By Joy Omagha Idam
As Jigawa State celebrates 35 years of statehood, the anniversary offers more than an opportunity for celebration. It is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of a young state that has steadily carved out its identity, strengthened its institutions and pursued development despite the challenges that have confronted it over the years.
Created on August 27, 1991, by the Federal Military Government under the leadership of the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Jigawa emerged from the old Kano State, with Dutse established as its capital.
Thirty-five years later, the story of Jigawa is one of resilience, determination, peaceful coexistence and the collective efforts of successive administrations and citizens.
At the centre of the state’s current chapter is Governor Malam Umar Namadi, whose administration has continued to emphasise peace, justice, inclusive governance, human capital development and sustainable economic growth.
A State Built by Many Hands
In marking the anniversary, Governor Namadi was quick to acknowledge that the Jigawa of today did not emerge overnight.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers and successive leaders who contributed to laying the foundations upon which the state continues to build.
Among those he recognised were the pioneer Military Administrator, Major-General Olayinka Sule, the first elected civilian Governor, Alhaji Ali Sa’ad Birnin-Kudu, Brigadier General Ibrahim Aliyu, Colonel Rasheed Alade Shekoni, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Zakariya Maimalari, Alhaji Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, Alhaji Sule Lamido and Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.
For Namadi, every administration contributed a chapter to the Jigawa story.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former deputy governors, legislators, judges, commissioners, civil servants, local government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and development partners.
But perhaps more importantly, the Governor recognised the millions of ordinary Jigawa citizens whose daily sacrifices have sustained the state.
From farmers cultivating the land to traders driving commerce, teachers educating the next generation, healthcare workers caring for the sick, artisans earning their livelihoods and young entrepreneurs pursuing new opportunities, the development of Jigawa has always been a collective enterprise.
“From the earliest days of institution-building to the present, Jigawa has advanced through the steady labour of its people,” Namadi said.
The Traditional Institution: Guardians of Peace
One of Jigawa’s greatest strengths remains its traditional institution.
Governor Namadi specifically commended the traditional institutions across the Hadejia, Kazaure, Gumel, Ringim and Dutse Emirates for their contributions to peace, cultural preservation and community development.
In a state where peaceful coexistence remains one of its most valuable assets, the traditional rulers have continued to serve as important bridges between government and the people.
Their influence in resolving community disputes, preserving cultural values and encouraging peaceful relations has helped reinforce the stability required for development.
Namadi’s Vision: Development Beyond Infrastructure
Governor Namadi’s message at 35 also points to a broader understanding of development.
For his administration, the task is not simply to construct roads, buildings and other physical infrastructure. It is also about investing in people, protecting vulnerable citizens, empowering young people and strengthening institutions.
The Governor has therefore pledged to continue giving attention to vulnerable groups while creating opportunities for the younger generation.
His administration also seeks to ensure that the elderly are respected and that institutions are strengthened enough to sustain development beyond the tenure of any individual governor.
That emphasis on continuity is significant.
For a state that has existed for 35 years, the question is no longer simply about what has been achieved since 1991, but what kind of Jigawa should emerge in the next 35 years.
Peace as Jigawa’s Greatest Asset
In a region where development can easily be undermined by insecurity and social instability, Jigawa’s relative peace remains one of its greatest advantages.
Namadi has therefore placed peace and justice at the heart of his administration’s vision.
His anniversary message was a reminder that development cannot thrive without security, justice and social harmony.
He urged citizens to protect the peace that previous generations worked to establish and to recognise that the responsibility of building Jigawa belongs to everyone.
Honouring the Past, Building the Future
Perhaps the most memorable phrase in the Governor’s anniversary message was his call to “honour yesterday, serve today and prepare for tomorrow.”
Those words capture the essence of the 35th anniversary.
To honour yesterday is to recognise the sacrifices of those who created and built the state.
To serve today is to ensure that present leadership remains accountable to the people.
And to prepare for tomorrow is to invest in young people, education, healthcare, agriculture, enterprise, technology and strong institutions capable of carrying Jigawa into the future.
A Collective Responsibility
As Jigawa enters another chapter of its history, Governor Namadi has appealed to citizens to continue supporting programmes designed to improve their socioeconomic wellbeing and promote sustainable development.
But government alone cannot build the Jigawa of tomorrow.
The Governor’s message is also a call to citizens to embrace patriotism, discipline, tolerance, hard work and responsible citizenship.
The next phase of Jigawa’s development will require government and citizens to work together — with traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, professionals, farmers, business owners and civil society all playing their respective roles.
JIGAWA @ 35: A NEW CHAPTER
Thirty-five years after its creation, Jigawa State has every reason to celebrate its journey.
It has moved from the uncertainty of a newly created state to an increasingly confident entity with a distinct identity, a rich cultural heritage and ambitious development aspirations.
The Namadi administration now has the responsibility of building upon that foundation and ensuring that the gains of the past are consolidated while new opportunities are created.
As the people of Jigawa celebrate, the real challenge is to ensure that the next anniversary finds the state even more prosperous, peaceful, inclusive and economically vibrant.
Jigawa at 35 is therefore not simply a celebration of age. It is a celebration of people, perseverance and progress — and a renewed promise to build a state worthy of the dreams of its founding fathers and the aspirations of generations yet unborn.
Happy 35th Anniversary, Jigawa State!