordered the deployment of officers to all the 774 local government areas across the country to stem the tide of insecurity and to protect NCC emergency communication centres.
On human capital development, Gana initiated holistic human capital development programmes to enhance efficiency in the organisation. He initiated workshops, seminars, intensive training at home and abroad aimed at improving the intellectual acuity of the corps, leading to over 4000 personnel benefiting from the scintillating initiatives, geared towards the common good of the entire organisation and its officers under his reign.
On capital projects, Abdullahi Muhammed Gana’s tenure witnessed a superlative performance as his magic wand led to the construction of six units of three-bedroom apartments in Sauka, Abuja, construction of an administrative complex with in-built cells and armoury at Ebonyi state command, Abakaliki, completion of administrative complex with in-built cells and armoury at Ogun state command as well as the completion of Niger and Delta states commands. He also completed 4-storey, 2-bedroom residential building at Sauka, Abuja, completion of a storey building of 12 classrooms at Sauka-Abuja as well as completion of Ekiti State Command, Civil Defence Medical Centre at Sauka also completed, Gombe, Anambra on going, Edo, Kebbi and Sokoto commands also ongoing before he left office. He ensured the construction of a reception for the Civil Defence Medical Centre at Sauka.
Looking at the entire gamut of Abdullahi Muhammed Gana’s remarkable achievements, he deserves to be appointed by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the Nigerian representative at the United Nations General Assembly, as envoy in charge of peace and conflict resolution or be made Special Adviser to the Chairman of ECOWAS on conflict resolution at the regional level, where he can bring his vast experience to bear for the good of the entire region.
The establishment of Agro Rangers, Solid Mineral Unit (Guards) database for all Vigilantes in Nigeria, database for members of hunters organisation in Nigeria, are his feats that are worthy of commendation. Moreso as a true epitome of national unity and integration, he was bestowed with the following traditional titles across the country; Sarkin Yakin Nupe, Masun of Borgu- Niger state, Baobajoko of Offa land, Sarkin Yamma of Jiwa, FCT, Lukpan of Muye, Mainasara of Budon and Ajiyan Kalgo. On the international scene, he was in 2010 conferred with the prestigious award of the Knight of International Order of Civil Defence, in recognition of his meritorious service to the organisation.
Conclusively, I have no doubt that the influence of Barewa College and proper orientation instilled in each of the BOBITES by their teachers and founding fathers of the college, had really prepared them for the herculean task of progressive leadership, which has helped to shape their thinking, and impacting enduring legacies for the next generation and greater service to mankind.