In the words of an African proverb, “He who learns, teaches.” This adage aptly describes the tireless efforts of Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, who was sworn in for his second term as a member of the Federal House of Representatives on June 13, 2023. Representing the good people of Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Local Government Areas, he has made significant strides in improving the lives of his constituents during his first year in office.
His achievements span various sectors, including employment, education, infrastructure, and social welfare, demonstrating his commitment to the development and well-being of his community.
In his first year in office, Hon. Rurum facilitated the employment of over 13 young people in federal government departments and agencies, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Federal University Dutsin-Ma, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, five youths received training from the Civil Defense Corps and were subsequently recruited. In the Air Force, five youths were enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, while 20 others began working and 12 awaited training.
To alleviate hardship, Hon. Rurum distributed food items, including five trailers of rice benefiting approximately 40,000 people, 1,000 cartons of pasta, and 500 bags of millet. During the Christmas celebration, Christians in his constituency received bags of rice and financial assistance for shopping, embodying the proverb, “A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.”
Hon. Rurum provided scholarships worth 50,000 naira each to about 80 students from Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Local Governments studying at Bayero University Kano, and another 80 students at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, totaling 8 million naira. He also offered financial assistance to residents pursuing master’s degrees, easing their tuition burdens. Furthermore, he covered the examination fees for approximately 300 students taking the JAMB exams and nearly 1,000 students who failed the qualifying NECO exam in 2023.
Hon. Rurum’s tenure has seen significant infrastructure improvements. The Tiga to Rurum Bridge, damaged by flooding, has been restored. A new road connecting Bacha, Nariya, and the city center of Kibiya, covering approximately 15 kilometers, has been completed, with Phase 2 in progress. In Rano, a new road connecting Gidan Murabus, Zinyau, Rangaza, and Kasuwar Dila has been completed. He also initiated the construction of a road from Rano Dawaki to the Emir of Rano’s new palace.
To address water scarcity, solar boreholes were constructed in eight villages of Saji Ward, Rano Local Government. In terms of electricity, arrangements are nearly complete for the connection from the Wudil substation to Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure Local Governments. Transformers and installations have been provided in Farar Gada Tashar Idi, Rano Central, Kibiya, and the historical town of Rurum. Additionally, 450 solar lights were installed in various towns within RAKIBU local governments.
Hon. Rurum’s “Turakin Rano Empowerment Alert 2024” distributed 46 million naira, benefiting approximately 500 people with amounts ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 naira. In a mass wedding organized by the Kano State Government, brides from Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure received 50,000 naira each.
Hon. Rurum proposed a bill to establish an Airforce Girls Boarding School in Rano, which successfully passed both chambers of the National Assembly. He also proposed a bill to establish Nigerian Correctional Centre Armed Security Guards and Correctional Data Security across the country, which was approved to address the issue of prison breaks.
As the saying goes, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum has demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to the progress and prosperity of his constituency. His first year in office stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a leader truly serves the people.
Buhari Abba, a Public Relations Professional, wrote this piece from Kano, Nigeria.