Aliyu Akwe Doma

Early Life and Background

Aliyu Akwe Doma was born on September 1, 1942, in Doma, which is the headquarters of Doma Local Government Area in present-day Nasarawa State, Nigeria. His early life was rooted in the socio-cultural milieu of the then Northern Region of Nigeria, a period of significant political and social transformation as Nigeria moved towards and achieved independence. Growing up in a predominantly agrarian community, Doma's formative experiences likely instilled in him a deep appreciation for agriculture and rural development, values that would later define a significant part of his public service career. The Doma community, known for its rich cultural heritage, provided the backdrop for his initial education and character development, emphasizing community values and the pursuit of knowledge.

Education

Aliyu Akwe Doma's educational journey was marked by a steady progression through various institutions, culminating in advanced degrees from a prestigious American university. He commenced his primary education at the Doma Elementary School, where he studied from 1951 to 1957. Following this, he attended the Senior Primary School in Lafia from 1957 to 1959. His secondary education took place at the Government Secondary School, Katsina Ala, located in present-day Benue State, where he was a student from 1960 to 1964.

Recognizing the importance of specialized training for public service, Doma furthered his studies at the Staff Development Centre, Kaduna, in 1965, focusing on Public Administration. He then proceeded to the Advanced Teachers' College, Zaria, from 1966 to 1967. Demonstrating an ambition for higher learning, he travelled to the United States, enrolling at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Public Administration in 1974. He continued his academic pursuits at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree in 1976. His international education equipped him with modern administrative theories and practices, which he would later apply extensively in his career.

Career

Aliyu Akwe Doma's career was characterized by extensive public service and later, significant involvement in the private sector and politics. His journey began in the civil service, where he rose through the ranks with remarkable speed and distinction.

Upon his return to Nigeria after completing his master's degree, Doma immediately joined the Plateau State Civil Service. His initial appointment was as an Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, a role he held from 1976 to 1977. His administrative prowess quickly became evident, leading to his elevation to the position of Permanent Secretary, a highly influential administrative role. He served as Permanent Secretary in various critical ministries within Plateau State, including the Ministry of Local Government (1977-1979), Ministry of Education (1979-1980), Ministry of Health (1980-1983), and Ministry of Agriculture (1983-1984). These roles provided him with comprehensive experience in policy formulation, resource allocation, and program implementation across diverse sectors.

His exceptional performance led to his appointment as the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, a pivotal administrative position, which he occupied from 1984 to 1986. Following this, Doma transitioned to the Federal Civil Service, where his expertise was recognized at the national level. He served as a Federal Permanent Secretary in several key ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Abuja (1986-1988), Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development (1988-1990), and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (1990-1991). His tenure as a Federal Permanent Secretary cemented his reputation as a seasoned administrator with a deep understanding of governance at both state and national levels.

After retiring from the federal civil service, Doma ventured into the private sector, applying his extensive administrative and leadership skills to various corporate boards. He served as Chairman of the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) from 1991 to 1992, demonstrating his continued interest in grassroots development. He was also Chairman of the Nasarawa State Investment Company from 1992 to 1993, contributing to the economic growth of his home state. His business acumen saw him chair the board of Benue Cement Company Plc from 1993 to 1998, a major industrial player in the region. Subsequently, he chaired Niger Valley Agro-Allied Industries Plc from 1998 to 2003, further highlighting his commitment to agro-industrial development.

Aliyu Akwe Doma's political career began with his aspirations for the governorship of Nasarawa State. He contested for the position in 1999 and again in 2003 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), though he was unsuccessful in these initial attempts. His persistence eventually paid off in 2007 when he successfully contested and was elected as the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State. He served a single term from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2011, bringing his vast experience in public administration to bear on the governance of his home state.

Major Achievements

As Governor of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Akwe Doma initiated several policies and projects aimed at driving development across various sectors. His administration's core focus was anchored on revitalizing the state's economy and improving the welfare of its citizens.

One of his most notable achievements was the introduction of the "Back to Farm" policy. This initiative was designed to boost agricultural productivity, which is the primary economic activity for a majority of Nasarawa State's population. The policy involved providing farmers with improved seedlings, fertilizers, modern farming equipment, and agricultural extension services. The goal was to ensure food security, create employment opportunities, and enhance the income of rural farmers. This policy reflected his long-standing commitment to agricultural development, stemming from his background and earlier roles in the Ministry of Agriculture at both state and federal levels.

His administration also made significant strides in infrastructure development. Key projects included the construction and rehabilitation of vital road networks across the state, aimed at improving connectivity between rural and urban areas and facilitating the evacuation of agricultural produce to markets. Urban renewal projects were undertaken in major towns, alongside efforts to provide affordable housing for civil servants and other residents. These infrastructure initiatives were crucial for stimulating economic activity and improving the quality of life for citizens.

In the education sector, Doma's government focused on enhancing access to quality education. This involved the renovation and construction of school buildings, provision of educational materials, and the recruitment of qualified teachers. Similar efforts were extended to the health sector, with investments in the renovation of primary healthcare centers, provision of medical equipment, and recruitment of healthcare personnel to improve healthcare delivery across the state.

Another significant initiative was the establishment of the Nasarawa Geographic Information System (NAGIS). This project aimed to modernize land administration in the state, making it more transparent, efficient, and revenue-generating. NAGIS sought to provide a reliable database for land ownership and transactions, reduce land disputes, and improve urban planning. These achievements collectively contributed to the socio-economic development of Nasarawa State during his tenure.

Personal Life

Aliyu Akwe Doma was a private individual despite his prominent public roles. He was a devout Muslim and a family man, married with children. While specific details about his immediate family, such as the names of his spouse or children, were not widely publicized, he was known to have maintained a close-knit family life. Throughout his career, he balanced the demands of public service with his personal commitments.

Aliyu Akwe Doma passed away on March 6, 2018, at the age of 75. He died in a hospital abroad, reportedly in London, United Kingdom, after a protracted illness. His death marked the end of a long and impactful career dedicated to public service in Nigeria.

Legacy

Aliyu Akwe Doma's legacy is a complex tapestry woven from decades of dedicated public service, significant political leadership, and the challenges that often accompany high office. He is primarily remembered for his extensive and distinguished career in the Nigerian civil service, spanning over two decades at both state and federal levels. His rapid ascent to Permanent Secretary positions in various ministries, and later as Secretary to the Government of Plateau State and Federal Permanent Secretary, showcased his exceptional administrative acumen, policy formulation skills, and commitment to good governance. He contributed significantly to the administrative frameworks and policy implementations that shaped Nigeria's public sector during a critical period of its development.

As Governor of Nasarawa State, his most enduring legacy is arguably the "Back to Farm" policy, which underscored his vision for an agriculturally vibrant and self-sufficient state. This initiative, aimed at empowering local farmers and boosting food production, continues to be referenced as an effort to leverage Nasarawa's agrarian potential. His administration's focus on infrastructure development, including roads and housing, also left tangible improvements across the state, enhancing connectivity and urban development.

However, Doma's post-governorship years were marked by controversies. In 2011, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of N15 billion fraud during his tenure as governor. These charges led to an ongoing legal battle that continued until his death, casting a shadow over his otherwise distinguished career. Despite these legal challenges, his supporters and many citizens of Nasarawa State remember him for his efforts to develop the state and his dedication to public service. His life's trajectory, from a humble beginning in Doma to achieving the highest political office in his state, serves as an inspiration for many, while the latter-day controversies serve as a reminder of the complexities of public leadership in Nigeria. His contributions to the administrative and political landscape of Nigeria, particularly Nasarawa State, remain a significant part of its historical record.