In 2021, when I was confirmed as the Communication Officer for the Kano CARES program, I had no idea how pivotal this opportunity would become in shaping both my professional journey and personal growth. I had just completed an interview at the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and soon after, I received a call from a man who would leave an indelible mark on my career. He introduced himself as the Head of Delivery for the Kano CARES program, and with an invitation to resume work the following Monday, my journey began.
The first meeting was nothing short of eye-opening. As we gathered, the objectives of the program were laid out, including the essential concept of the Program for Results (PforR). I still remember him turning to me and, with a slight smile, asking, “Malama Shafa’atu, are you sure you can do this job? There is a lot of work ahead, and it will require frequent travel to local communities?”
Without hesitation, I looked him in the eye and said, “I am ready to perform my duties, Sir.” That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would be filled with hard work, dedication, and profound lessons under his mentorship.
One of the most memorable things my late boss, Rufai Halilu, often said was, “We are privileged to be part of Kano CARES, not because we are better than others, but because Allah SWT has chosen us.” He reminded us to be grateful for the opportunity we had, as many people in the communities we served were struggling just to make ends meet. “Look at people who come to you for assistance—some cannot even cater for their families because they don’t have a job. But Allah has blessed us with one. It is our responsibility to make the Kano State government proud for entrusting us with the implementation of the Kano CARES program.”
His words were not merely motivational; they were a call to action. He urged us to perform our duties with excellence and humility, reminding us that this work was about more than just individual success—it was about the people we served. He always encouraged us to highlight the importance of our roles and the impact of our work. “Let people recognize you through your work,” he would often say. His guidance was clear: success in the Kano CARES program was measured by the positive change we could bring to the communities we served.
What made Rufai Halilu stand out as a leader was his dedication to the growth of his team. He firmly believed that his role was not just to manage, but to guide and support us in unlocking our full potential. For him, mentoring was not a task, but a responsibility he took seriously. It was not uncommon for him to take time out of his busy schedule to offer advice, provide resources, or simply check in on how we were doing. His leadership style was both nurturing and demanding, and under his watch, each of us was encouraged to bring our best to the table.
As the end of the Kano CARES program approached, he tasked all implementation officers with preparing our Program Completion Reports (PCR). He was adamant that we compile comprehensive reports that would serve as a roadmap for the next phase, the KN-CARES 2.0 program. This initiative, like many others, was indicative of his forward-thinking approach—always looking ahead to ensure the continuity and success of the program beyond the current phase.
Rufai Halilu was a leader who was never satisfied with mediocrity. He was tenacious and smart, always striving for results. But what truly set him apart was his openness to new ideas. He valued the input of each member of the team, and his door was always open for suggestions. This willingness to embrace innovation and foster an environment of collaboration created a culture of excellence within the team.
Working under his leadership was a privilege. He not only taught us the technical aspects of our jobs, but also instilled in us a sense of purpose and responsibility. He believed in continuous learning, and his support provided the foundation for many of us to grow professionally. His mentorship will forever be a cornerstone of my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him.
As I reflect on my time working with Rufai Halilu, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the growth I experienced under his guidance. He was more than a leader; he was a mentor, a guide, and, above all, a source of inspiration. His legacy will live on through the work we continue to do, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. Ameen.
Shafa’atu Saeed Karaye
Communication Officer, Kano Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Program
