Kawu Sumaila’s Impact Surpasses Gaya’s 16-Year Tenure in Kano South

“You can tell the character of a leader not by the length of their tenure but by the depth of their impact.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the remarkable transformation Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has brought to Kano South in less than two years, surpassing what Senator Kabiru Gaya achieved in 16 years of representation. While Gaya’s long tenure from 2007 to 2023 left much to be desired, Sumaila’s swift and hands-on leadership has already made a profound difference in the lives of his constituents.

“True leadership is about action, not position,” and Senator Sumaila embodies this principle through his numerous initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, empowering his people, and investing in education.

Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila’s representation, in less than two years, has proved to be more impactful for Kano South than what Senator Kabiru Gaya achieved in his 16 years in the Senate. Despite Senator Gaya’s long tenure, residents of the Kano South Senatorial District have not witnessed as much transformative change as they have in a short time under Kawu Sumaila’s leadership.

Senator Kawu Sumaila, known for his effective leadership and hands-on approach, has achieved significant milestones that address the pressing needs of his constituents. As a former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari and a seasoned legislator who served three terms in the House of Representatives, Sumaila brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his senatorial role.

One of the most notable aspects of Senator Sumaila’s leadership is his immediate focus on reducing poverty and empowering his people. As part of his 100 days in office celebration, he launched a massive empowerment program that benefited over 1,000 women and youth. This initiative distributed more than 109 motorcycles, 300 sewing machines, and 200 water pump machines, all with the goal of uplifting the economic status of his constituents.

Beyond economic empowerment, Senator Sumaila has made significant investments in education. Through his scholarship scheme, students from Kano South were sponsored to attend five private institutions—Aminu Dabo College of Nursing Science, Pyramid College of Nursing, and others—with funds worth over N141 million allocated for tuition, accommodation, and other essential fees. Additionally, the students receive a N10,000 monthly stipend for a year, ensuring they are financially secure throughout their studies.

In contrast, Senator Kabiru Gaya’s 16 years in office left many in Kano South disillusioned. Despite his long tenure, many key sectors, such as education and healthcare, were neglected. The stark difference between his administration and that of Senator Sumaila’s lies in the concrete dividends the latter has delivered in a much shorter time. The lack of significant, large-scale projects during Gaya’s tenure underscores how Sumaila’s proactive approach has energized the constituency.

Moreover, Senator Sumaila’s efforts to improve local infrastructure have been unprecedented. His donation of over 3,000 school chairs and tables, 1,000 hospital beds, mattresses, and multipurpose marker boards for schools and healthcare centers is a clear testament to his commitment to social development.

In his first term in the Senate, Senator Kawu Sumaila presented a landmark bill to establish a Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Rano, the headquarters of the Kano South Senatorial District. This facility aims to enhance healthcare accessibility for the region’s residents, addressing a critical need for improved medical services. Additionally, he proposed the creation of ‘Tiga State,’ intended to be carved out from Kano State, which would potentially lead to better local governance and resource allocation for the communities involved.

Regarding local government autonomy, Senator Sumaila also presented a motion urging President Bola Tinubu to convene a national dialogue focused on achieving full autonomy for local governments across the country. This initiative aims to empower local authorities to operate independently, enhancing their ability to respond to community needs effectively.

Senator Sumaila is not just a politician; he is a pillar of the Kano South Senatorial District. His dedication to ensuring that bills and policies in the Senate uplift his constituency sets him apart from his predecessor. He is seen as a bold, fearless leader who consistently speaks truth to power and fights for the welfare of his people. Unlike Senator Gaya, who many perceived as complacent after years in office, Sumaila’s energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to engage directly with his constituents signal a new era for Kano South.

In conclusion, while Senator Kabiru Gaya had the opportunity to shape Kano South for over a decade, it is Senator Kawu Sumaila who is truly delivering tangible dividends of democracy. His efforts to tackle poverty, enhance education, and improve healthcare in the region have already made a substantial difference in just under two years, earning him the admiration and support of the people of Kano South. With his continued leadership, the future of the senatorial district looks brighter than ever.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” The people of Kano South deserve better than just promises; they deserve leaders who deliver. Senator Kawu Sumaila embodies the spirit of action over rhetoric, proving that leadership is about impact, not tenure. With his hands-on approach and dedication to uplifting his constituency, Kano South can finally hope for the progress and development they’ve long awaited. It’s clear: the people deserve better, and with Senator Sumaila, they are getting it.

Buhari Abba, a multimedia journalist, wrote this article from Kano, Nigeria.