Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi Named 2024/2025 Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year
The Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, has been named the winner of the 2024/2025 Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year Award, organized by Muslim News, Nigeria’s Islamic newspaper.
The award, now in its fifth edition, was formally announced on Friday by the newspaper’s publisher, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar.
Abubakar noted that the decision to honor Governor Namadi followed a thorough selection process, with judges unanimously settling on him based on his “unassuming personality and remarkable contributions to governance and the Islamic faith”.
Unprecedented Governance and Development
Governor Namadi’s administration, in power since 2023, is guided by a comprehensive 12-point development agenda known as the Greater Jigawa Initiative.
Key achievements cited for the award include:
* Housing: Initiation of a massive housing project involving 1,500 units valued at ₦6 billion, addressing critical accommodation needs across the state.
* Youth Empowerment: Establishment of the Jigawa State Youth Employment and Empowerment Agency, which has provided jobs and financial support for hundreds of thousands of youths, especially women.
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* Security: Despite the raging insecurity in Northwest Nigeria, Jigawa State remains peaceful due to the Governor’s active support for security agencies.
* Agriculture: Procurement of tractors and farm implements to bolster agribusiness for the nearly 90 percent of the population who depend on it.
Governor Namadi has received several prestigious recognitions, including the Northwest Digital Governor of the Year by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) for his investment in digitizing public service.
Supporting Islam and Interfaith Harmony
Abubakar highlighted Governor Namadi’s unwavering support for Islam, including the construction and renovation of mosques and the active promotion of Islamic education. He also noted the Governor’s recent policy allowing willing female Muslim security officers to wear the hijab in line with their constitutional rights.
The Governor also maintains a balanced and inclusive approach, hosting Christian leaders and stakeholders at interfaith meetings aimed at fostering peace, mutual respect, and religious harmony.
Alhaji Abubakar congratulated Governor Namadi and urged him to see the recognition as a charge to do more for his people and the Islamic faith.
Other Award Categories
Other notable recipients of the 2024/25 awards include: Hajiya Halima Musa (NTA Director of News) for Nigerian Muslim Media Person of the Year, Prof. Abdurrazaq Alaro (Nigerian Islamic Finance Person of the Year), and Aliko Dangote Foundation (Nigerian Muslim Humanitarian of the Year).
By PRNigeria
