In the past few days the media space has been inundated with the news of a man and a political figure, Distinguished Senator...
In the past few days the media space has been inundated with the news of a man and a political figure, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, whose philanthropic gesture and empowerment to his constituents and beyond has left many wondering and asking why always him? Is he the only politicians in Sokoto and Nigeria? That even if what he is giving out are the products of constituency package from Abuja, is he the only one given the package? And that though others are giving and empowering their people, but why is his own style different and more outstanding? The simple answer to these posers is wrapped in the words of Winston Churchill and Denzel Washington.
According to Churchill, “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. And Washington, avers thus: “At the end it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back”. This is the crux of Wamakko’s philanthropy and empowerment urge and drive. It is this secret that made him taller than political leaders before him in Sokoto State and in the northwest zone, and his contemporaries in the state and beyond. Opinions are that in the area of philanthropy and empowerment even Wamakko’s political enemies or a strictest (stingy) teacher will likely scores him an “A”.
The aim of this piece is not to eulogize the persona per say, but to challenge others who are in similar position with equal opportunities, capacity and resources, and even in a better position, to emulate him for enhanced flow and distribution of the dividend of democracy in the State and in Nigeria at large.
Those who are already rising and picking the challenge saying, “it must not be Wamakko all the time”, and are curiously cuing into this political culture and enterprise of people-centered politics should keep the steam.
Senator Wamakko’s philanthropic and empowerment initiatives are multifaceted and far-reaching. Through his indefatigable efforts, hope and relief has been brought to many in Sokoto North, Sokoto State and Nigeria. His medical intervention packages have provided critical care to thousands of people, covering medical bills, and facilitating treatment abroad when necessary. Though an avid antagonist of medical tourism, seeking medical care overseas when the need arise or if necessary is commendable.
His education programs and scholarship have empowered legions of students home and abroad. More spectacular too, his empowerment initiatives have equip the people with the necessary tools and resources to amorously combat poverty and build sustainable livelihood in the face of the dwindling national economy.
One of the unique achievements of Wamakko is his coxswaining ability to conquer the barrier of geography, political boundaries and religious divides. Despite being the Senator representing Sokoto North, his philanthropic gesture have benefited people from all corners of Sokoto State. His inclusive leadership approach has earned him respect and admiration from his constituents and beyond.
Nwafor Orizu appeared to have captured the essence of Wamakko’s style of leadership and pragmatic approach to philanthropy and empowerment in the following words “...the band leaders must seek harmony out of both comprehensible and incompressible. But he can hardly be called a band leader if he understands some and not the roles of all the instruments.
The band leader therefore needs a lot of education. He must be a technician in his field, but he must also be free from the bias and narrowness which hunt many specialists. He must be very broad minded in his outlook, tolerant, patient, understanding, appreciative, objective and impartial in his entire endeavour to synthesize, evaluate and harmonize” (Odeh , Shauibu Ibrahim: Iconic years in NYSC,2022). The popular Baba ALU, has not narrowed or pigeonholed his empowerment and philanthropy to the cocoon of his senatorial district.
The persona’s commitment to empowerment and philanthropy is not limited to financial support. With his deep understanding, he channels his strategic support to vulnerable groups such as women and famers and even youths. His distribution of motorcycles, food items (bags of rice and garri), sewing machines, fertilizers, pumping machines, grinding engines/machines has made impressive impact on the lives of thousands of people.
Opinions are that since last week thousands of these items and other welfare packages has been given to his constituents and even outsiders.
What distinguishes Distinguished Senator Wamakko from others is his unwavering dedication to his cause. Despite avalanche of challenges and deluge of unconstructive criticisms that comes with public service, he remains steadfast to his vision of empowering and uplifting his people. Thus, there is no better way of saying it than to maintain that his leadership style is a beacon of hope for others, demonstrating that true political leadership is about serving others and making a positive impact on their lives.
In conclusion, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko is a trailblazer in philanthropy and empowerment. His cumulative selfless services have radically transformed and impacted on the lives of countless souls in Sokoto State, and his legacy will without doubt continue to inspire others in the state, the northwest geopolitical axis and Nigeria at large to follow his footsteps. Having assumed the status of a role model for leaders and philanthropists alike, Wamakko’s deep commitment to serving others remains a shining example of the positive impact one can have on their community.
God bless democrats of Wamakko’s like minds!
Godwin Onuh Odeh, Ph.D., a public affairs analyst and political commentator, writes from Sokoto State University, Nigeria.
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