*Photo: Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammed Gana*
The worth of an individual or a group is the sum total of the kind of institution that shaped his formative years; such institutions play a significant role in how such a person turns out in the future, there is no doubt that the home is the first social institution, but the school environment or to put it more aptly, the kind of institution an individual attend goes a long way in shaping such a personality on his or her world view.
Barewa College stands tall among the early post primary institutions in Northern Nigeria, that boast of an array of stars like the galaxy that are shining brightly in every sphere of our national life.
There is no gain saying that the landmark and weeklong celebration of General Yakubu Gowon( GCFR) 90th Birthday organised by his friends and well-wishers had a very significant presence of his Alma mata, Barewa Old Boys Association- Zaria (BOBITES) it was quite unique and captivating. The organic and mechanical solidarity ( Max Werber ), shown by his Alma Mata during the events, is quite unique and legendary !
Hence, my interest as an onlooker, looking at the Personality and profile of some of the shining stars of Barewa Old Boys Association, Zaria (BOBITES) who have played significant and remarkable role in shaping Nigeria Political trajectory, in leadership, politically, socially, economically and in the security archecture since leaving the college for higher calling and greater service to our motherland, the Nigerian State.
For the records, it worth going down memory lane that some of these great BOBiTES are Dr. General Yakubu Gowon( GCFR)Prof. Iya Abubakar, a great intellectual colossus, Lt.Gen.Abudulraman Bello Dambazzau, Former Chief of Army Staff and Former Minister of interior, Kabiru Turaki(SAN), a Former Minister of Special Duties, Umar Mutallab, Ibrahim Shafi, Pastor Joseph Okeke, Captain Ibrahim,Head Pilot to General Obasanjo,Olusegun Raji from Kogi State, Kabiru Ayuba from Kaduna, Major General Jemitola ADC to General Obasanjo, Mall.Pate, and the indefatigable Abdullahi Muhammed Gana, the immediate past Commandant-General Civil Defence Corps of Nigeria.(All these beacon of hope, have made progressive contributions to Nation Building, in our cheaquerd Political history.
Interestingly, an X-ray in Prints of the Profile of these great BOBITES, their immense and immeasurable contributions to the Nigerian State, is apt, symbolic and worthy of been done for adumbaration, since they left the college for greater service to our Father-land, indeed for want of a better word they can be described as great Nation Builders .
It is pertinent to note at this point, that the leadership traits, discipline, dexerity, loyalty, honesty,tenacity, and commitment to service delivery are great virtues imbibed in them by their teachers at ( BOBA) which are great qualities all of them are known for today, this is inline with the saying by Henry Adam who says “Teachers affects eternity, they can never tell where their influence will reach”
My first port of call amongst members of Barewa Old Boys Association, who am focusing on his remarkable feats, as a great Nation Builder, who have shown true and examplary leadership is Alh.Abdullahi Muhammed Gana Jimada, the immediate past Commandant-General of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps. In his quest for Secondary Education , he proceeded to the great and famous Barewa Old College Zaria from 1975 to 1980, where he successfully completed his course with his peers.Worthy of note,the leadership traits, imbibed in him and other of his Colleagues while at Barewa College ,as really inspired and prepared him and others for greater service to the Nigerian State..
Expectedly, Alh. Muhammed Abdullahi Gana,having known higher education is a Catalyst for contributing one’s quota to Nation Building as well as societal development, inline with the wise saying of Malcolm X, who opines” Education is our Passport for tomorrow, for the future belongs to those who prepare for it today”
It is note worthy that, with this realization, Alh.Abdullahi Muhammed Gana proceeded to the prestigious Sheikh Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto,(UDUS) where he bagged Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Sociology, Masters in law enforcement and criminal justice, it was however not surprising that he exelled in flying colours from both institutions.
When he was named the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps, he saw it as an opportunity and a higher calling to serve the Country.
Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammed Gana’s Pragmatic and purposeful leadership as the then Commandant General Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, has witnessed great Transformation and significant milestone. All these, feats and revolutionary successes recorded during his golden era were as a result of great leadership traits instilled in them at the Barewa College Zaria,by the founding Fathers of the College who laid the foundation for the growth and prosperity of it’s products.
Conversely, under the visionary,and dynamic leadership, of Abdullahi Muhammed Gana focussed leadership,which has brought paradigm shift,has recorded many giant strides and accomplishments, a feat which has made NSCDC Primus inteparis ( first amongst equals).Also, Worthy,of note, it’s on record,under the dynamic leadership of Abdullahi Muhammed Gana remarkable feats # 800Million Naira accrued to the organisation, from the issuing of application and licenses to Private Guard Companies in Nigeria.What a commending feat !
One interesting aspect of Abdullahi Muhammed Gana”s Leadership as the then Commandant General of NSCDC deployed over 5000 well trained Personnel to the North Eastern part of the Country,to protect IDP Camps, as well as helping to reclaim territories annexed by the insurgent as at that time.He went further to carrying out joint task force operations with the Military to curb the then menance of insulgency, hersmen attack, banditry and other threat in the area.
Since security is a collective business and inline with the wise saying of Madam Thereza’s aphorism, when she said ” What you can do,I can’t do,what I can do, you can’t do, but together we can do great things” He also went into synergy ( MOU) with Nigerian Communication Commission ,in a bid to enhance telecom facilities as well as upgrade security of telecom infrastructure .On this premise, he ordered the deploymement of Corps to all the 774 Local Government areas across the Country to stem the tide of insecurity and to also protect NCC emergency Communication Centres.
In the area of human capital development, Abdullahi Muhammed Gana’s quest for holistic human Capital development to enhancing efficiency in the Organisation,he initiated Workshops, Seminars, intensive training home and abroad,aimed at improving the intellectual acuity of the Corps,leading to over 4000 Personnel benefiting from the Scintillating initiatives, geared towards the common good of the entire organisation and it’s officers under his reign.
Similarly, In the area of capital projects, Alh.Abdullahi Muhammed Gana tenure witnessed a superlative performance as his magic wand led to the construction of Six units of three -bedroom apartments in Sauka, Abuja construction of an administrative complex with in- built cells and armoury at Ebonyi State command,Abakiliki,completion of administrative complex with in built cells and armoury at Ogun State Command as well as the completion of Niger State and Delta State command ,also completion of 4 story ,2 bedroom Flat Residential Building at Sauka,Abuja, completion of a story building of 12 number Classrooms at Sauka -Abuja as well as completion of Ekiti State Command ,Civil Defence Medical Centre at Sauka also completed, Gombe, Anambra on going,Edo,Kebbi and Sokoto Cammand also ongoing before he left office, construction of Reception for the Civil Defence Medical Centre at Sauka, completed 2…What an incredible feats ! Under Gana’s lead leadership….History and posterity will record u and ur team in very positive lights!
Looking at the entire gamut of Abdullahi Muhammed Gana’s remarkable achievements, he deserves to be given thumbs up for his legendry feats, for the establishment of Agro Rangers, Solid mineral unit (Guards) database for all Vigilantes in Nigeria, database for members of hunters organization in Nigeria, are his feats that are worthy of commendation. More also as a true epitome of national unity and integration, he was bestowed with the following traditional title across the country; Sarkin Yakin Nupe, Masun of Borgu- Niger state, Baobajoko of Offa land,Sarkin Yamma of Jiwa, FCT, Lukpan of Muye, Mainasara of Budon and Ajiyan Kalgo and at the international, level he was in 2010 conferred with the prestigious award of Night of international order of civil defence, in recognition of his meritorious service to the Organization.
Conclusively, I have no doubt in mind that the influence of Barewa College and proper orientation installed in each of the BOBITES by their teachers and founding fathers of the college, had really prepared them for the herculean task of progressive leadership, which has help to shape their thinking, and impacting enduring legacies for the next generation and greater service to mankind.
FATAI DIRECTOR
Executive Director
Prolific Writers projects
