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My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.

My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.
By: Bodunrin Kayode
I decided to bring this historic event as one of my end of year views into my binocular because of the tremendous love I have for the health sector. Apart from that I have watched both left handed Professors who are health lovers in this narrative do their best from the extreme corner of north east Nigeria. Both Professors Babagana Zulum and Ahmed Ahidjo have a common craze in their services to humanity. And that is their craze for infrastructural development regardless of the sector. Having watched the deteriorating health sector in Nigeria since 1999 when democratic governments took charge, never have I seen such synergy between the federal and state governments in a bid to restore the health sector as I have seen in Borno. Zulum has expectedly taken ownership of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) as a mark of his magnanimous social responsibility to his people as the chair of the north East Governors forum. His recent visit to the UMTH cannot pass without going into the annals of my series on the review of 2022 which will soon come to an end.
Alternative solar power at the UMTH
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital UMTH has survived many challenges. One of the biggest challenges it has gone through is the very insurgency which has enveloped its catchment area which is north east Nigeria since 2009. That is why it has not escaped the eagle eyes of both Governor Kashim Shettima and his political disciple Professor Babagana Zulum. The donation of N100m by Professor Zulum to the institution recently was a big boaster which has turned out to be a saving grace for the mainly diesel support lighting system to the growing institution. Sadly alternative lighting of the hospital is a big burden to the Chief Medical Director which is why he directed that the grant from the government will go immediately to cushion the lightening system through solar. The massive lightening of the hospital will be a great relief to many patient who used to sleep in darkness with or without the knowledge of management especially when diesel is finished. For a facility which spends more than 50 percent of its internally generated revenue (IGR) on diesel re-lightening the facility through an alternative solar source is a giant leap in the service to the north east of the country. The UMTH has actually been swallowing more than it can chew because of the heavy burden and expectations placed on it by the entire North East Nigeria.
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Instead of concentration on only tertiary cases, primary and secondary issues have all been rushed into the facility and the consultants cannot say no to what is going on. They are always ready to respond to minor cases that is brought to their knowledge. Even if it’s just ordinary post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can be handled by the secondary level in the state.
The Challenge of accommodation
From very reliable sources, one of the greatest problems of the UMTH has been the issue of accommodation which has not been tackled head long for the last 40 years. It’s been so biting in the hospital that it has affected both General practicing Medical Officers, residents and consultants. It’s been a major challenge because most of the medical practitioners feel unsafe living outside the facility which is heavily protected from all fronts and gates. Newly recruited resident doctors are the most hit because they must be near the facility to run calls. That is why the building of a new set of flats by Governor Zulum is coming at a time when it is quite needed in the hospital. The CMD Professor Ahidjo was extremely happy when the Governor came to turn the sod for the building of those flats located in the heart of the residential areas within the UMTH.
Hear his remarks during the visit of Governor Zulum to UMTH
” I would not hide my feelings as I was working with His Excellency, tears were running down my face I had to turn round to clean my tears. It is not because of the donation, but that compassion that goes with it. It is not every leader that you have, that would come and visit you and see what you have, after the challenges that you faced and share with you, not everybody can do that.

“Your Excellency, we cherish your compassion, and that is the most important thing. We all know the Federal Government has stopped building housing for its own staffs especially in facilities like this. And in our own environment we are all living in insurgency prone areas. Housing may be a single factor that may make a professional leave this institution. So one cannot overemphasize the importance of housing to our own staff. Many that want to come to this hospital with skills, but are not people that when you advertise for employment that will apply. NO! We look for them, because they have special skills. And one of the first thing they would ask YOU is, do you have accommodation? Without accommodation they won’t come, because where they work, they are already accommodated. For them to leave where they are to come here with no accommodation I think that may be very difficult. Recently our resident doctors have been crying aloud because of lack of this accommodation equally.
” So this came right at a time that we really needed it and I think your Excellency sir, we are really very grateful. However, this is not the very first time you started it. We all went to the auditorium with almost 1200 seating space in the main hall with the parallel section that will accommodate 1800 participants, which you donated freely to the hospital. We really cherish that particular action and we would never forget that.
Zulum’s boaster against Covid
“Again all of you can remember during the COVID time, things were hard, there was no single naira donated or given to this hospital to manage COVID 19 before intervention came from His Excellency of 20 million naira to this hospital, I vividly recall that his donation was the first that we got to manage COVID 19 patients and it came at a time when there was a lot of media challenges, here and there the money was given to the hospital to manage COVID 19 and nothing was done. As of that time not a single kobo was given to the Teaching Hospital to manage COVID 19 by the Federal Government. The Borno State Government was the first body to give University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital the sum of 20 million as support for managing COVID 19. We are really very grateful and we are very happy to be associated with you sir.
Ensuring that nobody leaves the north east Nigeria for advance treatment anywhere.
“Such leaders are really people that we all need to support, we are not talking about party, but there are individuals that have excelled. Showing exceptional virtues anywhere. They have sacrificed their lives not only to get anything but to service their own people. We salute you your Excellency for your exceptional expressions of your virtues that is beneficial to humanity. Not only that, whenever you are with him, before you start thinking of asking for this or that, he is the one that will ask you what are the challenges you are facing. Which means you are concerned with your own institution, that is why you are there to ask. But he is more concerned thinking about your own institution given you options before you even ask, that is only shown by few leaders. Some of the Governors have a clear cut demarcation between Federal and State Government institutions, but the case here is entirely different.
“I am happy for us here at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, myself and my team and the team of the board of management, has been exceptionally hard workin. Our Board Chairman is not from Borno State, he is not from the Northeast but for any door I want to open, he is there by my side in support. We live in peace, for one to have an opportunity to operate it means there is baseline peace. It is not possible for us to do all these things without the support of the UMTH staff and Borno Community. In other climes, we see petitions flying to EFCC, ICPC all the time. But here, everybody is supporting and that makes the environment conducive for all of us. And Unions they are all here from the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultant Association, the Resident doctors, JOHASU, Nursing Association, Pharmacists Association all of them are here today represented in this room. I really commend you because on any issue we work as a family in this hospital, we never had challenges between us. We have gone round we have seen centers. We have dreams, we have so many good dreams, but the main thing in our dream is to ensure that no one would leave Northeast for treatment elsewhere that’s where we are heading to. We may not be there we may be slightly less than 50 percent of where we really want to go, but we are moving. Today we have gone round, at least we have gone round 60 percent of the new things that we have done. There are other 40 percent remaining. I believe some of you may also want go round again, you can be able to see what we were able to achieve. Once again your Excellency we thank you for this kind gesture and lastly you came with a donation of 100m. If I tell you the reality. The expenditure of the hospital is far more than the revenue generated. Sometimes for you to manage such facility, you have to think outside the box, you have to have business skills. The internal revenue generation of this hospital is clearly about 50 million but the expenditure is over 100 million. Only two items in our expenditure, diesel is 50 something million in a month and yet all of the revenue generation is about 50 million. So you find that managing such facility is very difficult. If you say you will add the cost of investigation and services, the society is poor. If you say, you would loose, you will not add, vendor supply is their own money. How do you pay them? So you will be left in the middle. So you need a lot of skills to navigate. But many do not understand, they feel like there were piles of money and you refused to put light, you refuse to put water, you refuse to put the food that’s how they assume, but it is not so. So your Excellency sir, we really appreciate and we thank you.”
Governor Zulum responds
” The Government of Borno State under my leadership will continue to provide major support to this hospital with a view to delivering the mandate of providing portable quality healthcare delivery system to the entire people of Borno State, the Northeast Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole.

“We acknowledge the contribution of each and every one that is working in this facility. We have seen the magnitude of the problem that we had in Borno State as a result of the Boko haram insurgency. We have seen the impact of efficiency to this hospital within the last 12 years. We are also glad to understand the nexus of peace that exist between the management of this hospital and principal officers. And above all the relationship between the management and the senior and junior staffs of this hospital which I clearly reiterated during my tour. I have nothing to say, than to pray to Almighty Allah for you to continue the good works that you are doing with us here.Thank you very much.
“I want to deliver the Check of 100 million naira to this hospital. If you are writing the budget down it will be very difficult for someone outside this environment to understand it. Funding is very key. For those that have managed organizations including CMD and others that are here fully understand. For somebody who is outside the box, it would be very difficult to understand how strenuous it is to manage an institution, like you are spending your hard earned money. There are a lot of fights and what is to be in the account sometime may not be even up to 10 percent of the products you want that are already on your desk. Therefore, we pray that God will give you wisdom, in the running of this very important hospital like University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.”
Presentation of letter of commendation by Resident Doctors to Governor Zulum
” Your Excellency sir, it is my wish to present this token to you sir it is a letter of recommendation the Association of Residence Doctors of UMTH are proud of you, we want to associate ourselves with you, we want to rebrand the world. The Association of Residence Doctors of UMTH lead by myself wish to appreciate your magnificent gesture in laying the foundation for 24 housing unit sir. There is no doubt that this intervention will go a long way in cushioning the demands of our members seeking to reside within the hospital for easy proximity to their place of work. We cannot overemphasize the support you have being rendering to the health sector within the state. This has indeed attracted so many professionals to come down to Borno State. As you said while laying the foundation for the 24 housing unit, we pray we will soon gather for the official commissioning of this project. Sir, we pray to Almighty Allah to continue to guide you and protect you as you pilot this administration.
“At this juncture I want to narrate a small story. Last October, I was reading in our library when you came into our hospital around 12am to a patient in ICU. I saw you and I greeted, I was standing there when you returned from the ICU and you gave me N100,000. That money was used to pay for my certificate and that night I told myself this is a good sign and I have passed that exam.
Board Chairman University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital speaks
“I felt after receiving that N100m, it is absolutely necessary for me to give a vote of thanks, not only for the money and not only for the building of 24 houses that you are about to embark upon building but for your magnanimity in making time whenever we have a problem you are always giving us listening ears. Such leaders are very rear. When we give you a call, you take our call, you listen to us if it is something that you will intervene on our behalf you do that, because you know that the responsibility being given to us is also part of your responsibility. Whatever we do here we do it to serve the people of Borno State and by extension you are their number one citizen. We give you your mandate, you are always conscious of that.
“I lack words to express the appreciation, the honor the respect and the reverence we have for you. We hold you in the highest esteem you can ever imagine. We do this because of the compassion that you have for us not only us but the entire people that you lead. As we were walking about today, we met people that were on duty, you called them by their names, you even told us stories of those that you had even driven commercial vehicles together with them in the past, people that you have being borrowing money from them while in the University. Sir, these are things that you can hardly find in a leader once they go up they have forgotten the past, they have forgotten their stories. But you are a different specie of human being entirely and I hope you live Insha Allah to tell more stories ahead of you. And we hope you have an opportunity one day to lead this nation. And there, as we are going round you gave us advices and we took all your advices.
“I just want to put into record that Prof. Ahidjo and his top management team and of course the governing board and all the union in the hospital and the staffs, that we believe even the most down trodden of all the people are important because you served the people, in a complete system. If one does not work the others will not be appropriate to function that is our approach to this thing. So when the board is one there will always be synergy on what we are doing. When we came here, we came to change things and Alhamdullillah we have been able to receive the support of the management to lead and to ensure that all these wonderful things you are doing are fine.
“And the cardinal thing is we had a transformation plan that is in three phases. The first aspect is this infrastructure development that you are seeing your Excellency. The next phase is capacity building and human capital development which is being done simultaneously with infrastructural development and it is only when you have skill you can be able to attract all the necessary research grants that you need in order to undertake all the three cardinal principles. And Prof. Ahidjo and his team are doing wonderfully well towards achieving that goal.
Focus of this capacity building is ongoing here , just when we pursue that NGO you made a promise that you will partner with us, in order to work with us to see how we can attack and rescue the incidences of renal failures that we are testing, so I believe that partnership will bring about the needed research grant to us because you have to identify why renal failure in the first place. Before you can go into advocacy and start telling people what and what. So for me you have already opened the door for that research grant and we want to thank you. When the time comes we will come back with our caps in hand to ask for even more, Commissioner of health take note. And for all your Excellency I want to thank you most profoundly, most gratefully on behalf of the board of governance top level management senior Professors, staffs and management of this institution for your generosity, magnanimity, humility in fact all that I can mention that are positive thank you very much and we wish you all the best that this life can offer. “
Conclusion
I have so many astounding events I recorded with my binocular but this is one very important one I will not forget as a health freak myself. A visit to the quarters for the doctors being built by Zulum shows that it will soon be commissioned for its service to humanity. Solar electricity is also an insignia of strength for the UMTH.
My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.
Columns
Ahmadu Musa Kida: A giant step from the Basketball Association to NNPCL

Ahmadu Musa Kida: A giant step from the Basketball Association to NNPCL
By: Dr. James Bwala
The recent appointment of Ahmadu Musa Kida as the non-executive chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) signifies a pivotal shift in leadership within Nigeria’s oil sector. This transition, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s significant restructuring of NNPCL’s board, underscores the necessity for diversified expertise in tackling complex industry challenges. Kida’s previous role as president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation may seem disconnected from oil and gas; however, his extensive background in this sector equips him with unique insights critical for navigating NNPCL’s ambitious goals.
Kida’s career trajectory is primarily rooted in the oil and gas industry rather than basketball. His experience includes leadership positions at respected companies such as TotalEnergies and Pan Ocean Oil Corporation. This foundation not only demonstrates his capability but also reinforces the importance of appointing leaders who possess relevant expertise to drive substantial changes aimed at increasing Nigeria’s refining capacity to 500,000 barrels per day by 2030.
Ahmadu Musa Kida’s appointment reflects a strategic move towards fostering innovation and attracting investment in Nigeria’s oil sector. By leveraging his vast experience, Kida is poised to lead NNPCL through transformative initiatives that promise economic growth and sustainability. Therefore, it is imperative that stakeholders support this new direction under Kida’s leadership for a prosperous future in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
With a clear mandate to enhance operational efficiency and drive strategic growth, Kida’s leadership is expected to facilitate the critical transformation required for Nigeria’s energy sector to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. His unique blend of industry knowledge and strategic acumen is expected to not only drive operational excellence but also position NNPCL as a leading force in the global energy landscape. This alignment of leadership with industry-specific expertise is essential, especially as the global energy sector undergoes rapid changes driven by technological advancements and shifting economic priorities.
Musa Kida has a hand of Gold that turns anything around him to . With his background in both strategic leadership and sector-specific expertise, Kida is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the global energy market while fostering a culture of innovation within NNPCL. Kida’s strategic vision and ability to harness emerging technologies will be crucial in steering NNPCL towards achieving these ambitious goals while maintaining a competitive edge.
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Kida’s leadership is anticipated to leverage his extensive network within the global energy sector to forge strategic partnerships and attract significant foreign investment, crucial for achieving NNPCL’s ambitious targets. Kida’s appointment is a strategic move by President Bola Tinubu, reflecting a broader vision to integrate diverse leadership experiences and drive NNPCL towards its ambitious targets of increasing refining capacity and securing substantial investments.
Kida’s unique blend of sports management and corporate governance experience is expected to bring a fresh perspective to NNPCL’s strategic initiatives. This approach aligns with the government’s broader economic strategy to diversify leadership and harness cross-sector expertise, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global energy market. Kida’s appointment is not just a testament to his versatile career but also reflects a strategic move to integrate diverse expertise into the energy sector, potentially driving innovative solutions and fostering partnerships that could redefine Nigeria’s role in the global market.
His leadership in both sectors exemplifies a unique blend of strategic vision and operational expertise, which is expected to bring about transformative changes in the NNPCL’s approach to meeting its ambitious goals. His ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive impactful change is expected to be instrumental in reshaping NNPCL’s operational strategies.
Kida’s prior successes in navigating the complexities of sports administration, combined with his extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, provide him with a unique toolkit to address the multifaceted challenges facing NNPCL today. Kida’s adeptness at fostering collaboration and innovation is anticipated to be a driving force in aligning NNPCL’s objectives with global sustainability trends. Kida’s strategic acumen and industry insights are anticipated to drive NNPCL towards achieving its ambitious target of increasing oil refining capacity and attracting substantial investment. His multifaceted expertise positions him uniquely to lead NNPCL in navigating the complexities of the global energy landscape, ensuring that Nigeria not only meets but exceeds its strategic objectives.
With his appointment as Non-Executive Chairman, Kida is poised to leverage his extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to spearhead strategic initiatives that could potentially elevate NNPCL’s status in the international energy arena. Kida’s leadership is expected to drive a strategic review of NNPCL’s assets, aiming to maximize value and attract further investment. Kida’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, as the NNPCL aims to implement robust strategies to enhance its competitiveness in the global market.
Kida’s leadership is expected to foster a culture of transparency and accountability within NNPCL, crucial for building investor confidence and ensuring sustainable growth. Kida’s ability to integrate his diverse experiences from both the sports and energy sectors is likely to foster innovative approaches that could redefine NNPCL’s operational strategies in a rapidly evolving industry. Kida’s transformative leadership is expected to bridge the gap between traditional energy practices and modern sustainability imperatives, fostering a forward-thinking approach that aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals.
The integration of Kida’s multifaceted expertise is anticipated to catalyze a paradigm shift in NNPCL’s operations, aligning them more closely with global standards and sustainability goals. Kida’s strategic vision and collaborative leadership style are anticipated to create synergies across various departments within NNPCL, driving efficiency and innovation while aligning with the company’s long-term objectives. His extensive background in managing complex organizations and driving strategic initiatives is expected to be instrumental in navigating the challenges facing NNPCL, particularly in optimizing asset utilization and securing investments to achieve the ambitious $60 billion target by 2030.
*James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Ahmadu Musa Kida: A giant step from the Basketball Association to NNPCL
Columns
VP Kashim Shettima: A hero on a thousand mountains

VP Kashim Shettima: A hero on a thousand mountains
By Dr. James Bwala
Kashim Shettima, the vice president of Nigeria, embodies the qualities of a hero navigating the complexities of governance in a nation fraught with challenges. Taking leadership by its steps, Shettina is particularly significant given Nigeria’s multifaceted socio-political landscape, marked by ethnic divisions and economic disparities. Despite unverified claims suggesting that his role is merely to appease regional factions, Shettima has demonstrated a commitment to national unity and stability that transcends mere political maneuvering.
Kashim Shettima’s proactive approach to economic development and security issues positions him as a pivotal figure in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. His initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and promoting dialogue among diverse groups reflect his understanding of governance as a collective endeavor rather than an isolated function. By prioritizing collaboration over division, he exemplifies heroic leadership in tumultuous times.
Kashim Shettima’s private and political outings should be viewed through the lens of resilience and dedication to public service. His unwavering resolve amidst adversity qualifies him as a hero on a thousand mountains, embodying hope for a more unified Nigeria. While some critics may argue that his efforts are merely symbolic or politically motivated, it is undeniable that Shettima’s actions have sparked vital conversations about the future of Nigeria’s governance and development. His strategic vision for Nigeria’s future underscores his role as a leader who not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term prosperity and cohesion.
Shettima’s ability to navigate complex political terrains while maintaining a focus on inclusive progress demonstrates a level of statesmanship that is both rare and essential in today’s Nigeria. His efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promote transparency further highlight his commitment to fostering a stable and prosperous nation. His ability to inspire trust and cooperation among various political and social factions further cements his status as a transformative leader in Nigeria’s evolving landscape.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape, Shettima’s leadership serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of visionary governance. His commitment to bridging divides and fostering dialogue among Nigeria’s diverse communities illustrates a leadership style that prioritizes unity over division. By prioritizing dialogue and collaboration, Shettima exemplifies the type of leadership that is crucial for addressing Nigeria’s challenges in a manner that unites rather than divides its people.
Unwavering dedication to national unity and development, Kashmiris exemplified by his initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities and fostering economic growth across all regions of Nigeria. His visionary approach has not only led to significant policy reforms but also encouraged a culture of accountability and inclusivity within the government. His efforts in promoting educational initiatives and improving infrastructure have paved the way for a more prosperous future, demonstrating his commitment to uplifting all sectors of society.
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Kashim Shettima’s leadership style, characterized by empathy and strategic foresight, has garnered respect both domestically and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a transformative figure in Nigerian politics. His dedication to fostering unity among diverse communities has further underscored his role as a bridge-builder in a nation marked by its rich cultural tapestry. Through his proactive initiatives, such as promoting inclusive economic policies and prioritizing education, Shettima has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s future.
Through his visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Shettima has become a symbol of resilience and progress amidst the challenges facing the nation. His influence extends beyond political boundaries, inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace principles of transparency and innovation in governance. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and address pressing national issues with pragmatism and integrity continues to inspire confidence in his leadership. His steadfast commitment to fostering economic diversification and reducing dependency on oil revenues has positioned him as a key architect in reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. His strategic initiatives in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting local industries have not only stimulated economic growth but also empowered communities, fostering self-reliance and innovation across the nation.
Kashim Shettima’s emphasis on technological innovation as a catalyst for economic transformation has further cemented his status as a forward-thinking leader. His efforts in promoting peace and stability have also been crucial in addressing regional conflicts and fostering a climate of trust and cooperation among states. His dedication to fostering educational opportunities for all, particularly in underserved regions, underscores his belief in education as the cornerstone of national development.
His commitment to inclusive governance and social justice has further demonstrated his dedication to creating a more equitable society for all Nigerians. His unwavering dedication to national unity and his efforts in bridging ethnic and religious divides have further solidified his legacy as a unifying force within the country. His proactive approach in engaging with international partners has further enhanced Nigeria’s diplomatic standing. His visionary leadership and tireless advocacy for sustainable development have garnered him respect both domestically and internationally, further elevating Nigeria’s profile on the global stage.
The vice president has demonstrated leadership in addressing climate change challenges and promoting sustainable energy solutions; this has also demonstrated his commitment to a greener future for Nigeria, aligning the nation with global environmental goals. His strategic initiatives in infrastructure development have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also facilitated regional trade, enhancing economic ties with neighboring countries. His efforts have not only focused on domestic achievements but also on strengthening Nigeria’s role as a pivotal player in regional and international peacekeeping missions. His ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes with tact and diplomacy has further cemented his status as a hero on the international stage. His transformative policies in healthcare have increased access to medical services, significantly improving the quality of life for countless Nigerians.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Kashim Shettima: A hero on a thousand mountains
Columns
Simon Bako Lalong: Where Are The 400 Deutz Fahr Tractors? (1)

Simon Bako Lalong: Where Are The 400 Deutz Fahr Tractors? (1)
By: Balami Lazarus
As young schoolboys in Zaria, we were privileged to spend our time interacting with our peers within and around the academic environment of Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U.) main campus at Samaru. This period gave my peers and me a wide range of exposure to various facilities, faculties, departments, schools, colleges, and units of the university. Being boys full of life, adventures, and events, we were not bored with their academic programs but more interested in their social and practical activities.
Institute of Agricultural Research (I.A.R.), Division of Agricultural Colleges (D.A.C.), and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and other related units are where we were more attracted to because of their implements/tools and equipment. The tractors and their components, like harrows, ploughshares, and harvesters, have awakened the aspirations of some of us to be agricultural experts, farmers, and university dons in agricultural sciences, and others as researchers.
Agricultural tractors have been one of the most important machines in the cultivation of commercial and mechanized farmland, providing food/cash crops and agro-allied raw materials for industries and factories, hence the economic development of Nigeria.
Therefore, tractors like Massey Ferguson, John Deere, Ford, Fiat, and Styre were common sights for us.
When I decided to do some investigations on the whereabouts, or to say disappearances, of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors belonging to the state government and the people of Plateau State. It was really not easy for me because individuals who were in the stream of affairs, past and present, are not willing to speak on this matter. And I began to suspect there was connivance/conspiracy in the disappearances of these tractors by some collective individuals.
Questions are being asked over and over by the citizens of Plateau State about the 400 Duetz Fahr model tractors made in Germany, which were procured by the state government during the administration of former Governor Simon Bako Lalong (2015-2023), whose tenure was nothing to write home about except for his poor performance in governance. Unlike the beginning of the good governance of the present administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
In the course of my investigations and findings, I was told that the one and only person who had asked questions severally and was still speaking on the matter was one Ehis Akugnonu of JFM 101.9 FM. Jos (aka Osama), whom I met on this matter, our discussions lacked adjectives to qualify the disappearance of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors on the Plateau, a state blessed with fertile land for farming and production of food and cash crops in all seasons.
Agricultural programs have always been the priority of the government, both state and federal. Institutions of learning—universities, institutes, and other research centers—are not left out of the scheme of agricultural activities. Individual and organized private sectors are also playing significant roles in the development of the nation’s agricultural economy, adding value to the agricultural food chain.
Former Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State procured the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors to boost agriculture to enable farmers to cultivate more farmland through the utilization of these tractors. Surprisingly, they were never distributed to farmers in the 17 local government areas. Sources within Government House Little Rayfield Jos told this writer that “there was a clandestine arrangement that played out in the disappearance of the 400 Duetz Fahr’. In simple arithmetic, if and only if these tractors were distributed to the 17 local government areas, each would have gotten 23, leaving 9 tractors for other purposes, but the disappearance has dampened the spirit of the state farmers. “No single individual is happy about this matter.”. We will continue to ask questions until these tractors are brought back to us’. Said a concerned citizen.
Recently, the Executive Governor of the State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in his good governance programs, procured 200 new tractors of the Massey Ferguson model that were immediately, without delay, distributed to organized farmers’ groups across the 17 local government areas. This gave hope, wiping away tears on the faces of small and medium-scale farmers on the Plateau.
In tidying up this write-up, I was informed that the disappearance of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors paved
way that saw the carting away in a thievery manner and the gleaning of government house items at Little Rayfield Jos. While fingers are pointing to Senator Simon Bako Lalong on the whereabouts of the 400 Deutz Fahr tractors worth hundreds of millions of naira, which could have changed the agricultural landscape of Plateau State.
Balami, a Publisher/Columnist
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Simon Bako Lalong: Where Are The 400 Deutz Fahr Tractors? (1)
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