President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as the new Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is a commendable and strategic move that deserves recognition. It is not just a deft political choice but a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s pressing housing challenges and advancing urban development.
The city of Kano, along with its three senatorial districts, has erupted in joy at this announcement.
Hon. Ata, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, is widely respected and has always been a unifying figure in the politics of Kano State.
His appointment has garnered excitement across political divides, with even opposition members in Kano praising the decision.
Ata’s profile speaks volumes about his qualifications for this vital role.
Born on June 22, 1962, in Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State, Ata has been deeply rooted in the educational, economic, and political fabric of the state.
His educational journey began at Fagge Primary School and progressed through Aminu Kano Community Commercial College, before he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Development Studies from Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
With such a solid educational foundation, Ata has consistently demonstrated his capability to analyze, manage, and develop programs that can have significant social and economic impacts.
Ata’s political journey began in 1999 when he was first elected to represent Fagge Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
After a brief setback in 2003, he returned to the political scene in 2011 and maintained his position through 2015.
During his tenure, Ata served as the Majority Leader and later as the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly.
While his tenure as Speaker was not without its challenges—including attempts to impeach him—he handled his responsibilities with grace and an unwavering commitment to good governance.
His wealth of experience in legislative affairs, governance, and public administration makes him uniquely suited to contribute meaningfully to national efforts in housing and urban development.
Given Nigeria’s urgent need to bridge the housing deficit, which currently stands at millions of homes, Hon.
Ata’s background as an economist and public servant positions him as a capable leader to navigate these challenges.
He has an in-depth understanding of governance structures and possesses the technical expertise required to ensure the effective implementation of housing policies that can address Nigeria’s growing urbanization.
His stint at the Kano State Housing Cooperation in the 1990s also gives him a first-hand understanding of the practical challenges in urban planning and housing development.
Nigeria’s housing deficit is a critical issue, one that contributes to urban sprawl, poor living conditions, and increased pressure on infrastructure.
The country’s urban population is growing at an unprecedented rate, and without adequate housing solutions, this growth could exacerbate socio-economic challenges.
Hon. Ata’s role as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development could be the game-changer the country needs to rethink its housing policies. With his diverse experience—spanning education, economics, and public service—he has the insight to foster collaboration between various stakeholders in the housing sector, including private investors, government agencies, and international partners.
Hon. Ata is not just a politician; he is a visionary leader with the capacity to translate plans into action.
His commitment to public service has always been clear, and his deep ties to the grassroots level will enable him to address housing and urban development issues with a people-centered approach. With this appointment, President Tinubu has placed a square peg in a square hole, ensuring that a capable hand steers this vital ministry toward delivering on the administration’s housing goals.
I use this medium to congratulate Hon. Ata on his well-deserved appointment. For those of us who have known him through the years, this moment feels like the culmination of decades of hard work and dedication.
His skills, many of which remain untapped in public service, will now have a platform for expression.
Hon. Ata can count on the support of well-wishers across the nation who believe in his vision and abilities. This is not just a new chapter in his illustrious career; it is a chance to make a lasting impact on one of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges.
As we watch him step into this new role, we remain confident that his tenure will leave a legacy of reform, innovation, and growth in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector. Congratulations once again, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
The journey ahead is filled with opportunities, and we are behind you every step of the way.
