“No man is a leader until he is ratified in the minds and hearts of his men… An army of sheep led by a lion is better than an army of lions led by a sheep”
The headline by a Kano-based popular online newspaper, justicewatch.com drew my attention to the appointment of Aminu Datti Ahmad as the new commandant of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC , Katsina Command
My path first crossed with Mallam Aminu way back then in our days in the cadet corps at Rumfa College, Kano. The corps then had some of us from other schools , who were registered to attend our military drills at the school as part of our preparations to fulfill our plans of joining the Nigerian military or to get enlisted on the Nigerian Army Reserve list, peradventure, if our plans for enlistment into the military failed to work out.
We later reunited with Aminu in the “Man “O”War, under the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, I must confess that, Aminu facilitated my emergence as the first commander of “ Man “O “ War Fagge zone.
I recalled how Commandant Aminu in the company of late Salisu Fagge and Sani Labaran had visited my family home on Sanusi street, Sabon Gari Kano, in his usual subtle way, he convinced me to join the “Man O War’, while waiting for my possible admission to Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, knowing fully well then that my mission was one and only to become a decorated Nigerian Army officer.
During one of our usual rendezvous meetings , he mentioned it to me, he said Abdulgafar, I am on my way for an enlistment into NSCDC, I was shocked , because I knew very well our mission was to join the Nigerian army, but he succeeded in convincing me about his new found love for NSCDC, I wished well. He invited me to come along, if I am interested in becoming an NSCDC officer, I thanked him and wished him well.
On completion of his training, Aminu returned home gallantly dressed in his NSCDC uniform, he visited my KTC parade ground to a rousing welcome from comrades, I organised a special parade in his honour, since then he has never looked back, , he has risen through the ranks steadily.
We had reasons to work together at INEC Kano, when he was deployed to the commission as the officer in charge of Counter Terrorism,
His love for sports is not hidden , Aminu is an unrepentant sports fanatic, he would always find time outside his busy schedule to check on happenings in the world of sports .
He has never hidden his love for sports development, as you resume office as the commandant NSCDC Kaduna, sports is one area that would likely see a turn around in NSCDC Katsina command.
Aminu is a gentleman officer to the core, a sports maniac, he is gallant, dedicated and patriotic to a fault, but never you wish that you encounter the other side of this fine officer.
Aminu also has a deep route in the Kano emirate council. He is humble, detribalised and focused.
He has always made known to me his intent to develop sports, whenever the opportunity comes his way. I think now the time has come.
When you have Aminu Datti at your service, you can go to sleep.
Congratulations to His Excellency, Dr Radda Dikko, executive governor of Katsina state. Aminu will serve the state gallantly, be rest assured.
Congratulations Mallam Aminu. “we” waa” “ weoooh” “ waooooh”
