By Edward John Auta

When Senator Sunday Marshall Katung accepted the call to run for the office of senator to represent the good people of Kaduna South Senatorial District, he campaigned on a promise of a shared vision for the people of the zone. His campaign was one of the most robust and engaging in the history of the district, meeting with stakeholders across demographics, assessing the people’s needs firsthand, and making promises informed by those needs and intended to meet short and long-term goals.

Sen. Katung’s campaign slogan, “Get Involved,” was a deliberate statement signalling his strong desire to involve the people in his vision for the zone. His campaign structure, comprising eminent leaders, youths, women, and elders from across the eight LGAs of the zone, and across political persuasions, was all-encompassing, demonstrating his commitment to working with others to achieve his election victory and also set the agenda for the area.

Twenty-one months into his tenure, Senator Katung has proven to be a man of his words as he has kept many of the promises he made during his campaign. For instance, he prioritized appointments and constituency development projects in Sanga and Kauru LGAs, which had been neglected in the past in a bid to deliver on a campaign promise that he made. Today, two out of his five legislative aides are from these LGAs, and projects such as the renovation of the rural hospital in Fadan Ninzo and installation of solar street lights in Kauru, which have been completed, are a testament to this fact.

There have also been several other interventions facilitated by the Senator in different sectors and LGAs despite the challenge of being a first-termer or non-principal officer or chairman of a committee. For example, the senator recently commissioned a modern science laboratory at Government Secondary School, Fadan Kamantan; a digital economy centre in Kafanchan, training and empowerment programmes in agriculture, shoe-making, and other vocations, for farmers and artisans in the zone, and about 40 boreholes including 9 solar-powered ones donated and about to commence installation in the Federal College of Statistics, Manchok, Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, College of Nursing, Kafanchan, as well as more than thirty other communities.The senator has also facilitated the procurement and distribution of about 10,000 bags of fertilizer in the last two farming seasons, several trucks of rice to the poor, free drugs to some healthcare facilities, payment of scholarship to over 500 indigent students of tertiary institutions, and provision of 100 million naira grant for the poor and vulnerable, which is being implemented in batches, among others.

Sen. Katung’s commitment to his people is also evident in his legislative work. He has been vocal on issues affecting his constituency, moving motions, and sponsoring bills that address the needs of his people. These include a motion on the outbreak of the dreaded diphtheria disease in Southern Kaduna, a motion for a federal government intervention to ginger farmers following the outbreak of the ginger blight disease in 2024 – an intervention that facilitated the release of 1.6 billion by the FGN in aid to the affected farmers; a bill for the review of the students loans scheme as well as two others for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan and the University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, respectively. In particular, his efforts toward the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, have been remarkable, and the bill which had passed third reading and harmonization at the House of Representatives, has been assented to by the President, with an order for its immediate take-off.

The impact of Sen. Katung’s work will be felt for generations to come as the approved university will provide admission opportunities and jobs for the indigenes of the state, and improve the economy and physical conditions of the district. As Robin Shama once remarked, “Success is not about the destination, but the journey. It’s about the purpose behind your actions.” Undoubtedly, Sen. Katung’s journey in the senate has been one of commitment, hard work, and dedication to meeting the needs of his people, and the results have been remarkable as much as they are heartwarming.

In addition, Senator Katung has fulfilled his campaign promise to collaborate with the state governor and president. Unlike his predecessor, who often prioritized showmanship over substance, Senator Katung has worked tirelessly with stakeholders to address insecurity in his zone, yielding positive results. His efforts have also led to the rehabilitation of collapsed bridges and roads in Kauru and Zangon Kataf LGAs by the Kaduna State government – a commendable achievement by every standard.

In conclusion, Sen. Katung is not perfect. Like every one of us, he has his flaws. His story, notwithstanding, has been a testament to the power of inclusive leadership, vision, and commitment to keeping promises. He has proven that with hard work, determination, and a genuine desire to serve, one can make a real difference in the lives of others. His ability to focus on the goal no matter the distractions, the grace to exercise restraints no matter the level of provocation, the willingness to support individuals or groups to attain their full potential, and the quality of constantly matching his words with actions, is a rare blend of attributes in one person that have continued to push him into achieving new heights.

As we look to the future, we can only hope that the Senator will keep at what he is doing and that more leaders like Sen. Katung will emerge to inspire and work with others to transform our communities, southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and, indeed, the entire world. Until then, let us be patient and continue to support and pray for the distinguished senator to achieve more for the people and the zone. Remember, his success is our success.

~*Edward John Auta Pama is a historian, writer, and political analyst.*