By Bello Ahmadu Alkammawa
Rest of mind is a special gift given to mankind, though not all of them were lucky to possess this gift, the lucky ones are very few in numbers. One of the very signs of possessing rest of mind is leaving everything one comes across to the will of Allah. Though, whoever possesses the rest of the mind, he/she is bound to challenges, trials, obstacles, and hurdles. But in the end, they will become lessons to him in his/her journey to stardom.
This quality reminds me about the Kaduna State Commissioner of Local Governments Affairs, Alhaji Saddiq Mamman Lagos who was among the few people that are blessed with this gift. This informs his simplicity, hard work, respect, and fear of Allah in all his undertakings. These qualities and others made him ahead of his peers today because of his good faith and genuine desire to contribute immensely to the development of women and children; he has become a force to be reckoned with in the middle of power brokers.
His humility and simplicity have further endeared him to a brand of leadership and politics in society. He is a man who knows who he is and is not afraid to let the world know it through his self-service to the downtrodden in society, one of his dreams is to see those less privileged in the country become self-reliant. One of his attributes is no matter the difficulties or challenges when he pursues a cause he must reach its conclusion, he was loved by his people because of his attitude of not giving up on something he is interested in or that can promote the living standard of humanity.
It is amazing how he successfully managed power, influence, and perhaps wealth and still related so well with people all over the country through using his vast experience and his human relation which many believe was in his blood. He recorded tremendous achievements during his tenure as Chairman of Kaduna North Local Government in 1996 in every nook and cranny of the local government and beyond.
His recent appointment as the Commissioner of Kaduna State Ministry of Local Governments Affairs brings the state to the limelight as the ministry becomes another Mecca to politicians, of every category, women of every taste, and youth as well as contractors trooping the ministry every day. Without wasting much time, he starts good renovations and face-lifting in all the blocks of the ministry, places like the Mosque, and other offices are all getting new looks. He also ordered for returns of some staff retirement by the past administration most of them inspectorates for easy access to the workforce condition of local governments.
An investigation carried out by this blogger indicated that there are over 20 workers who spend 10-15years as casual staff despite their vast experience and workaholic in championing the cause of the ministry, there is a need for the commissioner to convert them into permanent staff as many are going to retire this year. For them to enjoy good working conditions in carrying their various works in a good atmosphere with their family there are also many retirees who are yet to get their pension and gratuities most of them according to my investigation have died in search of their rights. It is our hope at the end of your tenure all the aforementioned problems militating against the working atmosphere of the mother ministry will be addressed for you to leave a good legacy worthy of emulation through innovations that will add good volume to the working conditions of staff of not only the mother ministry but the entire 23 local governments in the state.
Alkammawa writes from Sultan Muhammadu Bello Road Kaduna, 07030399110 08155092812
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