Today, Umar Muhammad Nasko (Jarman Kontagora), the precocious standard bearer of the servant leadership school, is forty. Life, they say, begins at forty.
When in 2007 he made his debut in public service in Niger state, armed with the experience of grassroots politics the young Nasko fascinated his mentors with leadership qualities he exuded, dwarfed his peers with the level of commitment and sacrifice he put to duty, and inspired his ‘subjects’. As John Quincy Adams says, ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’
Almost eight years on, Umar Nasko is still on track; I am sure no one will dispute the fact that no young person has given his all to public service in Niger state like Umar. Umar has become a reference point for young persons and youth participation in the politics of Niger state.
For those who know Umar closely, his achievements thus far do not come as a surprise; he is an attentive listener with an unassuming calmness and the ability to decipher chaff from grains effortlessly.
He is well groomed to govern Niger state. At forty, Umar’s life is best described as resilience, courage, courage and courage!
The Jarman Kontagora was born into the aristocratic and humble family of General Muhammed Gado Nasko – yes, the private General who avoids the elite circle and seldom dabbles in their affairs. Umar was privileged to attend the best schools from primary to tertiary level. As he clocks forty today, it is not just his thrilling steps in life that should reverberate; what should thrill Nigerlites is his diffident, urbane and suave nature.
Umar has in the last eight years stamped his footprints on the sands of excellence as he birthed avant-garde policies, chief amongst which is the Green Guards Initiative that protects our environment from the activities of economic saboteurs.
A look at his manifesto which he christened ‘My Pact with Nigerlites’, or a minute’s interaction with him, will leave you convinced that he will pursue the actualisation of critical infrastructural projects with vigour.
With his unrivalled sympathy for the plight of women, healthcare, education, and agriculture will be enhanced with global best practices.
And of course it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone if Niger State becomes the headquarters of ICT in Africa under his watch as Governor. As J.K Galbrith postulated, ‘All the great leaders have one characteristic in common: it is the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of the people in their time. This and not much else is the essence of leadership.’
Umar has created employment, contributed to infrastructure, delivered on any mandate given to him efficiently and with less glitz attached to public office. Umar is an upright man, and we should elevate him to a higher level of service to humanity.
Here’s a hearty ‘Happy Birthday’ to the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Niger state.
Abdullahi Muhammad,
Abuja.
