By James Swam
The deputy governor of Kaduna State, Ambassador NuhuNyam Bajoga Audu has clocked the milestone of three scores and five. A man of simplicity, Bajoga, as he has fondly been christened by admirers, has contributed his quota in no small measure to development of the society. Though the unimaginable hurdles and bustles of life have together failed to hinder his progression, it’s noteworthy that certainly, there have been challenges on the way.
Born into a humble background in Kwoi, a modest community of Ham people, easily identified as the home of Nok Terra-cotta in Southern part of Kaduna state, the young Bajoga grew up, in fairness to him, without the proverbial silver-spoon. But, destiny was very kind to him. Thus, from a young age, Bajoga, exposed to the rudiments of life because God, in His infinite mercy, had prepared him for the huge task of navigating through the ups and down of societal challenges successfully, moved up triumphantly through the ladder. Yet, even while up there, he has always been mindful of those below the ladder of life, which is why he is unsparing of his own peace and comfort.
Quiet and soft-spoken but brave, intelligent, astute and accommodating, he imbibed from his religious community at childhood, positive doctrines that would today shape his vision and knowledge of the importance of lending a helping hand when the need arises. Which is why over the years, his critics have come to realize that his humility in the face of unprovoked criticism is ageless, remarkable, reliable, and a great asset.
As the deputy governor of a state reckoned as the socio-economic and political nerve-centre of northern Nigerian, Bajoga has distinguished himself as an administrator well equipped, very prepared and verse in the art of human relations. He is open-minded, liberal to a fault, moderate in all sense, has listening ears, consultative in nature and upon all, learned and exposed to the intricacies of life.
With a stint in both the civil service and the private sector spanning over three decades and rising to the pinnacle, many are of the opinion that His Excellency, the deputy governor of Kaduna State has not only started contributing since the 1970s to the development of his state, but also the country owing to his role in the marketing and rapid expansion of the cement industry right from his days at the famous Ashaka Cement. As an accountant and marketing guru, his has magnificent insight into issues that can necessitate and propel economic development, and that is why Kaduna is blessed having such a man full of wisdom as a co-pilot.
assuming office as the deputy governor in December 2012, following the demise of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of blessed memory, Ambassador Bajoga has indubitably continued to serve with dignity the people of the state. Knowing the enormity of trust reposed on him by his boss, the executive governor, AlhajiMukhtarRamalanYero, on the one hand, and the huge expectations of the entire spectrum of the society, the deputy governor has imbibed the spirit of contentment, patience, joy, togetherness, perseverance, doggedness, toughness, and has cultivated overtime, the consciousness of leaders desirous to serve and succeed.
Bajoga sees his role in the overall context of supporting the governor to turnaround the fortunes of the state as a remarkable challenge that he not only embrace with glee, but also one that he cherishes very dearly. Why this point remains important to stress, is because opportunity to serve the state do not come frequently, and thus when it comes, it rightly behooves on the occupant to be diligent and loyal. These qualities are essential ingredients of success in leadership. And like it has been said at many forums, Bajoga stands out amongst his peers, especially in the realm of relationship with his boss. He is no doubt having the best of understanding with the governor.
Because understanding and trust manifest in the leadership of the state, which are products of years of working amicably together, the deputy governor has been mandated innumerable times to represent his boss at important, sensitive functions back home in the state, in and around the country, as well as, abroad. And truly, Bajoga has lived up to expectations. He has represented his boss excellently and has tremendously shown that he can be trusted with gargantuan responsibilities.
Throughout his time as an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Poland and concurrently accredited to the Czech Republic, he maintained his integrity as a diplomat and was a rallying point for Nigerians. He stood by them in thick and thin, and ensured everyone was absolutely protected within the laws of those countries. He does not subscribe to shortcuts and abhor illegality in its entirety.
Having served his country meritoriously as an ambassador of repute, and having interacted on that scale, Bajoga returned to the country into the warm embrace of his fellow countrymen and women. However, few years later, he was called again to duty. This time, precisely March 17, 2012, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the largest political party in Africa, beckoned on him to lead the party in Kaduna State.
Soon after he emerged the state chairman in a keenly contested election, Bajoga deployed his diplomatic prowess that brought about reconciliation. Besides winning back old members, he equally captured new ones who decamped from the opposition parties to swell the ranks of the PDP. Interestingly, his short tenure as PDP chairman – from here he became deputy governor ten months later, set a new record for the party by winning 22 out of 23 local government chairmanship seats. This feat was and is still being celebrated.
Ambassador NuhuNyamBajogaAudu has served his party diligently, and as it is being whispered, he is reaping the fruits of his labour. Once in January 2011, he almost got lynched during party primaries in northern senatorial zone of the state. Today, the scare of that incident has remained a permanent reminder of his sacrifice for sustainable democracy, good governance, accountability and nationhood. Happy birthday, Your Excellency.
Swam is the Press Secretary to the deputy governor of Kaduna State.
