Memo to Kebbi State
Memo to Kebbi State Governor on State of the
State
Dear Governor Bagudu,
I write you this as a patriotic citizen of the country and
concerned indigene of the state to make positive and useful
contributions to the advancement and progress of some key areas in
our dear state. I’m optimistic that with the help of media, my
notes will get to your honorable destination.
Reelection is a grace from the Supreme being through the
electorate to ponder over past infractions and rectify them for
good and I believe, the past four years have provided you with
enough experience needed to man the appears of the Land of
Equity.
To begin with, I commend you for the recent recruitment of
teachers in the state, it’s the first step in saving the life of
dying hungry fowl, however, there’s much to give than single
cockroach.
The recent news from Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi of blocked
Kebbi Students numbering to 7000 from writing exams due to
nonpayment of registration fees by the State Government is
worrisome and is a major setback to our quest for improved literacy
level of our state. Majority of the students are children of the
poor masses who may hardly make their ends meet but chose never to
live without formal education. Years ago, during the reigns of
former governors Dakin Gari and Aleiru, the State never relent on
sponsoring youths to Tertiary Institutions at home and abroad and
giving them grants to subdue their studies.
A recent Premium Times report of states with the highest number
of out of school children quoted UNICEF placing Kebbi as seventh of
the 36 states and FCT with the highest number of out of school
children, this can be curbed by revitalisation of Nizamiyya schools
that give both western and Islamic Education. Meanwhile, for the
past four years, Kebbi has seemingly sat comfortably at the rear
end of WAEC and NECO rankings.
Education is the key to the future, for every administration
that wants to leave any legacy, education is the best. The state
needs to use funds meant for education efficiently and effectively.
Appointments into the sector should be on merit and not to
compensate political supporters. There’s need to direct funds to
sponsorships, scholarships and motivation and welfare of teachers.
With proper training of teachers, our public school students will
compete with those of private schools in a short time.
Though you are yet to nominate your “next level” cabinet, I
appeal to you to examine your nominees cleverly with foresight and
consider youths for juicy appointments, they constitute the
majority of those who spoke with their votes to elect you. Our
people often say; ” a child who washed his hands can dine with
kings and queens”.
My governor, I’m one of the millions much concerned about recent
changes days after your second term inauguration, I have admired
your system of leadership previously and loved your balanced way of
appointing members of your cabinet and giving equal opportunities
to all in the state in the last tenure.
Your recent absence at all the events of Zuru Cultural Festival
and preference to swear in someone from your emirate as substantive
Chief Judge of the state is a threat to long term unity and
mutualism the state has been known for.
The mantle of leadership as you are aware is a responsibility, I
advise you to accommodate everyone in the state and initiate good
policies that will favor everyone. It is a huge task but endeavour
to carry everyone along.
There’s much to do in leading a diverse state as ours, leaders
become great and influential when they are able to unite and solve
inherited problems. All animals should be equal in the Land of
Equity.
I should not end this memo without reminding you of your promise
to reconstruct Dabai-Mahuta-Koko and to tar Mahuta township roads.
These roads, if rehabilitated will boost supply of agricultural
commodities throughout the state.
I pray may the good Lord provide you with extra health and
wisdom to continue stirring our state.
Habibu Bawa
Writer, Student-Journalist
Fakai, Kebbi State.
Habibubawa222@gmail.com