By Imam Maiyaki
In the autobiography of Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk To Freedom, he was quoted as saying, “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death”– Nelson Mandela.
Today, I have the pleasure of writing about an optimist and a progressive in the person of Barrister Ibrahim Adamu Abdullahi. A visionary young man who has demonstrated beyond any doubt that we have hope in the future generation to be entrusted with leadership.
Yes, I can confidently assert the fact that this gentleman is an epitome of visionary leadership on a stage where poor leadership has been the order of the day. I have had the privilege of interacting with him severally and all I can say is that I am amazed at the depth of his versatile knowledge. Not only is his method of delivery perfect, his eloquence, articulation and measured cadence is superb. I’m endlessly proud of his passion for good governance, economic development and modernisation of Nasarawa state in particular and Nigeria in general.
Ibrahim A. Abdullahi is a graduate of law from the University of Reading, United Kingdom and is currently the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA). He’s the Special Adviser to the Governor of Nasarawa state (Nigerian subnational). He is a Trade, Investment and Finance Lawyer with multifaceted advisory experience. He spearheads the Nasarawa Ease of Doing Business Reforms efforts. He also serves as Head of the Governor’s Delivery Unit as well as Secretary of the Nasarawa Investment & Economic Advisory Council.
Abdullahi has also engaged in driving the enabling policy framework for attracting investments into Nasarawa state and features extensively at various finance and economic summits, projecting the enormous opportunities in Nasarawa state situated in the North-Central region of Nigeria. He is focused on strengthening institutions through the implementation of Public Sector Efficiency Executive Order, Implementation of Tax Harmonization Law & a fast-track property registration system. Abdullahi also identified Reform Champions across key state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that impact on business environment. These Reform Champions spearheaded the implementation of the business environment reform initiatives in their various MDAs. He also championed the Investment Law which creates an investment agency as a one stop shop for investors including a Public Private Partnership framework & a Mortgage & Foreclosure law to improve liquidity in the housing sector.
Under his watch, the Nasarawa Governance Results & Efficiency Mechanism (NGREM) was created. NGREM tremendously improved efficiency in service delivery, accountability & citizens engagement by all MDAs, Partnership with Nexim Bank to setup a state export fund, blocking leakages leveraging technology to improve Internal generated revenue and so on.
It is often said that fate plays a huge role in the affairs of men, and this statement is certainly true of how providence has dealt the cards for Ibrahim Abdullahi because nobody could ever have foretold Ibrahim will be into public service. He was formerly a private sector person but his desire for good governance and destiny brought him to public service.This gentleman made the desire for good governance his cardinal principle anywhere he is and stayed glued to it with firm conviction. He felt that for Nasarawa state to make any meaningful and sustainable progress, the state first of all had to put in place an environment for proper investment that would be lasting and real. The tremendous positive value he is adding to Nasarawa state government is a testament to this fact.
I respect his brains and propensity for uncommon projects and accomplishments. I also have great admiration for his integrity and loyalty. His unwavering focus and commitment to the cause of his people is worthy of emulation. His focus, brilliance and strict complaince to do the right thing has enabled him to pursue tough reforms that were intended to boost the economy, reduce high unemployment and transform Nassarawa State into a more dynamic, competitive and inclusive economy. His efforts has started yielding results as Nasarawa state is now one of the best places in Nigeria to start a business and one of the states with the highest foreign direct investment (FDI). All these are due to the efforts he made when he spearheaded the Nasarawa Ease of Doing Business Project. I will not bother you with much talk as they say action speaks louder than words. You will all be witnesses to the successes he will record in transforming NASIDA.I join the myriad of his admirers to give a toast to this great gentleman, soft spoken, a dependable mentor, a chronic optimist and a consummate leader.
I believe the best is yet to come. With the mark you have made in government, the old generation can gladly lay the baton of leadership to the youths since we now have competent hands to carry on the mantle of leadership. I am not a soothsayer (as I always say) but I can see leadership written all over you. By the grace of God, you will be at the helm of affairs one day and I will be proud to be associated with you.
Maiyaki writes from Kaduna via: imammaiyaki@gmail.com @MaiyakiImam 07039439896
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Sky Daily
