The office of
Director-General, Media and Public Affairs at Sir Kashim Ibrahim
House, Kaduna, is a novel creation by the immediate past chief
occupant of Government House, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi. the
rationale for the change in designation from Senior Special
Assistant to the current one may never be too obvious to those
outside government. May be, it is for the reason of making the chief
spokesman of the state chief executive feel very important in his
own right. MALAM UMAR SANI DIKAT is the second political appointee
to answer to this designation after MUKHTAR ZUBAIR SIRAJO.
FIELD of Human Endeavour?
I am the director-general, media and public affairs to the Executive
Governor of Kaduna State Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo. I have been in
this business of purveying information since my school days. I was
first the deputy editor and later the editor-in-chief of our
departmental journal, a school news letter that highlights
contemporary issues of socio-economic relevance to the society.
Educational Background
I attended LEA primary school Sabon Gari, Kaduna now School for the
Deaf & Dumb. I then proceeded to Kagoro Teachers College, Kagoro
then I enrolled in Kaduna Polytechnic to study for my OND, HND and
post-graduate Diploma in Marketing.
Personal Motivation
My strongest motivation was my love for sports especially football.
I was contributing write-ups in newspapers then like Complete
Football, the defunct Reporter and New Nigerian. Later on, I gained
acceptability in ThisDay – Newspaper. Many of my write-ups have been
published. Amongst them were “Obasanjo Short-Changes Yar’Adua’s
Men,’’ “PTF: The Senate Was Right.’’
Typical Business Schedule
My schedule is tight and programmed in line with that of the
governor’s routine. As you know, the governor has a weekly programme
of activities which also forms part of my schedule, which is about
relating with the media, and coordinating public activities, with a
view to projecting and protecting the image of my boss.
Morning Routine
I ensure that I report to work in good time to attend to all matters
pending before me. I also go to executive council chamber to receive
the governor’s visitors at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House. All of this
form part of my priorities.
Typical Professional Week.
It is very hectic and challenging, because I’m expected to be at
alert at all times. Just as I am perusing the papers I listen to
radio and watch television programmes which are of tremendous
interest to the administration. I also examine photographs and
pre-view recorded tapes to ensure that vital details have been
captured, prepare schedules for government functionaries who are
supposed to explain government programmes in the mass media like
television as the need may arise.
Turn-Off
A report story that is not balanced spoils my day. For a story to
take a dimension that is intended to find fault and not to
constructively criticize our actions in government, for a story to
be fabricated from fertile imaginations of mischievous writers with
the intent to embarrass my boss rather than properly informing and
educating members of the public about issues of the moment.
Dress and Design
Kaftans, safari suits, English and Italian suits and light shirts
and trousers for my evening relaxation.
Preferable Professional Mode of Dressing
Not really, but decent dressing is mandatory
Entertaining Impromptus Appointments
No. I don’t, with the exception of working journalists who are to
receive very vital information meant for the public. That’s the only
time I attend to impromptu appointments.
Choice of Colour
No specific colour for me.
Favourite Dish
Dan-wake da mai da yaji and it is proteinous especially if combined
with fruits and cold water is taken to wash the menu down.
Keeping Physically Fit.
I am a registered members of Oasis Stay Fit Gym. I go there and
participate in their sauna and steam baths, massage and regular
exercise for my physical fitness.
His World-View.
The world now is a global village and we have almost reached near
total connection.
Engaging in Community Service or Charitable activities.
I do. But I prefer to remain silent. This is because whoever reveals
his charitable services in the long run loses his reward from
Almighty Allah
Believing in Family Planning or Child Spacing?
I believe in the Islamic position of the issue. It is the correct
position for me.
