Service to Islam and Humanity: The Remarkable Contribution of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
By Garba Yusuf Abubakar
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In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All praise be to Him Who creates, sustains and guides. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad (SAW) and all the Prophets. May the blessings of Allah be upon companions of the Prophets and all seekers of truth.
In 1987, I held the esteemed position of National Publicity Secretary within the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), concurrently serving as the Financial Secretary in the Kano State Area Unit of the organization. This pivotal year marked the commencement of a significant chapter in my life as it was when I had my first encounter with Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
This memorable episode unfolded against the backdrop of our efforts at the State level to introduce a distinctive vocation-based Islamic training program. This initiative comprised two distinct components: the Islamic Training Program (ITP) tailored for male students and the Muslim Mothers Intensive Annual Training (MUMINAT) designed for female students. These comprehensive week-long training camps were conceived to enhance the participants’ understanding of Islamic teachings and principles.
However, conducting such programs within government-owned schools necessitated obtaining official permission from the authorities. Fortunately, our endeavors received the coveted blessing of the government, paving the way for the successful implementation of these transformative initiatives. This fateful year not only solidified my role within the MSSN but also laid the foundation for a significant encounter with Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, setting in motion a series of events that would shape our future endeavors.
The financial aspect of the program posed a significant challenge, and we found ourselves in the position of having to seek assistance from a wide range of individuals and groups. Among the notable figures who supported us in this endeavor was Malam Ibrahim Shekarau (my mentor and former Governor of Kano State), who served as one of the MSSN Patrons in our State. Despite his role as a college principal, which limited his ability to provide direct financial assistance, he wholeheartedly joined forces with us in our efforts to raise the necessary funds.
Malam Ibrahim Shekarau leveraged his influence and network to mobilize resources for the program. While his efforts did yield some funds, they were still insufficient to meet the program’s financial requirements. In a bid to secure additional support, a list of names was submitted to the MSSN, and one of the individuals listed was Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. This marked an early connection with Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and his involvement in our program would soon prove to be of great significance
In 1994, when Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje held the position of Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transport in Kano State, the MSSN once again approached him for assistance. Remarkably, Dr. Ganduje, with the help of another MSSN patron, Malam Sani Tofa, went above and beyond our planned budget and made a generous donation. This act of generosity firmly established him as a significant contributor to the cause of Islam. Additionally, thanks to Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s persistent efforts, the State Government became the largest donor, further strengthening our financial support.
However, in 2002, a significant twist occurred. Dr. Ganduje was serving as the Deputy Governor of Kano State when Malam Shekarau, a key figure in supporting the MSSN, declared his intention to run for the Governorship. This decision posed a substantial threat to the financial support for the annual MSSN program in the State, as it could potentially affect the government’s willingness to donate.
Ironically, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the sitting Governor at the time, chose not to approve the 2002 donation due to Malam Shekarau’s political competition. In a display of unwavering dedication to the service of Islam, Dr. Ganduje looked past this political rivalry and generously contributed to ensure the success of the MSSN program. It was during this crucial moment that the MSSN recognized him as Khadimul Islam, acknowledging his selfless commitment to the advancement of Islam despite political differences.
