Sokoto State Government has decided to name Government Technical College, Farfaru after Alhaji Idris Koko (Madawakin Gwandu).
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this at the presentation of the book ”Civil Service and Governance in Nigeria: An Autobiography of Idris Koko (Madawakin Gwandu) at the International Conference Center, Kasarawa.
He said the decision was made in consultation with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar in consideration of the immense contribution of the author to the development of the state and the country in general.
While presenting a copy of the book, the governor said state government has bought ten copies in the sun of N10 million for civil servants from the rank of assistant directors upward.
According to him, the book will improve the efficiency of the public service in particular and good governance as a whole, stating that those who are leaders and those aspiring for such positions will find the book valuable.
”Writings abound and various opinions are expressed with differing perceptions or choice of emphasis. Undoubtedly, the book being presented “Civil Service and Good Governance in Nigeria: An Autobiography of Idris Koko Madawakin Gwandu”, is a unique and valuable addition to the subject matter,” he added
Tambuwal maintained that the work is however, much more than an addition, as it also captures practical scenarios which could not possibly be discerned by authors on the subject, who have had no direct experience of what the civil service is.
Describing the author as an epitome of integrity in all sense of the word, the governor thanked him for making the sacrifice to write the book just as he also appreciated the efforts of all those who contributed to its coming to fruition, saying he is confident that it will provide invaluable information as a research material.
”The thread runs through questions on how to engender a sound and well-structured civil service, guided by prudence, dedication and accountability, so as to essentially enhance good governance,” Tambuwal added.
He said the dissection of the Civil Service under colonial rule; the period of its Nigerianization and Northernization, i.e. the emergence of the indigenous civil service, the period of the military interregnum as well as subsequent phases have been weaved by the author.
He affirmed his belief that effective implementation of government policies and programmes can be pursued only by a crop of dedicated and motivated civil servants.
The governor, however, said this has been the underlining philosophy of his administration, which strive to tackle wide-ranging socio-economic challenges, embark on provision of staff welfare, training and development; and, ensuring that better values that will enhance service capacity are safeguarded.
”While the accomplishment of this object rests on all of us, those of us in position of authority, especially top civil servants, ought to play the exemplary role” he added
In his address, Sultan Abubakar said the author of the book is a man with proven intergrity in all ramifications.
While commending him for a wonderful job, he charged civil servants from the rank of assistant director upward to have a copy and read the book in order to know how to serve the people diligently and effectively.
In his remarks the Author of the book Alhaji Idris Koko, said the fourteen chapter book was written in order to explain the role and responsibilities of civil service in Nigeria for effective service delivery.
