Every day, everywhere, I meet people of different character. In public service, I have colleagues and acquaintances. As someone from the same background. I can tell you for a fact that it is an institution on its own. So, aside from academic qualifications, one’s experience, integrity, humility, and teamwork are very essential. Work must be done, ideas must be shared, and this is where you meet with people of different backgrounds only to achieve institutional goals.
Are there needs for all these analogies and adjectives? Yes, let me water the ground a bit. I caught a small but mighty fish. When I said small, I meant to refer to the young man called Isah Miqdad, and by mighty, I want you to be aware his capability and resourcefulness usurp being young. He’s the new hope for Katsina Local Government. For years, I have worked closely with him from our days at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). There, I am well-informed firsthand about his interest in public service and community development.
During Miqdad’s stay at SMEDAN, he was one of the exceptional guys I saw around. He understands the grassroots economy and works relentlessly to nurture and support local businesses. Like a master gardener tending to his plants, he carefully cultivated relationships with small business owners, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to flourish. Then, his approach wasn’t just about implementing the agency’s policies; it was rooted in creating sustainable solutions that would stand the test of time. Alhamdulillah, today, anyone who has crossed his path can boldly attest to this.
As God would do His wonders again, I got appointed as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, Our Principal, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda. PhD CON.After a while, the Governor appointed Miqdad as the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media.
As the CPS who announced his appointment, it didn’t come to me as a surprise. He assumed office, faced the assignment squarely, and I was in awe of how he transformed the digital space of Katsina State’s governance communication. Our team of media professionals led by erudite Maiwada Dammallam brought the government closer to the people; through effective media engagement, we broke the wall between the government and the governed. And we are consolidating insha Allah.
Now, Miqdad is progressing from being the SSA Digital Media to the Governor, up to becoming the hopeful Chairman of Katsina Local Government. Look at the power of laying good antecedents for oneself. Those who know Miqdad already attest to his brilliance and quest for knowledge. Yes, to you reading this. You can be a Miqdad too.
In this council aspiration, Miqdad is there connecting with people from all walks of life. In recent weeks, he has been making rounds in the twelve wards of Katsina LG, engaging with diverse groups—from the vibrant youth to market women at the Central Market, from student stakeholders to elderly community leaders at various ward meetings. Like a bridge connecting different shores, Miqdad has shown an extraordinary capacity to understand and relate to the varying needs of different demographic groups.
The beauty of Miqdad’s candidacy lies in his intimate understanding of local challenges. Having grown up in the heart of Katsina, he knows exactly where the shoe pinches, as they say. This isn’t just about political rhetoric; it’s about genuine connection and understanding. His proposed programs aren’t crafted in some distant office but are born from countless conversations with local residents, market traders, community leaders, and young professionals who call Katsina LG home.
Working alongside him to promote Governor Radda’s initiatives has shown me a side of Miqdad that the public rarely sees—his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to turn vision into action. He’s like a chess player who thinks several moves ahead, always considering the long-term impact of today’s decisions. His plans for Katsina LG aren’t just about quick fixes; they’re about sustainable development that aligns perfectly with Governor Radda’s broader vision for the state.
As the February 15th election approaches, I can say with utmost confidence that Katsina LG stands on the brink of a new era. Miqdad isn’t just running for office; he’s offering a partnership with the people of Katsina LG. His track record speaks volumes, but it’s his vision for the future that truly inspires. Like a well-oiled machine ready to spring into action, he has all the right antecedents, the perfect temperament, and most importantly, the genuine desire to serve. The local government couldn’t be in safer hands.
One last thing: the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is known and celebrated for interest in people’s progress and the party has fixed its agents of progress across the 34 local government areas of the state. Hence, I urge our electorates to choose carefully and choose APC.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed writes from Katsina State.
