In an era where transformational leadership is touted as the standard for political campaigns, only a few Nigerian leaders truly embody its essence. As various constituencies celebrate the first-year milestones of their representatives in the National House of Assembly, the people of Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Federal Constituency find themselves without a cause for festivity. The shadow of Mustapha Bala Dawaki’s (Mai Gidan Ruwa) remarkable tenure looms large, casting a pall over the present-day leadership which has yet to make its mark.
In contrast to the fanfare seen in other constituencies, Dawakin Kudu and Warawa stand in a reflective silence, their thoughts drifting back to the golden era of Dawaki’s leadership. His tenure was a hallmark of what true representation and transformational leadership look like. His projects, spanning education, health, agriculture, empowerment, and economic and social development, were not just numerous but profoundly impactful.
Dawaki’s list of achievements reads like a blueprint for holistic community development. Over 500 federal government jobs were secured for the youth, directly addressing unemployment. Educational infrastructure saw a significant boost with the construction of over 500 classrooms, a secondary school, and the establishment of the Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Stadium. His tenure also saw the creation of vital institutions such as the Transport Institute, NECO Office, JAMB Center Office, and an Open University.
Health and social welfare were not left behind. The construction of a General Hospital in Warawa, a Skills Acquisition Centre, maternity rooms, and laboratories highlighted his commitment to healthcare. Over 100 solar boreholes and 1,000 wells were produced, ensuring access to clean water. Two dry season dams were also provided, addressing agricultural needs and ensuring water availability for farming activities.
Infrastructure development under Dawaki was comprehensive. More than 20 roads were constructed, alongside extensive drainage systems. He facilitated the distribution of desks, cars, motorcycles, and computers to various schools, significantly enhancing educational and economic opportunities. The provision of solar power, poles, and over 20 transformers improved electricity access across towns.
Dawaki’s focus on empowerment was evident in his scholarship programs for medical students, the distribution of over 1,000 birth kits, and the provision of an ambulance to the Dawakin Kudu hospital. He also supported the renovation of Islamic schools and mosques, blending social development with cultural preservation.
Today, the constituency’s current representatives have not matched the pace or scale of Dawaki’s contributions. The absence of new projects and initiatives is stark against the backdrop of Dawaki’s prolific legacy. This has left the community yearning for the return of a leader who truly understood their needs and worked tirelessly to meet them.
The proverb, “A tree is known by its fruit,” aptly encapsulates the situation. Dawaki’s tenure bore fruit that nourished the community, whereas the current leadership’s tree stands barren. Another fitting adage, “When a leader’s task is done, the people say, ‘We did it ourselves,'” underscores how Dawaki empowered the people, making them feel integral to the progress achieved.
The silence in Dawakin Kudu and Warawa is not just a void but a call to action. It is a reminder to current and future leaders that true leadership is about tangible, lasting impact. The community’s lack of celebration this year is a testament to the high standards set by Dawaki. It serves as a poignant reminder that transformational leadership is not just a campaign slogan but a committed, ongoing effort to improve lives.
The people of Dawakin Kudu and Warawa Federal Constituency find little reason to celebrate in the shadow of Dawaki’s unmatched legacy. His contributions to education, health, infrastructure, economic and social development remain a beacon of true transformational leadership. As the constituency looks ahead, it is imperative that future leaders draw inspiration from Dawaki’s example and strive to elevate the community to even greater heights.
In the words of another proverb, “The good deeds of a man are his best monument.” Mustapha Bala Dawaki’s legacy stands as a towering monument of good deeds, and until the present leadership rises to this challenge, the people of Dawakin Kudu and Warawa will have little reason to celebrate.
AB. Muhammad, a Kano-based multimedia journalist, wrote this piece. He can be reached at buhariabba57@gmail.com
