“If there was a fourth term, Lamido should have been asked to run.”.. The Dutse International Airport …”is one of the best if not the best in this part of world…” Sultan Abubakar III, Dutse, September, 6th, 2014
Barely eight months to the expiration of His Excellency (Dr) Sule Lamido’s tenure, the governor has added another feather to his cap. September, 6th, 2014 would remain indelible in the History of Jigawa state. It is the day the 2014 Airlift of pilgrims from the newly (constructed) Dutse International airport was inaugurated. The relative calm and scenic atmosphere of Dutse was checked with the throng of eminent personalities from within and outside the state to witness the historic event. All roads leading to the airport were jam-packed with motorist. Among them were Nigeria’s Vice President Arc Namadi Sambo, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nurudeen Muhammad, Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, Minister of Transport Senator Idris Umar, The Shehu of Borno and the Emirs of Kano, Hadejia, Suleja, Ringim, Funai, Daura, Kazaure, Gumel, Kaltungo, Maradun and the Oba of Lagos and this year’s National Amirul Hajj Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale,.
As an ardent observer and somebody who is been working in the governor’s office since 2007, the mammoth crowd assembled at the venue of the inauguration reminded me of Governor Lamido’s maiden promise of airlift of jigawa state pilgrims from Dutse International Airport last year. Though his adversaries believed at that time, it was a rhetoric or political statement that was unrealistic. For me, I held that statement very firmly knowing fully the pedigree and character of the man, His Excellency Dr Sule Lamido. Let me say that for benefit of those who are not following Jigawa events as they unfold: This is a man who all his declarations are more than mere statements but concrete and realisable promises. He is the man who built best State Secretariat in Nigeria, best NYSC Orientation Camp, best High Court Complex, built best vast array of roads network,of cumulative distance of over 1500 Kms, best College of Nursing and Midwifery, best Rally ground named Aminu Kano Triangle, best, Television and Radio stations, best local Government Secretariat, best state own school for gifted, and is building best state university at Kafin Hausa, best residences and offices of Deputy Governor, Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Local Government Chairmen, Chief Judge and Grand Khadi, best housing estate for civil servants, best Emirs’ lodges, in fact “best” has become household name in Jigawa and lamido’s second name.
Dutse International Airport, for instance, was completed in less two years after its conception and it has turned out to be the best. The projects which begun on the 5th October, 2012 after ground breaking ceremony by President Goodluck Jonathan has recorded tremendous success and it is been recorded as the best and fastest airport project ever executed by any government in Nigeria. The solid structures of Dutse International were carefully built on five kilometres radius piece of land.It is situated at 10. 4 kilometres distance northwest from Dutse town. Architecturally beautiful,it is strategically sited to connect jigawa state with the rest of the world.The N13bn edifice is akin to any modern structure you find not only in Nigeria but in the world. The standard of construction of terminal building, tarmac and runway, seven storey control tower, fire service station, apron and car pack and access roads, arrival, departure, protocol sections fully air conditioned, is a masterpiece and pride to all Nigerians. The 3000 by 60 meters runway tarmac constructed with careful attention to quality is the best standard you can find anywhere in the world as attested by the a German pilot Capt. Ripp Christian who led a 3 member crew on inaugural flight to Dutse Airport on October 5th,2013. He said”I have gone round most of the airports in Nigeria but I have never had as smoothest runway as this one, is of international standard”
Security is an important aspect in air transportation and it is pleasant to note that was also given due attention. The airport has been fully fenced, there are three brand new fire trucks of category 9 standard (basic requirements for the landing of 747-400 series aircrafts) with intimidating feature and combined water stock of 37,500 litres, the first of its kind in Nigeria stationed for emergency. Body scan machines, conveyor belt, the high resolutions close circut television cameras (CCTV) which record movements in the whole of the airport sections (have all been) installed and functional.
Similarly, on the safety, the state of art air navigation equipments , Doppler, the voice communication and control system(VCCS) and the Conventional Very High frequency omnidirectional Radio Range (CVOR)housed in the 7- storey control tower establishes communication from all direction with aircraft at the distance of 180 nautical miles from the Dutse International Airport. The CVOR is the latest best air navigational equipment in the world manufactured by Thales. The airport’s Landing Aid Instruments: Localiser which guide the aircraft to centre of the tarmac, the Glide Slope that provides glide angle, the Distance Measuring Equipment(DME) and Non Directional Beacon were all artistically and carefully installed to give pilots and passengers a pleasant experience while landing at Dutse International Airport. Pundits on air navigation attest to the facilities provided at Dutse international airport as the best among all Nigerian airports. So, fly (in) to enjoy that pleasant experience of our airport and other facilities. There are numerous opportunities in Jigawa.
Dr. Sule Lamido’s remarkable achievements in Jigawa state underscore his determination and dedication to any project he embarks on. It is not surprising the phenomenal transformation of the jigawa state under eight years has left many especially those familiar with development challenges and predicaments guessing on the secret behind the success. Lamido left all Nigerians and non Nigerians who visited the state wondering how he was able to do so much despite the lean resources of the state. This is why the state has now become a theatre of visitors from within and outside the country to take the advantage of numerous investment potentials bound in the state.
Jigawa State once said to be the most backward and grappling with so many challenges is now being transformed. The state has now moved from obscurity to lime light, from degeneration to regeneration, from being the last to becoming the first. The state has now found its bearing, excellence has now broken through the state.The answer to the magic is found in the way the people at the helm of affairs in the state think; at the head of this think tank is His Excellency, (Dr.) Sule Lamido, CON.
Suleiman, is an Editorial and Media Relation officer, Govt House, Dutse, Jigawa State.
