Leadership
Unveiling Prof Ma’aji, the leadership genius at helm of NWDC
By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
In 2024, President Bola Tinubu in September nominated Prof Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of North West Development Commission (NWDC) and in December, Tinubu revised the nominees for the Governing Boards of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) with Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji retaining his position as MD/CEO.
The fact that Prof Ma’aji’s name was retained, is not a mistake but proof of his capacity and the trust that Mr. President has in his ability to engineer the transformation that the people of the North-West are yearning for.
The appointment of Prof Ma’aji did not come by accident neither did it come to many of his observers as a surprise, after all, a golden fish has no hiding place; his appointment came highly recommended in view of his experience, wealth of knowledge and his results-oriented leadership style.
His calibre is rare and needed to help contribute to the development of the country, because Prof. Ma’aji is a leadership genius who has been making his marks and leaving traces of excellence in any position of leadership he has held.
He is far-sighted, visionary and a man whose integrity is as intact as a rock. Those who have high hopes that Prof Ma’aji’s leadership will perform miracle in transforming the North-West from being one with high index of poverty in the country to becoming a wealth creation region for its people, will not have their hopes dashed because Prof. Maaji, has over the years forged a highly effective, anti-corrupt system wherever he went and that has helped him in delivering on any mandate assigned to him.
Prof Ma’aji, a decent gentleman who had his Bachelor, Master’s and PhD degrees in Sociology from Bayero University, Kano (BUK) is an academia to the core.
Having served as a lecturer at BUK and the Director, Centre for Research and Development, Bayero University Kano and Special Adviser to Deputy Senate President, Sen Barau Jibrin amongst others, has been able to leverage his experience to impact greatly in moulding young minds who have become great asset to Nigeria and the world at large.
As a renowned researcher, his interest in development Studies, Social Policy and Community Development are never in short supply; this, many believe would be leveraged greatly to quicken development especially in rural communities as it falls under the mandate of NWDC.
Having published numerous articles and books on development studies and social policy, supervised several Master’s and PhD students as well as served as a consultant to various organisations, including the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and earned several awards like the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Recipient of the Bayero University Kano’s Distinguished Alumni Award amongst others, it is obvious that Prof Ma’aji is not one to fail on the job as MD/CEO of NWDC. With these rich experiences and expertise, the people of the region have high hopes in Prof Ma’aji to bring in the needed change within the mandate of the NWDC and part of that expectations is for the Prof to explore potential partnerships and collaborations at advancing agricultural development in the region which remains the comparative advantage of the North-West.
For most residents of the North-West, the region’s recovery lies in harnessing the huge potential in the agricultural sector leveraging technology, innovation and modern agricultural practices that will create opportunities for local farming communities to become empowered as a result of agricultural growth which will also improve food security for Nigeria.
Napoleon Bonaparte, a former French general, once said “A leader is a dealer in hope” and indeed the people of North-West has hope on Prof. Ma’aji based on his track records. What remains now is for him to do what he ought to do to prove right, the high expectations of the people from the North-West region.
The establishment of the NWDC gives us an opportunity to reflect on the need for Northern Nigeria to appreciate the efforts of true leaders who may not make too much noise about what they are doing, working assiduously yet silently, fighting for the good of the common man in every nook and cranny of every single community in Northern Nigeria. The Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin has done well by bringing NWDC to reality and overtime, as the Commission rolls out its goodies, history will always be kind to Sen. Barau Jibrin for the honour done the North -West region.
As we delve deeper into time especially the politics of time, the people of Kano State and North-West and Northern Nigeria must begin to prepare to explore the many parts of Jibrin’s leadership in view of his unhidden love for his people which typifies a beacon of transformation and resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape of Nigerian politics in the North.
Sen. Jibrin’s doggedness towards the realisation of NWDC today makes it clear that leadership qualities were inherent in him, suggesting that leaders are indeed born, not made. His kind must be a good pick for future leadership roles to help advance the course of positive change in the overall interest of Nigerians.
One asset that all leaders need is the support of the people they are leading; it’s to them a moral booster and a pat on their backs to enable them go the extra mile to do what they ought to do in the interest of the people. Because the success of NWDC is not an exclusive reserve of Prof Ma’aji or Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin to enjoy but for the good of the entire region, hence all hands must be on deck to encourage the NWDC leadership to succeed.
We, as a people of North-West, must look beyond our differences and unite in support of Prof. Ma’aji as he rolls up his sleeves to get the job done as the pioneer MD/CEO so that the region can build a solid foundation that NWDC’s leadership in the future can build upon to deliver a better society for us all; the time to support Prof Ma’aji is now.
Ibrahim Sani Shawai can be reached via shawai2000@yahoo.com
Leadership
Gombe APC Unveils Radio Political Amplifiers to Drive Grassroots Awareness Ahead of 2027
By Our Political Reporter
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has inaugurated a team of elected executives under the APC Radio Political Amplifiers, popularly known as “’Yan Gwagwarmaya,” in a move aimed at strengthening the party’s media presence, public enlightenment and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The election and emergence of the executives took place on 11 August 2026 and was monitored, supervised and approved by the office of the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Murtala Usman Wuro Tale.
The initiative is designed to provide a structured platform for communicating the policies, programmes and achievements of the APC administration in Gombe State through radio, television and other media platforms.
Speaking after the emergence of the executives, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Murtala Usman, charged members of the group to use their positions responsibly by promoting public awareness about the achievements of the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the contributions of the APC at various levels.
He urged the newly elected officials to focus on facts, public enlightenment and effective communication, particularly in explaining government programmes and projects to citizens across the state.
According to him, the media remains one of the most powerful tools for reaching the grassroots, especially in a state where radio continues to play a significant role in informing and educating the public.
Alhaji Murtala Usman expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen the party’s communication structure and enable APC to communicate directly with the electorate through radio and television stations across Gombe State.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman of the APC Radio Political Amplifiers, Comrade Idris Maheer Kumo, thanked the party leadership and members of the group for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged to work with other executives to enlighten the people about what he described as the achievements of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and the contributions of APC members to democratic development in the state.
Comrade Idris Maheer Kumo also promised that the group would support the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections through responsible political communication and public enlightenment.
He specifically mentioned the need to promote the candidature of APC candidates, from the governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, to candidates contesting for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats.
He stressed that the group’s activities would be guided by the need to communicate with the people, explain policies and present the party’s programmes to the electorate.
The emergence of the Radio Political Amplifiers comes at a time when political parties are increasingly recognising the importance of strategic media engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
With radio remaining one of the most accessible sources of information for many residents, particularly in rural communities, political communication through radio could provide APC with an additional avenue for reaching voters across the state’s 11 Local Government Areas.
Political observers believe that the initiative by the APC State Publicity Secretary could strengthen the party’s presence in the broadcast media if properly coordinated and conducted within the principles of responsible journalism and democratic engagement.
The elected executives of the APC Radio Political Amplifiers include:
– Idris Maheer Kumo — Chairman, Central
– Hon. Timothy Elisha — Deputy Chairman, South
– Umar Faruq Dan masani — Secretary, North
– Shedrack Raphael — Organising Secretary, South
– Ali Ibrahim Baban Kaya — Publicity Secretary, North
– Musa Barrister El-Nafati — Financial Secretary, North
– Nuhu Gujala — Treasurer, North
– Zaharraddin Nuhu Salisu — Auditor, Central
– Nafi’u Bello Scorpion Zonal — Chairman, North
– Abbas Nabindi — Zonal Chairman, Central
– Alhaji Gajere Bambam — Zonal Chairman, South
– Amadu Carlos — Youth Leader, North
– Yelwaji Hassan — Women Leader, North
– Ankra Ibrahim Kushi — Welfare Secretary, South
– Usman Haja Makera — Chief Whip, North
– Hassan Labo — Assistant Secretary
– Ado Haruna — Assistant Organising Secretary
– Abdullah Idris Dinawa — Assistant Chief Whip
– Talatu Fara — Assistant Women Leader
– Nuhu Danladi — Assistant Publicity Secretary
– Yakubu Asuba — Assistant Financial Secretary
– Saleh Mohammed — Assistant Treasurer
– Adamu Bappayo Gode — Assistant Auditor
– Usman Koranyo — Assistant Youth Leader
– Shafi’u Idris Herwagana — Assistant Chief Whip
– Asabarin Bojude — Assistant Organising Secretary
– Ali Ibrahim Tabra — Ex-Officio I
– Borno Nafada — Ex-Officio II
The formation of the group is expected to add a new dimension to APC’s communication strategy in Gombe State as political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027.
For the initiative to achieve its intended objective, however, its effectiveness will depend not only on the frequency of political programmes on radio and television but also on the quality, accuracy and credibility of the information presented to the public.
As the 2027 political season approaches, the APC Radio Political Amplifiers will therefore have a significant responsibility: to take the party’s message beyond political gatherings and social media platforms and into homes and communities across Gombe State through responsible and effective media engagement.
Leadership
Walking the Talk: Organisers of The Diban-Fari Leaders Retreat 2025 spreads Hope through Awareness Trek
By Yakubu Halliru
In a bid to empower young people for future leadership, the Lead Conveners of the Retreat; ACCESS Initiative Africa has organized a public awareness rally to promote the importance of leadership skills among youths.

Speaking to journalists after the rally at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, the convener, Abubakar Waziri, encouraged youths to participate in the upcoming leadership retreat being planned by the organization. He noted that such engagements are key to shaping a responsible and impactful future generation.

Also speaking, the Program Director of ACCESS Initiative Africa, Salihu Bello Yero, said the rally aimed to introduce residents to the upcoming retreat, which targets young men and women, with a focus on building their leadership capacity for the future.

Mustapha Sa’eed, Founder of Sahellian Savannah (co-conveners), highlighted the importance of capacity-building for youths, describing them as the backbone of any progressive society.

A representative of the women’s wing, Ummulkhairi Abubakar Mai Siyasa, called on women to actively participate in the retreat, noting that it will equip them with essential skills and broader opportunities.

Representing the student community, the National President of the Gombe State Students’ Association, Comrade Mohammed Al-Amin Bako, urged students to seize the opportunity, saying they are the future leaders of the country.

The rally, which started from Liberty Junction and ended at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, drew participation from youths, students, and civil society organizations.


Leadership
From Danbatta to Zubairu: Smooth Leadership Transition at Jewel FM Gombe
By Our Correspondent
The newly appointed General Manager of Radio Nigeria Jewel FM Gombe, Mallam Zubairu Ahmad, has called on staff of the station to embrace discipline, teamwork, and renewed dedication to duty in order to sustain and enhance the station’s reputation.
Mallam Ahmad made the charge during a formal handing-over ceremony held at the station’s premises in Gombe, where he officially took over from the outgoing General Manager, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta.
He emphasized that discipline remained a key pillar for maintaining operational standards, adding that staff must be proactive, steadfast, and united in the pursuit of the station’s objectives.
“Without discipline and commitment, our goals will remain just dreams. I urge everyone to redouble their efforts and work as one family to move Jewel FM forward,” Ahmad stated.
Earlier in his farewell remarks, Dr. Danbatta highlighted strategic revenue generation measures implemented during his tenure to keep the station competitive in Nigeria’s dynamic broadcasting industry. He expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Government for its support and commended the staff for their cooperation, urging them to extend the same loyalty and dedication to his successor.
Speaking on behalf of the management staff, the Manager, Programmes, Malam Ahmad Daku, praised Dr. Danbatta’s leadership and contributions to the station’s growth, assuring Mallam Ahmad of the full cooperation of the workforce.
The event was attended by all members of staff and heads of departments, marking a smooth and symbolic transition in the station’s leadership.
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