Dr Umar Hashidu’s leadership as NEDC MD to revitalise Commission – Gombe Like-minded Youth
….faults protest by APC youth group over alleged failure to consult Gov Muhammadu Yahaya
A group under the aegis of Like-minded Youth of Gombe says Dr Umar Hashidu’s leadership as Managing Director of North-East Development Commission would revitalise the organisation and provide residents of the region dividends of democracy.
According to Yusuf Jibrin Barde, the organisation’s leader, Hashidu has the requisite experience to take the commission to enviable height, stressing his various milestones in outsourcing and power distribution companies.
Recall that Hasidu was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and has since been on serving on acting capacity until the appointment of the Senate.
Urging relevant authorities to support the choice of Hashidu, Barde faulted the recent protest by some youths, where they alleged that Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, was not consulted before his appointment, noting that the group was not speaking the minds of all.
The statement partly read, “You may also recall that some unpatriotic and perceived to be politically sponsored youth protested against this development, quoting that “Due process was not followed and the youth friendly Governor, H.E Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON was not consulted”. As concerned youth with structures at all level, totally condemned their unpatriotic protest against Umar’s nomination.
“Where are they when the former president appointed the good sons and daughters of Gombe State not only into the federal Government services, but into the global institutions making not only Gombe State but the Nigeria as a country proud. The likes of Amina Mohammed (GCON), 5th Deputy secretary of the United Nation (UN), Prof. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. MB Abubakar, MD/CEO Galaxy Backbone Limited, Dr. Isah Jalo Waziri, Head of Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), Prof. Aliyu Jauro, DG National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) among others. Do they mean due process was not followed prior to their appointment?
“Some even talk about his age, when the government promised to include Nigerian youth in its administration, what were they expecting? A man of 60s or 70s? How old were our First Republic founding fathers when they held various government positions that greatly affected the lives of our people for good? Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Okotie-Eboh and Enahoro were in their 20s and 30s when they led the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence. Generals Danjuma, Babangida, Abacha and Yar’adua were all in their late 20s and early 30s when they came into positions of decision making. Since independence, we have seen youths take positions of authority, so if this president decides to keep his campaign promise for youth inclusion, we should support him because there is a quota of youth inclusion that is required and we are not even there yet.”
FULL TEXT:BEING A PRESS STATEMENT BY COALITION OF LIKE-MINDED YOUTH OF GOMBE STATE, DURING THE GRAND ENDORSEMENT OF ENGR. DR. UMAR ABUBAKAR HASHIDU OVER HIS RECENT NOMINATION AS MD/CEO, NORTHEAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NEDC).
PROTOCOLS…
All gratitude due to Almighty Allah, the sovereignty, the one in absolute control who gives power and authority to who He wishes, for the opportunity and wisdom He Has showered on us endlessly to witness this blessed and auspicious day, set aside by the Coalition of Like-Minded Youth of Gombe State for the grand endorsement and passing of vote of Confidence in an astute administrator, a philanthropist, a missionary and visionary leader worthy of emulation with moral compass, character, integrity, courage, humility, capacity, responsibility, prudence and competence who rendered and have been rendering selfless services to humanity, in person of Engr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu (PhD) over his recent nomination as MD/CEO Northeast Development Commission (NEDC).
Great Nigerians may recall that President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Bill 2017, a significant statement to underscore national concern with the devastation suffered by the region due to the Boko Haram insurgency. The bill which became a source of debate as to its merits and demerits was sponsored by the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, RT. Hon. Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State and by Senator Ali Ndume of Borno State in the Senate with the mandates to coordinate the resettlement, rehabilitation, integration and reconstruction of infrastructure for victims and terrorism as well as tackling the menace of poverty, illiteracy, ecological challenges in the North-Eastern states and other related matters.
Recognising Dr. Umar’s exceptional accomplishments and leadership qualities, Former President Muhammadu Buhari, nominated him on the 3rd of May 2023 to lead the North East Development Commission for the next five years. This nomination received widespread approval from Nigerians, particularly the youth in the North Eastern region. With his sense of youthful exuberance and track record of success, Dr. Umar is poised to drive the commission toward actualising its mandate.
The nomination of Dr. Umar, a son to Late Abubakar Habu Hashidu, the first democratically elected governor of Gombe State by the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E Muhammadu Buhari in a letter addressed to the senate did not come to the concerned youth constituency as a surprise, considering his wealth of experience in both human and national development.
We commended H.E Muhammadu Buhari, the former president for finding one of our own worthy of this nomination and pray for his speedy screening and confirmation by the senate and the president, H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu (GCFR). We also recognised and appreciated the tremendous effort of all stakeholders of Gombe state who advocated, facilitated or recommend Umar’s nomination not only on the basis of his youthfulness, but also for his rich qualifications, qualitative and loaded profile with both managerial and administrative skills.
You may also recall that some unpatriotic and perceived to be politically sponsored youth protested against this development, quoting that “Due process was not followed and the youth friendly Governor, H.E Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON was not consulted”. As concerned youth with structures at all level, TOTALLY condemned their unpatriotic protest against Umar’s nomination.
Where are they when the former president appointed the good sons and daughters of Gombe State not only into the federal Government services, but into the global institutions making not only Gombe State but the Nigeria as a country proud. The likes of Amina Mohammed (GCON), 5th Deputy secretary of the United Nation (UN), Prof. Isah Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. MB Abubakar, MD/CEO Galaxy Backbone Limited, Dr. Isah Jalo Waziri, Head of Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), Prof. Aliyu Jauro, DG National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) among others. Do they mean due process was not followed prior to their appointment?
Some even talk about his age, when the government promised to include Nigerian youth in its administration, what were they expecting? A man of 60s or 70s? How old were our First Republic founding fathers when they held various government positions that greatly affected the lives of our people for good? Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Okotie-Eboh and Enahoro were in their 20s and 30s when they led the struggle for Nigeria’s Independence. Generals Danjuma, Babangida, Abacha and Yar’adua were all in their late 20s and early 30s when they came into positions of decision making. Since independence, we have seen youths take positions of authority, so if this president decides to keep his campaign promise for youth inclusion, we should support him because there is a quota of youth inclusion that is required and we are not even there yet.
We see nothing wrong with this new development because Hashidu is eminently qualified for the service. It is our firm believes he will deliver on the mandate of the commission and make Nigerian youths proud considering his track record. It is highly unfair to link his nomination to patronage or sentimental tendencies.
Not known to many, Dr. Umar Hashidu served as the Director of Strategy and Business Development at SIGNTURA OUTSOURCE (Nigeria). His contributions to the company’s strategic management resulted in significant business expansion and increased monthly turnover. He was later appointed as the Head of Strategy and Corporate Performance at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company, where he played a vital role in developing the company’s strategic plan and implementation.
Dr. Umar’s expertise extended to the Energy Company of the Future (ECOF) project, a $2 billion proposed investment aiming to provide affordable and sustainable power. As a project manager, he collaborated with renowned organisations such as Shell Foundation (UK), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Industry Capital (USA) to create an integrated value utility combining off-grid and on-grid solutions.
To support the Nigerian government’s agenda of improving domestic production and boosting Agro-Tech business explorations, Dr. Umar joined NICE CORPORATE SERVICES. As Head of Planning and Strategy, he led due diligence and analysis for multimillion-dollar projects in the sugar refinery and textile industry. In addition, he founded CORBRIDGE Nigeria Limited, a management firm specializing in strategic consultancy for the power sector, including distribution, generation, and renewable energy.
Dr. Umar’s expertise caught the attention of international organisations, leading to consulting roles with the World Bank Group and the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Fund (UKNIAF). He actively contributed to the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) in Nigeria, focusing on improving governance, transparency, and accountability in the power sector. His efforts aimed to enhance the effectiveness of distribution companies and promote innovative business models.
Dr. Umar became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Quest Electricity Nigeria Limited (QENL). Under his leadership, he successfully closed a N19 billion Naira transaction for the acquisition of core assets from the Yola Electricity Distribution Company. Within a year, he achieved remarkable results, increasing revenue collection, improving the balance sheet, reducing losses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory targets.
Managing the Yola Electricity Distribution Company presented unique challenges, particularly considering the region’s insurgency-affected states, including Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Yobe. Dr. Umar’s ability to foster synergy between the company and the affected communities led to increased payment of tariffs and improved revenue collection. This achievement showcased his understanding of the complexity and problems associated with the North-East region.
The man’s resume speaks for him, and this is the criteria we think the government used in his nomination and that should be the yardstick to be considered not one’s age or any other primordial sentiments.
With Dr. Umar’s nomination, the former president is telling us that politics should no longer be typically regarded as a space for only politically experienced or old men, where young people are systematically marginalised because of their age, limited opportunities, and projected lack of experience. Please let us all bear in mind that the presence of young people like Dr. Umar in decision-making positions benefits all citizens and not just the youths.
How can we continue to complain about the poor representation of young people in government and then turn around to condemn an appointment such as that of Umar under any guise? I think instead of criticising the president on this nomination, the question rather should be how can we support more young people who are interested in channeling their potentials and energy through formal political institutions and engagements.
While appealing to Northeasterners to please give Dr. Umar a chance to prove his worth, lets pray may God Almighty give him the strength and wisdom to deliver the commission’s mandate. What many care about right now is what the acting NEDC boss has to offer and we have confidence in the president’s decision. We wish Dr. Umar good luck in his new appointment, we urge him to surround himself with technocrats and we pray God grant him success.
On these notes and henceforth, on this date of 5th June 2022, we the Coalition of Like-Minded Youth, hereby declare our 100 per cent support and solidarity for Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, to serve as the next MD/CEO, North-East Development Commission. We are appealing from the Federal Government and all relevant stakeholders to consider our request under protocols and authorities concerned. Thank you and may God bless Nigeria.
Signed: RT. HON YUSUF JIBRIN BARDE
May God help us
May ALLAH help you and guide you