Dujiman Katsina: A Bridge-builder in Nigerian Politics

By Sardauna Francis

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmad, has been crowned as Dujiman Katsina by the Emir of Katsina Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman amid encomiums. Dujima is a highly revered traditional title that dates back to the old Borno Empire during the 18th century in Nigeria.

The historic event which took place on 21st September at the Emir’s Palace in Katsina, where the monarch personally conferred the famed chieftaincy title on the renowned philanthropist-cum-politician in recognition of his innumerable contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of his constituency, Katsina State and Nigeria.

The title of Dujiman Katsina is not just a ceremonial honour or a money-seeking traditional title, but a mark of distinction and incredibility that reflects Ahmad’s immense contributions to society and an unwavering commitments to the welfare of the people, especially those within Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency.

Ahmad, who represents the Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, has earned this prestigious chieftaincy title or recognition through his years of dedicated service, charitable works, and leadership that have transformed the lives of countless individuals and vulnerable households within and outside Katsina State.

His leadership has been nothing short of revolutionary since his election into the House of Representatives. A believer in merit, hard work, and inclusivity, he has consistently advocated for transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of resources in his constituency. His leadership has transcended tribal, religious, and political boundaries, making him a unifying figure across Nigeria.

Ahmad’s selflessness and commitment to societal welfare have become the hallmark of his public life. His charity work spans years, with numerous personal sacrifices aimed at improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable in his constituency. Notably, his contributions to education and healthcare have been transformative and unquantifiable.

In healthcare, Ahmad has donated millions worth of medical supplies, conducted 1,000 Caesarean section surgeries, and distributed delivery kits to over 1,500 expectant mothers at Matazu General Hospital. His benevolence extended to renovating several healthcare facilities, equipping them with modern tools, and addressing the region’s long standing water scarcity by constructing multiple boreholes.

Over 40 hospital beds have been purchased by the venerable philanthropist and donated to Kurkujan Primary Health Centre. He renovated Dissi Health Centre and equipped the facility with beddings. The lawmaker also constructed seven boreholes across the ward to address the age-long problem of perennial water scarcity in the area.

Ahmad also funded the renovation of the maternity ward and equipped the isolation centres with all the necessary facilities. His recent construction of a state-of-the-art mosque and several other religious structures underscores his commitment to spiritual and community development.

His investment in the rehabilitation of hospitals and healthcare centres, such as the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centre in Mataza and many other healthcare centres within and outside the shores of the Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, has significantly improved healthcare delivery in the area.

In education, Ahmad built and equipped more than 20 classrooms across the constituency, providing students with a conducive learning environment. He also granted scholarships to over 1,000 vulnerable children, helping them gain access to education that their families otherwise could not afford, thereby providing free education for his constituents irrespective of their religion, tribal or political leanings.

Another central pillar of Ahmad’s selfless service to humanity and leadership is his drive for economic empowerment and sustainability. Recognizing the importance of economic independence, he has provided business grants, facilitated access to agricultural inputs, and created employment opportunities for thousands of his constituents, including religious and traditional leaders.

Recently, Ahmad doled out a whopping sum of N35 million as non- refundable business grants to 70 individuals across his constituency. Each recipient received N500,000 to support their business ventures, providing them with the opportunity to generate a sustainable income and become financially viable and independent.

In cushioning the plight of people living with disabilities, Ahmad in collaboration with a reputable non-governmental organisation, distributed 100 special tricycle-wheelchairs to them. This humanitarian gesture further underscores his determination to make vulnerable people economically and physically viable for the betterment of their livelihoods and that of their families.

The first Dujiman Katsina has also implemented programmes designed to drive disability inclusion by building awareness among communities and providing essential life skills training to people living with disability. This inclusivity significantly tackled the issues of discrimination and stigmatisation hitherto experienced by those living with disabilities in the constituency.

In agriculture, his contribution to farmers and food security are immeasurable. He has so far distributed over 6,000 bags of fertilisers, water-pumping machines, and renovated irrigation facilities, giving farmers the tools they need to increase and boost production and to sustain their livelihoods.

Recognizing that true empowerment begins with knowledge, Ahmad has spearheaded initiatives that have revolutionised the educational landscape of the constituency. He built and equipped a block of two-classrooms with a befitting staff room and a store at Jikamshi Community Secondary School in Musawa, among other notable educational initiatives.

To stem the spate of unemployment in the constituency, the federal lawmaker has secured employment slots for constituents into the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies in the country.

These employment opportunities for the constituents further buttressed Ahmad’s mission to build a brighter future for his constituency. He has consistently worked to empower youths and women. He believes that they are the foundation upon which a prosperous society must be built. Through scholarships, vocational training, and business grants, he has given them the meritable tools to succeed in life.

One of his landmark initiatives aimed at assuaging the challenges faced by youths is the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in Musawa, providing counselling, detoxification, and reintegration services to curb the increasing rate of addiction in the community. His efforts in youth reformation have had a profound impact on the lives of many young individuals, helping them chart a new course for themselves.

Ahmad’s development agenda also prioritises infrastructural projects that have a long-term socio-economic impact on the communities within and outside his constituency. He has spearheaded the construction and rehabilitation of roads, schools, mosques, and health centres, improving the overall quality of life in the Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency.

Also, during the last Ramadan, Ahmad distributed over 9,000 bags of rice, spaghetti, and macaroni as palliatives. He has also provided 8000 bags of millet, rice, and sugar to vulnerable individuals and continues to support his people during festive periods with food, clothing, and livestock.

Born in 1975 in Musawa Local Government Area, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmad’s early education was in Yero Primary School, followed by Government Secondary School in Musawa. His educational journey took him through several prestigious institutions of learning, ultimately leading him to Bayero University Kano (BUK), where he obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science in 2003.

His leadership over years has transcended tribal, religious, and political boundaries, making him a unifying figure across Nigeria. This is anchored on his personal sacrifices and principles of merit, hard work, and inclusivity. Ahmad has consistently advocated for transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of resources in his constituency, state and the country at large.

Beyond infrastructural development, Ahmad has been a fearless advocate for his people, always standing by his constituency in times of crisis. He is renowned for his fearless commitment to defending the rights and interests of the residents of Musawa and Matazu, regardless of their religion, tribe, or political leanings.

His inclusive leadership approach has earned him the trust and respect of not just his constituency but people across Katsina State. His deft skills in conflict management and resolutions also stood him out, making him one of the most reliable state officials to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Ahmad’s bridge-building expertise in wielding different ethnic and religious groups together in any position he holds attested to his leadership skills and a deep sense of the future in his political career. As a fact, his leadership of the House Committee on Interior embraced every member from the country’s geo-political zones such that no one felt marginalised, especially in decision-making and implementation.

However, the wise investment of trust in Radda seems to have yielded a fruitful dividend for Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmad. Today, the people of the state and other Nigerians see the native of Musawa as a veritable bridge-builder and game changer who could be trusted with higher office because his leadership extends beyond his immediate constituency.

As Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Ahmad is playing a crucial role in shaping national policies related to internal security and governance. His vision for Nigeria is built on a foundation of nationalism, inclusivity, and a commitment to good governance.

Therefore, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmad’s rise to the position of Dujiman Katsina is not just a recognition of his efforts at the local level but also a testament to his growing influence at the national level. His pro-people and life-saving projects, ability to build consensus, and his willingness to work across political and ethnic lines have earned him a reputation as a bridge- builder in Nigerian politics.

Thus, the turbaning of Ahmad as Dujiman Katsina by the Emir of Katsina is not only a celebration of his achievements but also a reaffirmation of his commitment to the people of Katsina State and beyond. His dedication to improving the lives of his constituents through philanthropy, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment has made him a symbol of hope and progress.

As prominent political leaders and other Nigerians witnessed the investiture of Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmad as Dujiman Katsina, it is crystal clear that his legacy of service, humility, and transformative leadership will continue to inspire generations to come. His contributions to Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Katsina State, and Nigeria have, unarguably, left an indelible mark that will be celebrated for decades.

Sardauna Francis is the Special Assistant on Media to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior