Gov Shema’s exemplary leadership

Ibrahim Mustapha

One of the qualities of a leader is either to bring civilization to his people or take them where it is. That is where the mission and vision of Governor Ibrahim ShehuShema of Katsina state lies. Since assumption of office in 2007, he proved his critics wrong by launching a revolution in the transformation of Katsina state. Barrister Shema, CON, fnim, is an achiever per excellence, intellectual giant and panache for success in politics. His YES is always YES and NO is NO and never says NO when it comes to assistance.

On education, the Shema administration has constructed 200 secondary and 38 new primary schools while primary to secondary schools are free in the state. Shema sends students abroad every year to study different courses like engineering, medicine, pharmacy, Arabic calligraphy, computer, etc; about 600 students have so far benefitted. This is a tremendous achievement and first of its kind since the creation of Katsina state.

Shema empowers the youth through Youth’s Crafts Village along Mani Road for training youth on various trades like carpentry, painting, motor mechanics, electronics etc. repairs so to mention. Youths from neighbouring states come to train in Katsina. After the training they are not only self-reliant, but employers as well.

Shema has constructed new Mosques in all the local governments of the state while the Central Juma’at Mosques in the old local governments from former Kaduna state were rehabilitated and expanded to the standard. These are Katsina, Funtua, Daura, Mani, Dutsin-ma, Malumfashi, and Kankia.
The stadium is among the best in the country and Katsina people can watch national and international matches organized by FIFA or NFF (Nigeria Football Federation).

Shema was the first Nigerian governor to implement N18,000 minimum wage for workers and the first to discover ghost-workers. Shema administration has built 2,000 houses, which were sold to indigenes at 50% discount with 15-year payment duration.
On transport, Katsina State Transport Authority has been provided 140 vehicles to ease transportation. Revenue generated by the authority is ploughed back to buy one bus every month. The buses travel to many places in the North and Lagos. It is indeed a welcome development.

Any government worth its name must accord priority to agriculture. That is why Shema administration gave it prominence, providing farmers with tractors, assorted fertilizers, etc.
Although provision of security is a responsibility of the federal government, indigenes and non-indigenes are safe compared to some states where there has been insecurity for so many years.
On health sector, the Orthopedic Teaching Hospital established by Shema administration is so far the best in Nigeria. Hitherto, patients travelled to Kano for treatment but now we have our own, and shall be receiving people all over the country for treatment.

On roads, the administration built a ring road that links you to anywhere in the State capital. If you come to Katsina newly you will think you’re in London because of the beautification of the town – it is dividend of democracy.
Shema is instrumental in the establishment of a PDP Office which was declared open by President GoodluckJonathan accompanied by PDP National Chairman Adamu Mu’azu. It is equipped with modern facilities like parking lot, mosque, conference hall, etc.

On infrastructure, Shema initiated and complete a new government house which includes Governor’s Office, Governor’s lodge, office complex of Governor’s wife, Presidential lodge and chalets for Presidential aides, 200 capacity banquet hall and an indoor games and fitness centre, etc. The edifice is the best in the nation so far.

As the saying goes, a golden fish has no hiding place. As a result of Shema’s laudable achievements, many traditional institutions across the country are scrambling to confer on him, one title or another. The Atta of Igala conferred on him the Atta Ojah of Igalaland while Daura Emirate conferred on him the Sarkin Yaki of Hausaland. Even the Igbo land has conferred on him the Enyi Kwon Nwa of Ezeokwe Kingdom.

Contrary to the saying that, a prophet has no honour in his home, Governor Shema has equally bagged a traditional title of Sarkin Fulani of Katsina I, the first in the history of the emirate, making him one of the councilors of the famous Katsina Emirate Council. Recently, the Emir of Gusauhonoured him with similar title of Lamido Fulbe of Gusau, meaning the leader of Gusau Fulani people.
Shema got all these titles from those Emirs and Chiefs because of his tremendous efforts religiously, politically and traditionally. He should be emulated by all.

Mustpha, a social commentator, wrote via 08061356256