It is not in doubt that Jigawa State was synonymous with backwardness and underdevelopment. This was the case when Governor Sule Lamido took over the mantle of leadership in the state.
Guided by the zeal to reposition the state, the governor introduced innovations and blueprint. Unarguably, these innovations have turned the fortunes of the state around in the last seven years.
Prior to Lamido’s emergence as governor, Jigawa State had suffered from unemployment, lack of infrastructure and other socio-economic imbalance, a situation that dwindled its development.
To say the least, Jigawa was a rural state, with dilapidated structures and dejected workforce. All the institutional structures that would have brought development to the state were absent; hence it was tagged the most backward and rural. As a result of this, investors were not attracted and citizens were subjected to untold suffering.
Unlike his predecessors, Lamido has rebuilt the confidence of civil servants in the state such that the people now have a sense of pride and belonging. The state now boasts of a vibrant workforce.
As a youth-friendly administration, the present government of Jigawa State has put in place, measures that are tackling the menace of unemployment. Skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training has variously empowered the youth, majority of who are now gainfully self-reliant. In every quarter of the year, at least 3,000 youths receive training in various vocational trades and skills.
But critics who don’t see anything good in the administration of Lamido would rather view things negatively. The fact, however, is that some detractors of the governor consider his style of leadership very strange. He focuses on institutional and human development, which sharply differs from the previous administrations that encouraged patronage as a tool of governance.
It is hoped that the good work currently going on in Jigawa State would not be destroyed by selfish politicians. Let the people be wise.
Muhammad Abdu Mago,
Dutse, Jigawa State
