Senator Ibrahim Saminu Turaki; A Visionary Ahead of His Time
By Mallam Murtala L. Kazaure
In the early years of Nigeria’s return to democracy, Jigawa State emerged as a guiding light of innovation under the leadership of Senator Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, who served as the state’s executive governor from 1999 to 2007.
A visionary leader with a deep belief in the transformative power of education, Turaki laid the foundation for a digital revolution in the state. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives in biotechnology and information technology, aimed at positioning Jigawa as a hub for technological advancement in West Africa.
Recently, Senator Turaki reiterated his commitment to these ideals during a one-hour interview on NTA Hausa, where he emphasized the critical role of education and ICT in driving sustainable development. He passionately spoke about his futuristic vision of ushering Jigawa State into the era of the digital economy, a vision that remains as relevant and valid today as it was during his administration.
During his tenure, Senator Turaki introduced several groundbreaking initiatives.
He established ICT training centers across all the 30 state constituencies, promoted e-governance and invested in biotechnology research to boost agriculture. His administration recognized early on that ICT was not just a tool for communication but a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and social development. Turaki’s policies were designed to equip the youth with digital skills, ensuring they could compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
One of the most notable achievements of his administration was the automation of Jigawa State’s salary and pension system, making it the first state in Nigeria to implement such a system.
This innovation not only streamlined payroll processes but also ensured transparency in the payment of salaries and pensions. The success of this system was so remarkable that the Federal Government of Nigeria later adopted a similar model, underscoring Jigawa’s role as a trailblazer in public sector reforms.
Senator Turaki’s administration was also known for its ambitious economic and agricultural initiatives.
The establishment of the Millennium Village Commission aimed to address poverty and improve living standards in rural communities through sustainable development projects. In agriculture, the government promoted massive gum Arabic farming and sugarcane cultivation, with plans to establish an ethanol factory in the state. These initiatives were designed to diversify the state’s economy, create jobs and harness its agricultural potential for industrial growth.
One of Senator Turaki’s most enduring legacies is the establishment of the Informatics Institute Kazaure, the first of its kind in Nigeria. This institute was envisioned as a center of excellence for ICT education and training, aimed at producing thousands of skilled professionals who would drive the state’s digital economy. The Informatics Institute has since become a breeding ground for ICT talent, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Senator Turaki’s vision for the institute was closely tied to his broader plans for Galaxy ITT. He saw the Informatics Institute as the incubator for the “eggheads” who would work at Galaxy ITT, transforming it into the hub of ICT in West Africa. Unfortunately, after his tenure, many of these visionary projects were either neglected or abandoned by his successors, stalling the momentum of Jigawa’s digital revolution.
Moreover, Jigawa State became the first in Nigeria to establish a state-owned ICT and telecommunications company, Galaxy ITT. This groundbreaking venture was aimed at providing affordable and accessible ICT services to the people of Jigawa and beyond. Galaxy ITT was later sold to the Federal Government and transformed into Galaxy Backbone, a key player in Nigeria’s ICT infrastructure. This move not only demonstrated the viability of state-led ICT initiatives but also positioned Jigawa as a pioneer in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
One of Senator Turaki’s key philosophies was the importance of decentralized government to ensure equal development across all parts of Jigawa State. He believed that concentrating resources and opportunities in urban centers while neglecting rural areas would only widen the gap of inequality.
His vision was to create a balanced development framework where every community, no matter how remote, could benefit from infrastructure, education and economic opportunities. This approach, he argued, would not only foster unity but also unlock the untapped potential of the state’s diverse regions.
In addition to his focus on decentralization, Senator Turaki had a keen understanding of Jigawa State’s strategic geographical position. He often spoke about leveraging the Trans-Saharan trade route, which could link Northern Nigeria with neighboring countries such as Niger, Libya, Algeria and beyond.
By positioning Jigawa as a gateway for regional trade and commerce, his government established Maigatari export free zone while he envisioned a future where the state could become a hub for cross-border economic activities, boosting local industries and creating jobs for its people. His deep knowledge of history, geography and the sciences informed this vision, as he understood how historical trade routes and geographical advantages could be harnessed for modern economic development.
The current governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, has expressed his commitment to reviving and expanding the ICT initiatives started by Senator Turaki. Governor Namadi’s administration has signaled its intention to prioritize digital infrastructure, education and innovation as part of its development agenda. This move has been widely applauded by stakeholders who believe that Jigawa State has the potential to reclaim its position as a leader in ICT and digital economy in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Namadi’s plans include upgrading ICT facilities in schools, expanding internet access to rural areas and creating opportunities for tech-driven entrepreneurship. By building on the foundation laid by Senator Turaki, the current administration aims to empower the youth, attract investments and create a knowledge-based economy that can compete on a national and global scale.
In a significant move to revitalize Senator Turaki’s vision, Governor Namadi is planning to establish an ICT and Digital Economy Agency in the state. The agency will be tasked with driving the state’s digital transformation agenda.
Governor Namadi also finished the renovation and modernization of the Galaxy ITT company, which now focuses on software development. These efforts are aimed at repositioning Jigawa as a leader in ICT innovation and digital services.
Senator Turaki’s recent interview on NTA Hausa serves as a timely reminder of the importance of continuity in governance. His repeated emphasis on education and ICT underscores the need for sustained investment in these sectors. For Jigawa State to fully realize its potential, it is imperative that the government, private sector, and civil society work together to create an enabling environment for innovation and growth.
The digital economy is no longer a distant dream but a present reality. States that fail to embrace this reality risk being left behind in the race for development. Jigawa State has a unique opportunity to lead the way, thanks to the visionary groundwork laid by Senator Turaki and the renewed commitment of Governor Namadi.
Like Nelson Mandela, Senator Turaki firmly believed in education as a transformative tool capable of changing the world and as the world continues to evolve, the words of Senator Turaki during his interview resonate deeply: “Education and ICT are the keys to unlocking the future.” It is now up to the people of Jigawa State to seize this opportunity and build a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come.
With Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to reviving and expanding the initiatives of Senator Saminu Turaki, Jigawa State is poised to reclaim its position as a pioneer in the digital economy. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with determination and collaboration, the state can achieve its full potential and set an example for others to follow
Mallam Murtala l. Kazaure is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Jigawa State, with a passion for governance, ICT and sustainable development, he writes from Unguwar Tsohonkafi Kazaure, Jigawa State