In a significant recognition of his leadership, the Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, has been selected as the distinguished winner of the 2024/2025 Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year Award.
A Prestigious Honour for a Quiet Achiever
The prominent faith-based publication, Muslim News, which organises the #MNAwards, made the formal announcement on Friday, 14 November. The newspaper's publisher, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar, confirmed that Governor Namadi emerged as the chosen recipient after a rigorous selection process that considered several top Muslim personalities across Nigeria. The judges were reportedly impressed by his unassuming personality and his remarkable contributions to both governance and the Islamic faith.
Driving Development Through the Greater Jigawa Initiative
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Namadi has steered Jigawa State using a comprehensive 12-point development blueprint known as the Greater Jigawa Initiative. This strategic plan has led to transformative projects across key sectors of the state's economy and society.
In the critical sector of Agriculture, which sustains nearly 90% of the population, the Governor's administration has procured tractors and essential farm implements. This focus recently earned him the 'Governor of the Year for Agriculture' award from the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
His administration has also made significant strides in Human Capital Development, investing heavily in the upgrade of schools and health facilities to widen access to quality services for all residents.
For Youth Empowerment, the establishment of the Jigawa State Youth Employment and Empowerment Agency has been a game-changer, providing jobs and financial support to hundreds of thousands of young people, with a special focus on women to boost the local economy.
On Infrastructure and Security, a massive ₦6 billion housing project comprising 1,500 units is currently underway across various local government areas. Notably, despite the widespread security challenges in Northwest Nigeria, Jigawa State remains an oasis of peace, a stability credited to the Governor's active support for security agencies.
Balancing Faith and Inclusive Governance
A key element highlighted by the award organisers is Governor Namadi's unwavering support for Islamic values. This is evident in initiatives such as the construction and renovation of mosques, the promotion of Islamic education, and the sponsorship of Hajj pilgrims.
The Governor was also commended for a recent policy allowing willing female Muslim security officers to wear the hijab, a move that upholds constitutional rights. Furthermore, his administration was praised for its balanced and inclusive approach. "He does not discriminate against the Christian community," Alhaji Abubakar noted, adding that Governor Namadi has hosted Christian leaders at interfaith meetings to promote peace, mutual respect, and religious harmony.
This award adds to a growing list of recent accolades for Governor Namadi's impactful leadership, which includes:
- Governor of the Year 2024 from the Leadership Newspaper Group.
- Northwest Digital Governor of the Year by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR).
- Diamond Prize for Excellence in Food Security from the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The formal award presentation is scheduled to take place at the newspaper’s 7th-anniversary lecture, with the specific date to be announced shortly. Governor Namadi now joins the ranks of past esteemed recipients like the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; and former Minister, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
