By Ayuba Wabba
Sir: When Dr. Is'haq Modibbo Kawu began his career at the defunct Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Radio Nigeria, on 1st February 1977, he was just 16 years and 4 months old. His mother, concerned that his youth might hinder him, sewed him a babanriga to appear more mature. He secured the job right after his WASC examination through a recruitment initiative led by the late Hannatu Ibrahim.
Comrade Is'haq Modibbo Kawu rose quickly through hard work and resourcefulness, progressing from a studio manager (trainee) to a presenter, announcer, disc jockey, news reader (reading news on the National Network Service by 1980, under age 20), news and current affairs analyst, sports and ceremonials commentator, producer of various programs, and a correspondent for international broadcasters like Radio France International and the BBC World Service. At one point, he was invited to Radio Nederland International in Hilversum for an interview for the role of producer and presenter.
In 1997, Dr. Modibbo Kawu secured his first top management role as General Manager (GM) of Kwara State Television Service. After five memorable years, driven by a thirst for new challenges, he moved from broadcasting to core journalism by joining the budding Daily Trust Newspapers in May 2002 as a pioneer editor. Similar to his rapid rise in broadcasting, Comrade Kawu took on higher responsibilities at Daily Trust, including chairing editorial meetings and writing a column. He later served as an Editorial Consultant at Blueprint Newspaper.
To those in the trade union movement, Comrade Is'haq Modibbo Kawu represents ideological clarity, persuasion, commitment, and service. At Radio Kwara, he was elected Chairman of the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU). Subsequently, he became Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kwara State Council, and eventually Chairman of the NLC Kwara State from 1984 to 1988.
Dr. Is'haq Kawu's involvement in trade unionism was no accident. From his student days, he was active in intellectual unionism as a member of the militant, largely underground Marx-Leninist Movement of Nigeria (MLMN). His peers recognized him as a progressive and committed student union leader. His activist spirit has been evident in his broadcasting, writing, editorial responsibilities, public policy work, trade unionism, and other endeavors in spaces such as the Northern Media Forum, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and the Fulbe Global and Rights Initiative.
It is difficult to summarize the life and service of Dr. Is'haq Modibbo Kawu without mentioning his courage and foresight. He displayed these qualities when he reached the pinnacle of his public service as Director-General of the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in May 2016. At the NBC, he removed an institutionalized barrier to effective broadcasting by multiplying the Digital Switch Over from a single point in Jos to other locations such as Oshogbo, Enugu, Kaduna, and Ilorin. He resolved intractable squabbles and litigation among stakeholders, freeing up the digital space for seamless access for millions of Nigerians.
Unfortunately, his courage and achievements have attracted noise and persecution. In his ordeal, we assure him that Nigerian workers and trade unions stand firmly behind him. We believe history and posterity will vindicate and reward Dr. Is'haq Modibbo Kawu, FNGE.
In conclusion, it is heartwarming that Dr. Is'haq Modibbo Kawu, true to his resilient and altruistic nature, has risen above distractions to pursue and complete his PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA). His dissertation on the reportage of farmer-herder conflicts by the Nigerian Press will provide rich resources for those seeking to build an inclusive, fair, productive, and prosperous society.
Comrade (Dr.) Ayuba Wabba, mni, NPOM, is Immediate Past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Immediate Past President of the International Trade Union Confederation.
