By Mustapha Muhammad
About 828 months ago, roughly 5,796 weeks ago, a remarkable child was born in the humble village of Kwankwaso, nestled about 39 kilometres from the historic city of Kano.
Little did the world know that this boy would one day rise to become a towering figure in leadership, a symbol of hope, and an inspiration to millions.
He was lovely, admired within the family and friends as well as the entire village and its environs, rising like a shining star from the scratch to the top, little wonder, he has become an Icon in Kano and Nigeria as well as African nations, with his symbolic, unique ideology of redemption of the masses.
He has been championing the cause of serving people for more than 4 decades, fighting to liberate the masses, building the capacity of the downtrodden to rise above board, and identifying the talents among the poor who are now leaders in different life endeavours.
This is none other than Engr. Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Icon, the Visionary Leader, the Compassionate Statesman, and indeed, a Hero of the 21st Century.
At 69 years strong, we celebrate not just his age, but a lifetime of dedication, service, and transformative leadership.
Today, we honour a political legend and an inspiring model whose legacy continues to shape minds and inspire generations.
October 21, 2025, will forever remain a remarkable date in the annals of Kano’s history, a day filled with joy, admiration, and reflection. On this day, the Global Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Kwankwaso, marked his 69th birthday.
The celebration was more than a birthday; it was a tribute to a lifetime of visionary leadership, humility, and service to humanity.
Kwankwaso began his career as a civil servant, as a water engineer with the Kano Water Resources and Engineering Construction Agency (WRECA), and later became a politician with a vision to emancipate and redeem the masses. His vision continues to shine like gold.
Spanning across the world, from house to house, community to communities, state to states and nation to nations across Africa.
He served in different capacities as an elected and appointed great politician. He was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the two-term Governor of Kano State, the Honourable Minister of Defence, a Senator, and the National Leader of the NNPP and its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections.
One of the most remarkable reasons to celebrate Kwankwaso is his unyielding determination and steadfast commitment to the welfare of his people, especially the voiceless and marginalised. He has consistently stood on the side of justice, fearlessly defending the rights of the masses and the dignity of Northerners.
Kwankwaso remains a bold voice of truth, unafraid to speak out against oppression or injustice, a man who tells it as it is, no matter whose interests are challenged.
During his tenure as a governor, he initiated free education from primary school to tertiary level and introduced foreign scholarships. Today, we have thousands of people from Kano who have benefited from the scheme and have become beneficial to Kano, northern Nigeria and Nigeria at large.
Thanks to Governor Abba Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano state, who has continued with all the initiatives of Kwankwaso.
Kwankwaso’s political journey has been a remarkable tale of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his ideals.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has remained deeply rooted in principle, guided by a steadfast belief in truth, nothing but the truth. His path in politics reflects not just ambition, but a lifelong devotion to service, integrity, and the pursuit of justice for all.
He is the only politician in the entire north to have adopted and nurtured a new political party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections and won in the most significant political market of the north, Kano State.
When he speaks, the message keeps amplifying, like an echo, into nooks and crannies, house to house. His style of gingering youth with the slogan “INAAA MATAASAAAA”? (loosely translated as Where are the Youth?) It is still active.
When he was addressing the crowd at his House on Miller Road in Kano during the Lecture organised for the birthday celebration, I could see the bond between him and the youth; when he said “INAA MATASAAAA”?
Kwankwaso is blessed and eloquent in matching ideas with tease. I remember during the 2011 campaigns, I had an interview with him when I was heading FARIN WATA TV. I asked him how the contest would be for the gubernatorial election he was contesting then?
He replied. “It is just like matching stones with an egg, what you will hear is just TUSH TUSH TUSH TUSH,” we roared into laughter.
Finally, what you cannot take away from Kwankwaso is love for the north and love for the masses.
I joyfully join millions of admirers across Kano, Nigeria, and around the world in celebrating this great leader. Happy Birthday, Oga! Jagora! May the years ahead be filled with greater wisdom, good health, and more impactful accomplishments as you continue to inspire generations with your visionary leadership and selfless service.
*Mustapha Muhammad is the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
