Will You Be My True North? By: Mal. Hassan Rilwan

It’s humbling reading the wonderful congratulatory messages and expression of happiness at my appointment as Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board by The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

My appointment has brought with it mixed feelings of gratitude to Allah (SWT) and a sober moment considering the task ahead.

Most tasking for me is the statement of Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai when he stated that my appointment reflects his commitment to challenging young people with leadership positions, giving youths the opportunity to learn public service by doing it. So I am holding a bridge between public office and the youths. If I do well, it will strengthen the argument that we the youth can be the leaders of change our country needs badly. It’s a huge responsibility. I will do my best to live up to it.

What I hear from the numerous goodwill is “We trust your capability; here is the seat, make of it what you have always canvassed for” this is huge!

I am conscious of the huge expectations of my Boss, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; my wonderful people of the ancient city of Zaria, Nigeria (a city that I love so much and pledged to help develop as much as I can in my lifetime); Kaduna State; my beloved country Nigeria and the entire teaming admirers from around the World.

My goals even before this appointment are hinged on two targets;
1. To be a change agent
2. To help provide equal opportunities for everyone irrespective of social class.

These goals are what Mallam Nasir has provided the platform for me to amplify.

Government gives you the opportunity to amplify good to the larger society. Before now; I could only work on a few kids at a time with wonderful outcomes through my Sardauna Media child destitution eradication foundation. Now by the special grace of Allah, I have been given the opportunity to work for millions of lives. From the day I resume office, till the day my time winds up. I promise to take a day at a time, to give our lovely youths in Kaduna State equal opportunities.

I must thank my parents for giving me the confidence to QUIETLY pursue my convictions unhindered.

I must thank Mallam for giving me this opportunity in government. Indeed, I must thank an amazon whose name I shall prefer to keep secret for now for her tremendous effort at propelling me to public life.

Ladies and gentlemen, beyond the congratulations ; I ask? Is appointment into government anything to congratulate one of? It is a thankless job. A true leader will always strive to engineer social changes in ways that society might not understand. If I understand what true leadership means; it’s a daunting task that most people fail at.

So what I need now is my True North to be able to navigate through the yes men - the never see good and -the plotters in the King’s Court.

I need your prayers, your ideas, your constructive criticisms and your understanding to see me through.

Let’s keep the congratulations , my people, let it come when the job is done until then, your prayers, stimulating ideas and cooperation are the needed tonic in the days ahead.

Let’s do this!

Thank you

Hassan Rilwan