Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 candidate for the House of Representatives representing the Faskari/Sabuwa/Kankara Federal Constituency, Honourable Hamza Suleiman Faskari (Wamban Faskari), has been honoured with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement in Civic Engagement Award” by the Organising Committee of the First International Conference of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA).
The award was presented during the opening ceremony of the maiden international conference held on Wednesday at the Prof. Abdul Saulawa Lecture Theatre, Take-Off Campus of the university.
The conference brought together scholars, policymakers, researchers and students to deliberate on the theme: “Regional Integration and Security Dynamics in West Africa: Challenges and Strategic Futures.”
Honourable Hamza Suleiman Faskari, the immediate past Katsina State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, was represented at the event by the member representing Faskari Local Government Area in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Isma’ila Mu’azu Bawa, PhD.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipient, Hon. Engr. Bawa commended the management of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, the Department of Political Science, and the conference organising committee for creating an academic platform that promotes constructive dialogue on pressing national and regional issues. He described the conference as timely, noting that discussions on regional integration and security are critical to the future of West Africa.
Honourable Hamza also applauded the keynote speaker, Processor Paul Pinzar Izah, describing his presentation on regional integration as insightful, thought-provoking and intellectually enriching. He urged the renowned Political Scientist to make the keynote paper widely accessible in both digital and printed formats to enable students, researchers and emerging scholars to benefit from the valuable contributions.
In a demonstration of his commitment to academic excellence and research development, Honourable Hamza announced a donation of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000) to support the conference and encourage the Department of Political Science in sustaining academic initiatives of international standard.
Presenting the award, the Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Tativ Bem Elijah, said Honourable Hamza Suleiman Faskari was carefully selected for the “Lifetime Achievement in Civic Engagement Award” in recognition of his exceptional contributions to community development, public service, and civic participation across Katsina State.
According to Dr. Elijah, the former Commissioner’s commitment to mobilising communities for active civic responsibilities has inspired numerous developmental projects and strengthened citizen participation in governance across several parts of the state.
He added that the award reflects the department’s recognition of individuals whose leadership, dedication to public service, and contributions to societal development continue to inspire the younger generation and promote good governance.
The recognition of Honourable Hamza Suleiman Faskari, coupled with his generous support for academic research, emerged as one of the major highlights of the maiden international conference, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between academia, policymakers and public leaders in addressing contemporary governance and security challenges confronting Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
