By Prof. Shehu Rano
The age-old debate about whether leaders are born or made continues to divide scholars and observers alike. Thomas Carlyle’s “Great Man Theory” famously posits that leadership is an innate gift — that true leaders possess inherent qualities such as intelligence, charisma, and decisiveness that set them apart. In Nigeria’s political landscape, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum perfectly exemplifies this notion.
Rurum’s political journey began far from his native Kano — in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria — a region noted for its political sophistication and competitive environment. His early foray into elective politics, culminating in his election as a councillor in Kosofe Local Government Area (Ikosi-Ketu–Mile 2) between 1997 and 1998, speaks volumes about his courage, adaptability, and people-centered leadership even outside his home base.
Over two decades later, Rt. Hon. Rurum has built a reputation anchored on selflessness, humility, fearlessness, and visionary leadership. Among his supporters, he is fondly called Jarumi — the brave one — a reflection of his doggedness and resilience in the face of political turbulence.
A Trail of Leadership and Service
As Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rurum demonstrated exemplary legislative and constituency leadership. Under his stewardship, major infrastructural projects were initiated, including the reconstruction and asphalting of the 100-kilometre Karfi–Bunkure–Rano–Kibiya–Sumaila Road, a development that improved connectivity and economic activities across the Kano South Senatorial District.
Rurum’s philosophy of representation is rooted in the belief that constitutional opportunities for development exist for all constituencies, but only leaders with courage, persuasion, and strategic vision can access them effectively. His record at both the state and federal levels affirms this conviction.
Golden Legislative Achievements
At the National Assembly, Rurum sponsored two landmark bills — the Federal Polytechnic Rano (FPR) and the Federal Medical Centre Rano (FMCR) — both of which represent transformative investments in education and healthcare for the people of Kano South.
The Federal Polytechnic Rano has since been signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while the bill establishing the Federal Medical Centre Rano passed its third reading in the Senate on 15th October 2025, awaiting presidential assent.
These institutions are not merely projects; they are legacies that will shape the region’s future through education, healthcare, and employment generation. The synergy between both institutions promises to strengthen technical and medical capacity, foster research, and drive socio-economic growth in the long term.
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Bridging Development Gaps
Recent data from a 2024 survey commissioned by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila highlights the dire state of healthcare in Kano South — with only 28 doctors and 244 nurses serving a population of about 4.8 million people. The region faces severe shortages in medical personnel, infrastructure, and equipment. The coming of the Federal Medical Centre Rano will bridge these gaps and complement existing facilities such as the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).
A Call for Synergy
To ensure the seamless take-off of both the Polytechnic and Medical Centre, it is imperative for the Kano State Government, under Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf, to collaborate closely with Rt. Hon. Rurum. Dedicating existing facilities such as the School of Rural Technology and Entrepreneurship Development (SORTED) and the Rano Emirate Specialist Hospital as temporary take-off sites could fast-track implementation and maximize impact.
True leadership demands cooperation beyond politics. As I often say, it takes two to tango — and in this case, the people must not be the grass that suffers when elephants fight.
A Legacy of Representation
On behalf of the people of Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya Federal Constituency, I salute Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum for his steadfast commitment to representation anchored on results. His vision continues to inspire confidence that with the right mix of courage, humility, and service, leadership can indeed transform communities.
May his achievements serve as a model for public office holders across Nigeria — that true representation is not about politics, but about people.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live Kano State.
Long live Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya Federal Constituency.
You can reach Prof. Shehu Rano via Email: susaliyu@yahoo.co.uk
