By Dr Sunday Isuwa
Many politicians focus solely on the next election, but true leaders dedicated to service prioritise the future of the next generation.
Kaduna South Senatorial District, Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria, and indeed the entire African continent, have found one such remarkable leader in Sunday Marshall Katung.
Since 1999, Kaduna South has had commendable representatives, but the incumbent Senator Katung operates at an entirely different level, and I shall explain why.
I will refrain from discussing Senator Aziz Zego and Senator Isaiah Balat, as I was still a student during their tenures.
As a journalist, I not only monitored the performance of Senator Caleb Zagi (2007–2011), but I also interviewed and interacted with him.
He was genuinely passionate about improving the lives of his constituents. Furthermore, I was closely acquainted with Senator Nenadi Usman (2011–2015), a diligent woman committed to uplifting her people.
She was very strategic and often reached out to gauge public opinion and explore ways to enhance their lives.
She could contact me because I was practising in Kaduna at the time, and she recognised that I had insights that could aid her in providing effective representation.
She served only one term, not due to a lack of performance, but because the Senatorial District is larger than a state, and there were those who felt the seat should be rotated. No one had served two terms prior to her.
I was privileged to be aware of some of her commendable plans for Southern Kaduna, including a federal medical centre, a university, and advocacy for state creation.
In regard to Senator Danjuma Laah (2015–2023), I also interviewed him at his hotel in Kafanchan when he was seeking to contest for the seat.
While he frequently cited his reasons for wanting to unseat his sister, Senator Nenadi, and secure their party’s ticket, his vision and plans were not significantly different from those she had championed.
Since 2023, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung has stepped in, and within two years, he has accomplished what the Kaduna South Senatorial District has long desired.
Through strategic relationships with his colleagues in the Senate, the Executive, and other influential Nigerians, Katung has delivered.
Today, the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna State are well-regarded by the populace. What was once deemed impossible has become reality under Katung’s leadership.
When he introduced the bill (SB. 538) to elevate the existing Federal School of Statistics (FSS) in Manchok to a Federal University of Technology, Manchok, it passed through all necessary processes.
However, before the Senate could vote on it, he amended it to become the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
On the day the new name was announced in the Senate, I approached him due to some dissenting voices who struggled to understand the strategic move he was making.
He clarified that the Manchok institution would still exist; his aim was to realise the long-held dream of establishing a Federal University in Kaduna South. Academic activities started at the institution last year.
Today, there is widespread joy, as development aimed at benefiting humanity should be celebrated, especially when situated close to those who truly need it.
A federal medical centre, which Senator Nenadi had advocated for during her tenure, has also commenced operations in Kafanchan.
I have witnessed many commend Senator Katung’s achievements, but one remark struck me, particularly as the respected cleric rarely speaks. When such individuals do speak, it is imperative to listen.
“We now have someone who is honourable, committed to the cause of Southern Kaduna,” remarked Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi, Catholic Bishop of the Kafanchan Diocese, in reference to Senator Katung.
Katung exemplifies true leadership by pursuing projects with long-term benefits—initiatives that can nurture many future leaders.
Though I have not requested a comprehensive list of his achievements as a Senator, I am aware that he has awarded scholarships to 1,500 students studying medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and law at various universities.
He has also established and equipped ICT Training Centres in Jema’a and Kauru local government areas through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), equipping young entrepreneurs with essential digital skills.
Katung facilitates boreholes, ensuring communities have access to clean water. He has renovated rural health centres, upgraded schools, and equipped laboratories across different local governments, recognising that investment in health and education is paramount.
Katung does not seek applause; instead, he offers hope to orphans, widows, and the most vulnerable in silence.
He is not only a commendable political choice for the people of Kaduna South but has also built bridges beyond Northern Nigeria.
I shall refrain from discussing his excellent relationship with political leaders in Kaduna, particularly with Governor Uba Sani and his administration.
Katung maintains cordial relations with other governors and leaders across Nigeria, Africa, and the global stage.
Anyone who comprehends the essence of representation and development at this level deserves support, as they invariably yield positive results.
Senator Katung has transformed the dynamics of Kaduna State politics by embracing advice and aligning with those who make his plans a reality.
His achievements have received international recognition. In 2014, when I attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) in New York, Senator Katung was honoured with a prestigious African and Caribbean award during one of the event’s sessions.
This accolade recognised Senator Katung’s outstanding legislative performance in Nigeria’s National Assembly. He also garnered recognition from the South Carolina State Legislature, following a motion by Representative Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, commending Katung’s significant legislative contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development.
Katung has asserted, “We must concertedly address the challenges posed by climate change in Africa and the Caribbean.”
Speaking on a global platform, he emphasised that Africa and the Caribbean must confront shared challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and social injustice.
He noted, “These necessitate a collective call to action beyond mere rhetoric. Many African and Caribbean nations are at risk of failing to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, thus highlighting the urgency of rallying around Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.”
Katung’s understanding of global issues and his involvement in addressing them have facilitated his effective representation.
The profound words of Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi regarding Senator Katung resonate deeply with me, and we must heed his insights for sustained progress.
Dr Sunday Isuwa is a journalist/editor
