By Oluwabusola Olawale, Head of Media Team to Former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema
Every September 22, I take time to celebrate His Excellency, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. This year, as he turns 68, I once again reflect on his journey, philosophy, and evolving political stance.
Born in 1957, Dr. Shema has remained a rare figure in Nigeria’s politics—intelligent, principled, and humane. His style of leadership is guided by discipline, foresight, and a deep sense of patriotism.
A Rare Political Voice
I remember a sunny afternoon in February 2021 when, during a casual discussion, he suddenly remarked: “I pity whoever will take over Nigeria from President Buhari in 2023.” Knowing him for decades, I understood that such words carried weight.
As the elections drew near, he told me again: “Wale, I’ve decided to give my total support to Asiwaju as President and Dikko as Governor of Katsina State.” Yet, he repeated that he pitied Tinubu, not out of doubt in his capacity, but because of the enormous challenges ahead. Since then, he has consistently urged prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Leadership with Discipline
Shema is not extravagant. Even in personal life, he carefully manages resources—budgeting fuel and monitoring energy usage before switching to solar power. His generosity is guided by principle; he prefers to give meaningfully rather than wastefully.
This same prudence defined his time as governor (2007–2015). With limited resources, he delivered:
3,000 km of roads
361 clinics in every ward
A 250-bed orthopedic hospital
3,500 housing units
200 secondary schools
A 35,000-seat Olympic stadium
A new Government House
Remarkably, these projects were executed without taking any loans—local or foreign.
Integrity in Governance and Family Life
Despite early success as an international lawyer and businessman, Shema insisted his children first gain admission into Nigerian universities before studying abroad. He nurtured discipline, self-reliance, and accountability at home—the same principles that shaped his governance.
Today, his son, Yamani Shema, chairs Yamani Holdings, with interests in construction, property, mining, and more.
Views on Current Leadership
Dr. Shema holds Governor Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina State in high regard, describing him as “sincere and compassionate” and often praying, “May Dikko succeed.”
On the national stage, he remains firmly supportive of President Tinubu. He emphasizes that the President has been fair to Katsina and deserves support. Even before his appointment in May 2025 as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)—yet to be inaugurated—he was unwavering in loyalty.
Shema also highlights Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, which seeks to deliver direct projects to Nigeria’s 8,809 wards. He sees this as similar to his own Community Development Committees (CDCs) model in Katsina, which tailored projects to community needs nearly two decades ago.
“Our community development programs have now come to the national level after almost twenty years,” he remarked, while urging Nigerians to protect Tinubu’s honest intentions from being derailed.
A Next Political Move Anchored in Service
At 68, Shema’s political path is clear: he is dedicating his energy and resources to supporting President Tinubu’s administration. For him, Tinubu’s reforms, though tough, are designed to set Nigeria on the path of prosperity.
Legacy of Service
Colleagues and contemporaries often describe Shema as a refined, honest, and principled politician. His life is anchored in patriotism—none of his immediate family lives abroad, and he rarely travels outside Nigeria.
A devoted ally to the Yar’Adua family and a loyal public servant, he embodies trust, accountability, and unity. His daily work habits—arriving early, staying late, and focusing on details—still inspire those who worked with him.
At 68, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema remains a model of principled politics in Nigeria. His legacy is not only in infrastructure but also in discipline, integrity, and unity. His thoughts on President Tinubu reflect both realism and patriotism, while his next political step is defined by loyalty to Nigeria’s future.
May Almighty God continue to bless him with good health and wisdom.
Happy birthday, Dr. Shema.
