By Abba Anwar
Whether Nasir Bala Ja’oji’s name rings bell or not, in Kano’s political arithmetic, his new appointment as the Kano state Director, City Boy Movement, highlights many things. Especially about his direct relationship with the Presidency.
While Malam Salihu Sagir Takai’s – a rare gentleman of national repute-Coordinator position of Renewed Hope Agenda, in Kano, is in charge of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s philosophy, Ja’o’ji’s City Boy Movement is directly linked to the personality of Mr President.
Come to think of it, City Boy is a nickname given to Tinubu during the heydays of 2023 presidential campaign. A term of endearment, referring to his roots in Lagos, a major city in Nigeria. The name also explains his shrewedness as a grassroot politician, who has strong connection to the city. A CITY BOY.
Ja’oji, currently the Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership to President Tinubu, is a strategic, logical, calculated, and informed choice to become the Director of this Movement. The pedestal is accurate and not injurious.
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While his pedigree as someone who previously served as Special Adviser on Mobilisation to the Kano State Governor, a member of the Governing Council of Coordinated Arewa Youth Groups, advocating for women and youth empowerment, among others, his appointment, still, speaks volumes of his uninterrupted relationship with the Presidency.
For those who don’t understand how powerful, relevant and engaging this position is, to Tinubu’s interest in Kano, against 2027 power struggle, just look at the category of people congratulating the appointee, Ja’oji. All of them know and understand the influencing power and attitude place on the position. As a build up to 2027 political struggle.
Not only Ja’oji’s pedigree, was what gave him an edge over many for this new appointment, the impact of his being, also speaks a lot. Politicians from South, especially South West, have their yardstick, for measuring what position goes to who and under what circumstance? Unlike, our North, in South, one has to sweatly earn respect, position and influence.
I cannot say City Boy Movement is a shadow government. Why? Because the movement goes round all the 36 states and Abuja. BUT, my but is in capital, the way I see it, State Directors, could be given the same or very similar political responsibilities to shoulder, as equal as that of Ministers and other highly placed positions in states and Abuja, when 2027 election proper, comes calling.
Therefore, Ja’o’ji’s appointment, is not only domineering in its breath and length, it is a stamp of trust and acceptance of loyalty, from Mr President directly. Believe it or not, Presidency must have objectively assessed, the impact of this young man, in his state, before reaching this point.
The way I know the strategic disposition of Ja’oji, as Adon Garin Kasar Hausa, a title conferred on him by Daura Emirate, which recognizes his unwavering commitment in advancing the welfare of women, children, youth and vulnerable groups, City Boy Movement, will definitely be a rallying point of genuine support to President Tinubu, months, years to come. How to achieve that, Ja’oji knows better.
As multi – tasking as I know Ja’oji, this position will not render his other official responsibilities redundant. In fact, this could be a driver to propel others to progress. This, I have no doubt. So for Ja’oji, you should know that, all eyes are on you now.
I am sure the confidence repose in him by the society, will not allow him goofed. He will hopefully stand firm and wield more power and influence. While sky is his limit, the good choice of co-travellers is a prerequisite.
I hope there will be monitoring and evaluation mechanism directly from Presidency, to examine the take-off and activities of all the 36 Directors of the Movement, and that of Abuja. This will help to periscope, in clearer terms, commitment, hardwork and patriotism.
Anwar writes from Kano
Saturday, 7th February, 2026
