Sen Babangida@61: A Catalyst of Northwest Sustainable Development

By Ahmadu Dansardauna

Giant strides made by man are usually relieved with pomp and pageantry .While some roll out the milestone amidst glass clinging. Some play the breakthrough low but all in praise and in anticipation of a better future ahead. In this momentous instance, the success story always overshadows the nauseating hurdles and barricades accompanying such feats. Naturally some people excel in various ways of life, they stand out in anything they venture into, they are shining light, and they shape their environment and their world.

Such individuals of unique poise are celebrated everywhere, an action which encourages them to reach their peak .thereby, serving as an impetus to the younger generation. How else can one describe a super public administrator and dynamic legislator of no mean repute , Senator Babangida Hussaini(Jigawa Northwest) , newly appointed Chairman Senate Committee on North West Development Commission as he clocks the age 0f 61.

Sen Babangida Hussaini is a leader with an impressive background in administrative affairs, educational planning and community development service delivery. His expertise spans various domains, including public administrative affairs, policies, strategic matters, human resources development and educational administration. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the nation’s development through his work with administrative and educational consultants, donor-funded organizations, NGOs/CBOs and international/national bodies.

Babangida Hussaini who was born on the 6th of February, 1964 in Kazaure, Jigawa State, holds a BSC and MSC degrees in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna respectively. He began his public Service career in 1987 with the Kano State Government in 1991. In 2011 he transferred his service to the Federal Civil Service and rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary in 2020. He assumed office as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence in September, 2020 before his redeployment to Federal Ministry of Works and Housing as the Permanent Secretary in December, 2020.

Babangida Hussaini played a pivotal role in various national assignments, showcasing his dedication to public service and knack for excellence. He is currently serving as the senator representing Jigawa North West, where he contributes to legislative duties of making laws, committee duties, oversight on the executive and ensuring accountability

As permanent secretary of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing from Dec 2020-Feb 2022 as chief accounting and administrative officer he has facilitated policy implementation ,financial management and planning .He was earlier at the Ministry of Defence as Permanent Secretary where he provided policy direction and support to the defence Minister from September 2020-December 2020.

Alhaji Babangida’s foray into the volatile political terrain after the serene confines of his public service has set a new research trend on the professionals in politics as his actions and utterances have redefined politics from the pejorative sense of the word. He has completely rubbished the beautiful and well researched theory of the English philosopher and social analyst, New Clive, who claimed that “What politicians lack is not shortage of towering promises; what they appear to have in abundance is a congenital capacity to default on their promises”.

In his success story, few people erroneously tend to view it as if he employed underhand tactics to achieve them and in the process underestimate his midas touch. The fact remains that he attained his present height through dint of hard work and unparalleled exhibition of moral discipline.

Senator Babangida perfectly described the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, when he postulated (to be yourself in the world that is trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment). A man who is tall, his accomplishments are taller than him. A man of lofty ideals, humility and generosity; he paradoxically has a simple philosophy of life and corresponding approach to challenges.

In recognition of his hard work, philanthropic activities and community engagement, Senator Babangida was conferred with the traditional title of Wali Kazaure by the Kazaure emirate council.

When the Senate Leadership began searching for the name of the Senator to Chair the important committee on Northwest Development Commission ,one name kept ringing, that is Dist Senator Babangida Hussaini (Walin Kazaure).

In his acceptance of the role he noted that role presents a significant responsibility to drive sustainable development, enhance infrastructure, and address key socio-economic challenges affecting the region.

“As we embark on this crucial task, I am committed to ensuring that the Commission fulfills its mandate efficiently and transparently, fostering inclusive growth and improving the livelihoods of our people. Through strategic policies, legislative oversight, and collaborative efforts, we will work towards unlocking the full potential of the North West region.I look forward to engaging with stakeholders at all levels to advance initiatives that will have a lasting impact. Together, we will insha Allah build a stronger, flourishing and more advancing North West which will contribute to a progressive Nigeria”.Senator Babangida posited.

His legislative priorities are education, health, good roads, and water. Also accredited to him are the following: sponsorship of students scholarships, infrastructural development which includes: solar street lights, hand pump and motorized boreholes, renovation of primary healthcare centers, building of skills acquisition centers, lobbying for the construction of roads and renovation of secondary and primary schools. He is an advocate for Youth Empowerment and poverty alleviation. He has achieved these through: issuing of grants to the Youths and providing welfare packages to the less privileged long before his election for political office.

Walin Kazaure commands a lot of respect from his colleagues, largely due to the way he articulates his ideas and thoughts each time he speaks on the floor of the house as his colleagues listen with rapt attention whenever he contributes to any debate or table a motion which comes in regularly. His calmness and maturity has earned him the nickname “the stabilizer”, amongst friends and colleagues, many of whom consult him for advice which has come in handy more than a few times.

As a parliamentarian, Dr Babangida Hussaini (Walin Kazaure ) has brought new meaning to representation by positively impacting on lives of the people he swore to serve diligently and honestly. His love for the people is expressed in the most outstanding unique people-centered legislation and selfless service.To borrow from the Greek writer Homer,” he is both a speaker of words and doer of deeds .benevolent and highly spirited.”

The story of the red chambers’ point man is that of triumph of human vicissitude. His life is proof that with strong will to succeed in life and divine nod to one’s actions, one can turn all obstacles to blessings. The journey through life is often one that carries with it a very strong desire for self-fulfillment, fulfillment of one’s dreams, desires, aspirations or even goals. Sometimes, this manifest celebration over accomplishments or bowed heads over dashed hopes. The visionary parliamentarian should be celebrated by all and sundry as he clocks 61 years of valuable contribution to humanity, constituency, Jigawa ,Northwest region and Nigeria as a whole.

Dan Sardauna wrote in from Abuja