Celebrating The Legacy Of A True Public Servant : Senator Kawu Sumaila at 56

By Comrade Abdullahi Ghali Basaf
abdullahighali7@gmail.com

Today marks the 56th birthday of Suleiman Abdurrahaman, fondly known as Kawu Sumaila (OFR), a distinguished figure in Nigerian politics and public service. Born on March 3, 1968, Sumaila has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Nigeria, serving both at the federal level and within his home state of Kano.

Sumaila’s journey in public service, he was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on National Assembly House of Representatives Matters on August 27, 2015. Prior to this appointment, he had already established himself as a formidable force in Nigerian politics, having served three terms as a member of the House of Representatives. During his tenure, Sumaila held the esteemed position of Deputy Minority Leader in both the 6th and 7th House of Representatives of Nigeria. As a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he contributed significantly to the party’s growth and development, serving on various key committees and boards, including the board of trustees, National Caucus, and NEC.

In 2023, Sumaila embarked on a new chapter in his political career by successfully clinching the position of Senator representing Kano South under the platform of the NNPP. Despite his relatively short time in the Senate, Sumaila wasted no time in making an impact. He sponsored over four bills and numerous motions aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of his constituents in Kano South, as well as contributing to the overall development of Kano state and Nigeria as a whole.

One of the hallmarks of Sumaila’s tenure as Senator has been his unwavering commitment to alleviating poverty and empowering the people of his constituency. Through various initiatives and resource allocation, he has demonstrated his dedication to improving the lives of those he represents. Notably, Senator Sumaila distributed a significant number of resources, including 109 motorcycles, approximately 300 sewing machines, and around 200 water pump machines, to his constituents. This initiative, valued at over N200 million, aimed to provide sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities to individuals across all 16 local governments within the senatorial district.

Furthermore, Sumaila’s commitment to education and human capital development is evident in his provision of N153 million in scholarships to 100 less privileged constituents. These scholarships, targeted towards nursing and other health-related courses, will enable beneficiaries to pursue their academic aspirations at selected private institutions. With N141 million allocated for registration, accommodation, and other fees, and an additional N12 million set aside for monthly stipends per student for a year, Sumaila’s scholarship program is poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of deserving individuals.

As we celebrate Senator Kawu Sumaila on his 56th birthday, we reflect not only on his remarkable achievements but also on his enduring legacy as a true public servant. His dedication, integrity, and commitment to the welfare of his constituents serve as an inspiration to us all, and his contributions to Nigerian politics and governance will be remembered for years to come.