AL-HAU24news

Written By salihu abdullahi Osuko
Garkuwan Giza
Media aide to senator Umar tanko almakura.

Senator Al-makura’s uncommon achievements in the areas of Infrastructural and Human Capital Development, Industrialization and Social Transformation, Security of life and property, Healthcare delivery, Education, Agriculture and Food Security, Transportation stand him out as an articulate, vibrant and quintessential technocrat with the needed qualities and impeccable credentials to superintendent the affairs of Nasarawa State and Nasarawa South Senatorial District. Every leader must face challenges and learn to deal with them in some way.

It may seem like “challenges” is another word for “problems,” but that is not necessarily true. Sometimes positive situations present the greatest challenges, testing how well you can use your opportunities. A challenge is an invitation to rise to another level, to test yourself and improve in the process, to show that you can accomplish something that may seem difficult, or even impossible. It is important to appreciate that there are very few born leaders, almost all leaders are made by recognizing, learning from, and rising to the challenges of leadership.

The challenges of leadership are really of three kinds: external, coming from people and situations; internal, stemming from within the leader himself; and those arising from the nature of the leadership role.

Anyone who lives and works in Nigeria and particularly Nasarawa State knows that excellence is in everyday use when assessing leadership. Excellence denotes qualities superior to any known degree or standard, qualities stronger and more positive in concept than any other. Since the word excellence does not itself indicate perfection, it is usually modified by proceeding intensifying adjectives as in managerial excellence, technical excellence; and when its adjectival form is used, it describes an action, idea, product or survives etc. as in excellent moves, excellent management, excellent service.

The rapid environmental changes have no doubt presented incessant challenges for leadership in Nigeria, so also in Nasarawa state with the attendant effects of the good, the bad and the ugly situations.

Leadership exists not only in human kingdom but as well as in animal kingdom. In the animal kingdom, leadership belongs to the strong and valiant, to the daring and courageous, but behind these attributes, is always the need to protect the weak of the clan, to hold and defend territory, to feed and train the young and to promote discipline and well-being among the herd.

Whereas in the human society, the burden of leadership naturally falls upon a charismatic, selfless and service driven individual whose power is rooted in the transparent determination to use individual strength and wisdom, unity of purpose and the entrenchment of group order for the benefit of human race.

The human being has impacted negatively or positively on this social balance by the manner in which he applied his innate endowments to his environment. A wicket and roguish disposition produces despots and tyrants.

A sensible, compassionate and judicious inclination yields the charismatic type of leader and cultivates a loyal and loving following. An inept, lack-luster and passive leader erodes confidence and elicits ridicule and opprobrium.

The gregarious nature of man underscores the constant interplay of human forces and interests in the unending search to fill the leadership roles. Leadership is therefore not anything anyone is born with or anything thrust upon anyone.

Authentic leadership in the human society is not anything to be obtained through conquest or by the use of available instruments of coercion. Authentic leadership is something to merit and earn, something that carries with it certain basic qualities accruing from latent and discernible abilities.

The good leader bears an acute sense of sacrifices and always shows a bias for the care and concern of the people. The good leader has an uncanny sensitivity to people’s needs and a veteran’s ability to manage the people’s resources. In time of crisis, the good leader is an agent of reconciliation, one who shows unlimited commitment to reconciling disparate and contradictory forces.

The good leader does not demand loyalty but is one whose charisma, candour and moral standing attract popular acclaim. A good leader does not predicate his reputation on propaganda nor on the patronizing efforts of sycophants and hire lings. John Kenneth Galbraith, U.S economist, in his, “The Age of Uncertainty” posits, “All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common. It was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership”.

God has answered our prayers by providing us with Senator Umar Tanko Almakura who is the right man for Shendam Road Government House and Senate , a man with proving integrity; a tested man with track record of service to humanity; a brilliant man that can think outside the box that has made Nasarawa state a better place for all; a man that has all it takes to influence federal and foreign investments in Nasarawa state; a man that will use his influence to turn over challenges to greatness in a very short period of time; a man that will see farmers as kings and not slaves; a man who knows Nasarawa State in and out as-well-as its peculiarity.

It is a common adage that “Rome was not built in one day, so Nasarawa State cannot look like London in one year. At least, common sense will tell a right thinking person that from 1st October, 1996 to 2019 Nasarawa State is more developed than most of its peers and even a few of older States.

This is an indication that successive administrations played their own parts to take the state to where it is today. Nonetheless, with the commitment, resilience, doggedness and selflessness, qualitative and people-oriented leadership of Senator Almakura and his excellent team, no one is in doubt that Nasarawa State will be a shining example for other States to copy. For those who have the checklist of his campaign premises, a lot has been achieved and more recorded as the best ever since the inception of the State.

…..Has shown a strong political will and sincerity of purpose in his leadership style.

No matter how young or old we might be, our lives are essentially stories that are being written and revised every day.

Senator Umar Tanko Almakura is being described as a dutiful man who is honor-bound and for whom piety is a way of life. Indeed the stories of life range from what we are born into, to what our reality is and to what our life can become, and to Almakura he understands that for a political leader to be ascribed as being dutiful, he has to perform the tasks expected or required of him by his people with a sense of complete loyalty and implicit dedication so as to secure for himself a permanent place on the sands of time!

Today there are many critical lessons to learn about the life of Senator Almakura. According to JACK WELCH: Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others! This attribute of GROWING OTHER PEOPLE is what defines the politics and leadership style of our beloved Senator.

To him, being a leader is not about himself or his relatives and political cronies; leadership to Almakura is about the people he serves and others he comes across and builds in this brief journey of life. That is why he is making governance in Nasarawa State more responsive, more people centered, more human capital focused, more compassionate and more inclusive.

Senator Umar Tanko Almakura has shockingly blunt and condemned the situation many times where parents mostly from northern Nigeria, will give birth to numerous children and send them far away from home to live them under the care of Islamic teachers. He was not evasive, diplomatic or politically correct. He simply spoke from his heart and stated with resounding clarity that the concept of Almajiri is a noble idea where young boys are sent off as scholars to go and seek Islamic knowledge in distant lands and experience the vagaries of life along the way, thereby being tempered by the vicissitudes of lifes challenges and learning as they grow to be compassionate, broad minded and accepting of all humanity.

However after hundreds of years, the noble Almajiri scholarly system has been bastardized to the extent that the current form has condemned millions of children to a live of penury, or even worst, of crime, especially with extremists religious groups waiting to conscript them when they are left hapless, vulnerable and prone to diseases as they beg on the streets.

He came into public service with a history of experience in corporate governance and a culture of discipline. And he successfully transmit and infuse corporate culture into political governance . Taking his place as a democratically elected Senator of Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Almakura coined the mantra of his administration to be: EXCEEDING ALL EXPECTATIONS which he said was not just a slogan, but a prayer!

In his words; I entered politics to serve and to make an impact in the lives of the people of Nasarawa State! For indeed if politics was a religion and Almakura was its prophet, he will stand out as an apostle of open government and one who believes that citizens have the right to access the documents, processes and proceedings of government, so as to allow for greater transparency, accountability and effective public oversight.

To most political leaders, the terms accountability, and transparency are mere political slogans or empty catchphrases used in campaigns to entice the electorate. Senator Umar Tanko Almakura on the other hand is a straight arrow who is upright, resolute and a worthy example of probity and fiscal discipline, and one who easily rises over and above the banality and fickle materiality of “chop I chop politics!

Tanko has shown strong political will and sincerity of purpose in his leadership style.
A humble and God fearing value-set, Almakura is adequately qualifies to be called a SERVANT LEADER i.e. one who leads by serving others.

Many years ago, the great American Icon and hero of the working class, Walter Reuther who as president of the United Automobile Workers Union (UAW) grew the union to more than 1.5 million members was reputed to have said: There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men and there is no greater contribution than to help the weak!

The Nobel Prize Winner in Literature George Bernard Shaw who lived to be 94 years old also reiterated that one person can make a difference in the life of a community and move an entire people forward, when the main goal of the leader is to serve. This is what George Bernard Shaw meant when he said: one man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven’t and don’t!

The fact remains no other political leader in Nigeria of recent memory has repeatedly said how he is keenly aware and conscious that God will be the ultimate judge of his actions as a Governor and a Senator.

Indeed and without doubt His Excellency, Senator Umar Tanko Almakura has instilled pride and value to his people, as Nasarawa State is increasingly getting recognized not just as being Open For Business, but also as a secure center for peace building and diplomacy, as well as a national capital for culture, arts and entertainment.

It is said that it is when a leader caters to the needs of his followers the wy Almakura has been doing that he becomes GREAT in their sight. For as Mahatma Gandhi once asserted: “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow men.

….His exemplary leadership in nasarawa state and
the nation.

Senator Umar Tanko Almakura has changed the style of governance and leadership through his innovative ideas and service delivery in the entire Nassarawa State. He has become a reference point for good governance in the country.

Examine how the Senator has been addressing the problems of unemployment amongst youth in the state and the needs of the people.

Senator Umar Tanko Almakura has always been in the news for his unique style of governance and leadership since his assumption of office in May 2011 and even as Senator. The policies of his administration have turned Nassarawa State into a model of good governance.

The people’s Senator Umar Tanko Almakura has demonstrated that it is possible to do the right thing even in the face of daunting challenges.
Against the background that Nasarawa State is the epicentre crisis Almakura promised that his administration would accord priority attention to the security of lives and property, as well as food security programme.

I can go on and on to speak eloquently about the Senator about all the great things he has done and still doing to rewrite the story of Nassarawa State. Perhaps the best gift the people could give him is to keep praying for him and support him all the time in recognition of selfless services to them.

On the pervasive lack of good governance in the country, Senator Umar Tanko Almakura said the unwillingness of persons in the corridors of power to tell leaders truth about issues and the unwillingness of leaders themselves to hear the truth are some of the major problems confronting leadership in Nigeria.

Almakura said: “A strategic leader must be a strategic listener and reader. A strategic thinker must also be a strategic learner. A strategic leader must be willing to hear the truth and to learn.

However, telling the truth and accepting the truth has been our major problems in Nigeria. Some people will never tell you the truth when you are in power and honestly, many of us in power also do not want to hear the truth; we prefer to be told what we like to hear and that is a serious deficit in strategic leadership.”

The Senator is not afraid of telling the truth no matter whose horse is gored.

….He is a visionary leader who is fit for ministerial position.

The former Governor of Nassarawa State and the Senator representing the good people of Nassarawa South Senatorial District Senator Umar Tanko Almakura is a peacemaker and bridge-builder.
His commitment to enthrone enduring peace is exemplary.

He has always done well in all the political positions he has so far held and his supporters are so happy with his performance and they vowed to continue to support him for the good of the good people of Nassarawa State and Nigeria at Large.

His Execellency Distinguish People’s Senator Umar Tanko Almakura is ready and fit to take on ministrial appointment any time and any day.
I urge the president elect Ahmed Bola Tinubu to look his way because Almakura will be of paramount importance to his administration.

With his wealth of knowledge and experience Almakura will surely do his best as he has always done to work wholeheartedly for the growth of the country and deliver dividends of democracy to the masses. For Almakura who is our leader, is a gentleman and visionary leader who has over time shown his unalloyed commitment to the betterment of his people.

The story behind Senator Umar Tanko Almakura’s politicak journey is that of continues grace fashioned in resilience, hardwork, humility, trustworthiness, team-spirit and forgiveness. Those who know him from the glitter of the offices he has held including the current one as Senator may think of him as someone who has always been privileged or raised with a silver spoon. He is a product of God’s grace and the determination of a man to use his gifts and talents to overcome all limitations around him.

With all the difficulties and challenges around him, nevertheless, he took up the challenge and submitted himself to God and the discipline of and gradually blossomed amidst difficulties.

It is also important to point out the impact of education and Islam in the life of Umar Tanko Almakura who tells everyone that the secret of his success and outlook in life is rooted in the teachings of Islam inculcated in him very early in life which have shaped his mind about people and service. Many testify to his easy going nature and capacity for love, forgiveness, honesty, compassion, self-control, humility among others which are enumerated his service to humanity.

This foundational attributes boosted by experience and exposures have continued to define him since he joined politics. Before seeking political office, demonstrated his passion for service through many youth, cultural and professional bodies. These responsibilities espoused his competence and thus made it easy for the people to trust him with leadership positions.
Although his political journey is not without challenges, Almakura has been displaying the earlier enumerated attributes of resilience, truth and justice when he held on strong in the face of political tyranny.

When he took over the as Governor of Nassarawa State, Almakura changed the trajectory of Governance by removing personal sentiments from public service. He decided to end the culture of personalizing public projects and abandoning people’s resources because of personal ego or political differences.
Despite taking over from a Government of a different political party, he vowed to and completed all viable and useful projects that have direct impact on the people. This he has done with tremendous success with the completion of projects not only abandoned by former administration but some dating as far back as the ones before the administration he took over from.

Having spent most part of his tenure completing these inherited and abandoned projects, then Governor Almakura continued the implementation of Rescue Mission anchored on Peace, Security and Good Governance; Infrastructural Development; and Sustainable Economic Rebirth. Many road projects within the Lafia and keffi metropolis have been carried out with most of them rehabilitated, reconstructed or newly constructed. The metropolis is also electrified with solar street lights stretching close to 100 kilometres which have enhanced security, aesthetics and night life in the metropolis. His sense of Justice, equity and fairness has pushed him to democratize infrastructural development by distributing projects across the Local Government areas and always thinking of the grassroots. He has thus ensured that all Local Governments have water, road and other projects including the Almakura’s Legacy Projects which constitute of world standard Schools and Hospitals. These legacy projects when completed redefined the face of education and health in Nasarawa State and ensure that the Legacy of the Rescue Administration lives on for many years to come.

Gradually, He is steadily but quietly fulfilled his campaign promises with the introduction of new projects which dealt a huge blow to his critics who despite enjoying the many inherited and abandoned projects which he completed and others he initiated, prefer to wallow in self-deceit and political numbness just to discredit him.
The quality and rapid progress of his projects were impressive and a tale of excitement among citizens.
Without doubt, an area where Senator Umar Tanko Almakura’s best has earned him accolades home and abroad was the area of peace and security which remains closest to his heart. His achievements in this area make him second to none in Nigeria as he has virtually erased the recent previous perception of Nassarawa State as almost a crises-ridden State and a no-go-area.

It is a day of cheers and appreciation. Supporters of Senator Umar Tanko Almakura, a former governor of Nassarawa State and the present Senator representing the good people of Nassarawa South Senatorial District,
Are always ready and happy to show their love for a man who has become a strong advocate of national unity.

“Almakura is ann achiever, a rising political leader, a man of peace”

Retired American business executive and chemical engineer Jack Welch had the story of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura in mind when he said “Great leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”

Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura relentlessly drove Nasarawa state project for 8 years (2011-2019) as Governor to the admiration of even his critics. His administration made great strides in virtually all sectors in line with his campaign promises.

The major pillars of his eight- year administration include infrastructures, wealth creation, Agriculture, job creation, health, education among others. From a once rural sleepy town and settlements carved out of the Plateau and Benue states 22 years ago, Senator Al-Makura changed the narratives in Nasarawa state, which was defined by can-do-spirit of a leader who believes that whatsoever the mind conceives can be achieved.

In 2011, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura entered the race to become Governor as a person living with disability of deafness in both ears. He contested on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a political party newly formed by Mohammadu Buhari, which was barely four months old at the time of the 2011 elections. The CPC had no template for electoral victory since it had never ruled before yet Umar Tanko Al-Makura defeated the incumbent Governor at that time and was re-elected in 2015 under the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the only disabled governor in Nigeria.

Based on his unprecedented legacy achievements in all the sectors, the good people of Nasarawa South senatorial district on February 23rd during the 2019 National Assembly elections rewarded him with a senatorial seat to represent them in the 9th Senate. When he was popularly elected a senator in 2019, many that knew Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s antecedents were sure the good people of Nasarawa South senatorial district are in for effective representation.

Doubts were however expressed that serving as executive governor is entirely different from the business of lawmaking, that he may find the Upper Chamber challenging in effectively representing the people of Nasarawa south.

The doubts were further reinforced by the costly distraction of an election petition by the PDP and its candidate that went right up to the final appeal before his popular mandate was further judicially validated. With 10 months in office as representatives of the people of Nasarawa south senatorial districts, Al-Makura can only look back in fulfillment as he pushes on with the task of effective representation, interestingly, Al-Makura appears to have it all covered. His eight- year stints as Governor where he made his name as architect of modern Nasarawa state is believed to have prepared him for his present task.

Not only is he good at managing human resources, Al-Makura is also reputed as having resounding human relations such that everyone, who has come across him often tells of his large heart and generosity. Within 10 months of his stay in the National Assembly, Senator Al-Makura has introduced empowerment programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of not only the youths but the elderly in the constituency. He has also included several projects from the senatorial districts in the 2020 federal government budget for which implementation would soon commence.

For example, on December 29th 2019, Senator Al-Makura in his wisdom distributed 105 items to the vulnerable members of his constituency, including grinding machines and power generators sets, among other economic enhancement tools.

Sen Al-Makura distributes over 100 generators to monarchs.
The beneficiaries were drawn from Lafia, Doma, ObI, Keana and Awe local government areas that make up the Nasarawa south senatorial districts.

Speaking to Journalists shortly after the distribution, Senator Al-Makura said the best form of empowerment is not cash and food but providing them with items that would enable them earn a living “the grinding mills would go a long way to help the women beneficiaries while the generating sets would help the youths in the areas of their specialisation such as barbing and trades.”

He explained further that he would roll-out various empowerment programmes with direct bearing on indigent members in the senatorial district to tackle poverty and restiveness “I don’t know how to lie to people and make false promises; what I have done now is in line with my campaign promises to my people. We would continue to build capacities and create the necessary platforms for people to develop themselves because I know how they worked for my election.”

He said that the second intervention would be the renovation of
classroom blocks in Kwandare and Kanje and boreholes in different communities of the senatorial zone.

Also on Saturday, March 1st 2020, the senator made the third tranche of power generating sets to 120 second and third class chiefs in the zone to improve their respective domains. He maintained that as part of his achievements in nine months, he empowered 105 vulnerable persons, 120 second and third class traditional rulers, including those that got scholarships in various ways.

He noted that his achievements so far were evident of what the zone stands to gain by electing him to represent the zone, even as he promised to continue to provide qualitative representation which he said is borne out of a deep and passionate consideration directed at cushioning the challenges of inadequate power supply to the traditional rulers.

According to him: “You know too well what role our traditional rulers play in areas of security, peace and stability including information dissemination. I feel that appreciating them should not be done only during campaign period, but we can appreciate them at a time like this when there are no serious political activities.”

ESV salihu abdullahi Osuko
Garkuwan Giza
Media aide to dist people’s senator Umar tanko al