ABOUT eight hundred and twenty-eight (828) months ago, roughly five thousand seven hundred and ninety-six (5,796) weeks in the past, a remarkable child was born in the humble village of Kwankwaso, nestled about 39 kilometers 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, admiring 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 masses, building the capacity of downtrodden to rise above board, identifying the talents among the poor who are now are leaders in different life endeavors.
This is none other than Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa 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 honor a political legend and an inspiring model whose legacy continues to shape minds and inspire generations.
21st October, 2025 will forever remain a remarkable date in the annals of Kano’s history, a day filled with joy, admiration, and reflection. It was on this day that the Global Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa 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.
Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso began his career as civil servant, as water engineer with Kano Water Resources and Engineering Construction Agency (WRECA) turned politician in 1992 with great vision to emancipate and redeem the masses, and his vision lightens and continues shining like a 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 elected and appointed great politician. He was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, the two terms Governor of Kano State, the Honourable Minister of Defence and Senator as well the National Leader of the NNPP and its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections.
One of the most remarkable reasons to celebrate Engineer Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is his unyielding determination and steadfast commitment to the welfare of his people, especially the voiceless and marginalized. 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 interest is challenged.
During his tenure as a governor, he initiated free education for all from primary school to tertiary level, and introduced foreign scholarships. Today, we have thousands of people from Kano that benefitted from the scheme and have become beneficial to Kano, northern Nigeria and Nigeria at large.
Thanks to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano state that has continued with all the initiatives of Engineer Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Dr. Rabiu Musa 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 that adopted and nurtured new political party (NNPP) in 2023 elections and won elections in the biggest political market of the north – Kano State.
When he speaks, the message keeps amplifying like echo into nooks and crannies, house to house. His stylish of gingering youth with the slogan “INAAA MATAASAAAA”? (loosely translated as Where are the Youth?) is still active. When he was addressing the crowd in his House at Miller Road in Kano during the Lecture organized for the birthday celebration, I could see the bond between him and youth; when he said “INAA MATASAAAA”?
DR Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is blessed and eloquent in matching ideas with tease. I could remember during the campaigns in 2011, I had an interview with him when I was heading FARIN WATA TV, I had asked him how the contest could be for the gubernatorial election which 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 Engineer Dr. RAbiu Musa 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.
- Muhammad, is the Chief Press Secretary to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.