HERE IS DATTI BABA AHMED

By Banji Ja' Afar

Datti Baba Ahmed or DBA as he is fondly called is a symbolic epitome of a modest, successful and exemplary life. At just 48 years of age, he has shown himself to be a successful scholar, technocrat, businessman and politician.

Born on 29 January 1969 in Zaria, Kaduna State where he had his primary school education, Datti Baba Ahmed later proceeded to the Airforce Military School, Jos where he sat for and passed his GCE O’level exams with flying colours in 1986. He thereafter commenced his tertiary education at the University of Maiduguri where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics in 1992. Not being one to rest on his oars, he would subsequently add more laurels to his academic cap by obtaining two different Masters Degrees; namely an MSc in Economics from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria in 1995 and an MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff in 1996. In 2006, he obtained a PhD from the University of Westminster, London.

Senator Baba Ahmed’s academic qualifications also include an ICL Diploma in Information Management Tools (1993), Certificate in Strategies for Managing Equity Portfolios from Arbitage Consulting (1996), a Certificate in Practical Economics from the London School of Practical Economics (1998) and also attended the Senior Executive Programme at the London Business School (2015). He is also an alumnus of prestigious institutions such as the, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School in addition to being a one-time Honourable Member of the Federal House of Representatives and Distinguished Senator representing Zaria Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP).

The youthful Senator commenced his professional career in May, 1993 as a Projects Coordinator at Baze Research and Data Services Ltd in May 1993. In 1994, he moved on to the employ of the Nigeria Security and Printing Company (NSPC), Victoria Island, Lagos as Lagos State, as Officer II. By September 1995, in a bid to widen his professional horizon and experience, he resigned from the NSPC and joined the London Branch of First Bank of Nigeria PLC as a Banking Officer. He worked with the bank for two years, after which he again resigned to take up a more challenging calling as a Project Officer with reputable UK firm Belfinger + Belfinger where he worked from December 1998 to May, 1999. In May 1999, armed with no less than 6 years cognate experience, he returned to Baze Research and Data Services; a company which he founded and took over full management as Managing Director/CEO, a position he occupied from 1999 to 2003. Within this period, he brought his vast experience to bear on the fortunes of the company taking it to more enviable heights in the process.

Known as a man with a large heart and in line with his legendary passion for education, Baba Ahmed built and donated two junior secondary schools in Zaria with a total capacity of 4,000 students. Between the two schools, over 6,000 students have been graduated. In 2008, Senator Baba Ahmed was again inspired to establish the world class Baze University, Abuja and is till date the Pro-Chancellor of the reputable private academic institution which boasts of over 1,500 students and over 600 staff drawn from all over the country including expatriates.

POLITICS AND THE ASPIRATION FOR PRESIDENT

At a time when the youth who are the majority of the Nigerian population, are in desperate need of a leader and a mentor that they can rally behind, Datti Baba Ahmed stands tall amongst his contemporaries who may nurse the ambition of occupying the Office of the President come 2019. The current yearnings in the Nigerian political space for a fresh face to lead, is certainly not misplaced and will no doubt be a welcome departure from the recycling of leaders as has been the case in the country in the decades since independence.

He is mindful of the many issues that plague the nation and of the need to put in place mechanisms that will re-enforce the foundations of a fragile polity, as expressed in a recent interview. According to the Senator, “The unity of Nigeria can only be guaranteed by availing Nigerians equal opportunities  irrespective of ethnic and religious differences. Because of the friction in relations among the regions of the country as a result of past misgovernance in the past, there must be a concerted effort to unify the country before any other move”.

The youthful Senator is living proof that Nigeria has capable hands. In an era of total distrust for leaders, Nigeria’s need for a young, energetic and competent leader can be met in personalities like Datti Baba Ahmed who has 'no baggage' to weigh him down as he positions to contest for the country's presidency in 2019. He is seen by many as the intermediary and middle ground between the old and the new era.

Baba-Ahmed is not new to the world of politics and has succeeded in carving a niche for himself as a fearless social crusader and advocate of the masses. He was popular for his principled activism, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was among lawmakers who strongly opposed Obasanjo’s ambition of running for a third term. In May, 2006 he declared that he would not run for re-election unless action was taken to investigate allegations that members had been bribed to support the constitutional changes needed for a third term presidency for Obasanjo; Also in 2007, he took the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over conduct of past elections.

Whilst in the House of Representatives, Baba Ahmed served on various committees such as the House Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Banking and Currency, Committee on National Security and the Committee on National Planning.

By 2011, Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed fondly referred to as DBA by close friends and associates decided to take a deeper plunge into the murky waters of politics by announcing his desire to run against incumbent Ahmed Makarfi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for the Kaduna North Senatorial seat in the National Assembly. Despite the postulations and permutations of bookmakers, he emerged the winner polling 366,398 votes in the April 2011 Elections against Makarfi’s 365,043 votes.

During his stint in the Senate, Senator Baba Ahmed served as Vice Chairman of the Committee on MDGs, Committee on FCT as well as the Committee on Oil and Gas. He has to his credit important legislation which are impacting positively on the lives of Nigerians.

Datti Baba Ahmed has built a reputation in credibility: his unquestionable credentials are only matched by his firm commitment and proven ability to deliver on promises. He is a completely detribalized Nigerian as he is at home with all, regardless of religion or ethnicity. He not only has a reputation of speaking fearlessly against corruption, bad governance and societal problems. He also favours the building of strong institutions over and above the creation of strong personalities. Senator Datti has also been an uncompromising proponent of the Security, Economy and Education (SEE) programme. He strongly believes that with the right investments in these critical sectors of the economy, Nigeria will in no time overcome the problems militating against the nation. 

DBA sees the Presidency as a trans-formative engine to promote good governance stimulate and achieve economic prosperity, social security, and political stability. He refuses to be intimidated by the so called big names in the Nigerian political terrain and is confident that he has what it takes to win the 2019 contest for the country’s Presidency. In the words of the presidential aspirant, “I am driven by goodwill and I will stand and fight for Nigeria. At six years younger than me, the incumbent President Buhari had been a General, a Minister, a Governor and Head of State. I therefore believe that at this point in my life, I have garnered the experience needed to take on the task of serving as president and ultimately will turn Nigeria’s potentials to greatness.”

Barely a week ago, Senator Ahmed took a vital step towards realizing his aspiration as he led hundreds of supporters to the Wadata House Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party at the nation's capital to present his letter of intent to run for president on the platform of the party to National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus. 

Indicators are rife and show that DBA  is a candidate to watch out for and will give good account of himself in the days and weeks to come as the build to the party convention and the 2019 elections gains momentum.