By Adamu Muhd Usman
“Real independence is when your youth are independent. By employing 2,000 Jigawa youths as teachers, Governor Malam Umar Namadi Dan Modi has given October 1st a true meaning — not just celebrating freedom, but creating the future.” — Unknown Author»
Since Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960, October 1 has been set aside every year as our National Day.
This year, 2026, His Excellency, Malam Umar Namadi (FCA), popularly known as Dan Modi, celebrated Independence Day in a grand and unique style, with a package that touched one of the most critical needs of our people: the engagement of over 2,000 youths as teachers in primary and secondary schools across Jigawa State.
He who has nothing doing cannot earn money legitimately. Unemployment breeds poverty, anger, frustration and crime, which in turn fuel insecurity, the most disturbing and deadly menace ravaging Nigeria today, especially in the North-West geopolitical zone.
In his uprightness, foresight and wisdom, Governor Dan Modi has prioritised education and youth engagement as strategies to fight poverty, reduce unemployment, tackle hardship and curb insecurity in Jigawa State.
This noble gesture will also help reduce the number of out-of-school children and school dropouts, as more qualified teachers will be available to teach them. Even the children of nomads were not left out.
This is an opportunity to ensure that every child in Jigawa, especially those in underserved communities, has access to qualified and dedicated teachers who will shape their future.
Appointment letters were issued to 2,020 newly recruited secondary school teachers, comprising 1,100 employed on permanent and pensionable terms and 920 under the J-Teach programme.
Most importantly, the J-Teach recruits and those confirmed on permanent and pensionable terms were employed on merit, without favouritism.
The process was transparent and commendable: online application, written examination, oral interview and physical screening. Only the qualified emerged. This is fair, unbiased and commendable.
Employment on merit is justice, and appreciation of it is gratitude. Dan Modi gave hope without favour, and the youths responded with prayers and loyalty. When good is done, it must be praised and emulated. Jigawa is working; Dan Modi is working.
What thrilled me most was what happened on Friday, October 2, 2026. The moment the appointment letters were issued, thousands of Jigawa youths and admirers from within and outside the state took to the media to express their joy and pray for Dan Modi.
And when we say the media, we do not mean only Facebook. We mean all forms of media:
1. Print media — newspapers, magazines, flyers, banners, etc.
2. Electronic media — television, radio, etc.
3. Online media.
4. New media or social media — Facebook pages and walls, reels, events, stories and Facebook Messenger; WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram, etc.
Some went to FM radio stations, but many youths flooded social media with messages of appreciation for Dan Modi. Some dedicated their offers to their late parents, some to their living parents, teachers and mentors, while many dedicated them to Governor Namadi himself, shouting, “Malam kana kan dai-dai, Jigawa sai Dan Modi, Dan Modi 4+4!”
Many called me and many sent me messages to share their joy. They sought my advice, guidance, prayers and blessings. I gave them. They prayed for Malam Umar Namadi and wrote and whispered with joy, “Ranka ya dade, S.A., wallahi Dan Modi 4+4!”
This celebration was not only by those who were employed. Young and old, male and female, APC members and opposition supporters, people within Jigawa and from neighbouring states all joined in commending the Governor.
In a heartwarming display of gratitude, some youths who were recently offered employment have come out openly to express their appreciation to their benefactor. This singular act speaks volumes.
And to the youths: Your gratitude is noble. By appreciating what has been done for you, you have opened more doors for others.
In a world where ingratitude has become common, these young men and women have shown character, humility and good upbringing. They understand that employment is more than a salary; it is hope, dignity and a lifeline.
I commend both sides — the giver for his kind heart and the youths for their sincere appreciation. This is how society should be. More grease to your elbows!
In conclusion, barely a month ago, the same administration distributed uniforms, school bags and writing materials to thousands of learners and procured 450 bicycles for pupils who trek long distances to school.
These interventions will motivate parents and pupils to attend school willingly and punctually and help reduce the number of out-of-school children.
I am convinced beyond doubt that Malam Umar Namadi Dan Modi is investing in teachers, learners and the future of Jigawa. This is not just politics; it is social and human security.
The hallmark of a sincere observer and a good admirer is to acknowledge goodness wherever it is found.
Jigawa of my dream.
Adamu wrote from Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State.
