From Grassroots to Global Impact – A Leader Prepared to Serve

By Calvin Anadio Lawan

Calvin Anadio Lawan

Posted: April 9, 2025 at 6:55 pm, Updated: April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm

Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa

From Grassroots to Global Impact—A Leader Prepared to Serve

As part of my promise to profile illustrious politicians and technocrats from Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone, I want to shine a spotlight on individuals who have the experience, competence, and vision to lead Adamawa State effectively

Today, I present to you Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa, known fondly as IID, a proud son of Adamawa Central, from Wuyaku village in Garkida District, Gombi LGA. Born in Kano, and raised in humble beginnings, Ishaya’s story mirrors that of the majority of our people who have had to fight their way out of poverty. But unlike many who forget where they come from, Ishaya has used his success to lift others up.

His journey, from the dusty streets of Kano and Jos to top academic institutions around the world, proves that with determination, hard work, and God’s grace, anyone can rise. Today, he stands as a shining example of what is possible for the people of Adamawa when opportunity meets vision.

Adamawa needs a governor who understands the struggles of the common man, not from a distance, but from experience. Ishaya didn’t grow up with luxury. He knows what it means to go without, to hustle for education, and to rise through resilience. That’s why he is the right man to lead this state forward.

Also READ: A Call for Continuity and Progress: Why Adamawa State Needs Dr. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa as Its Next Governor

His life has been dedicated to solving the very problems our people face: poverty, insecurity, poor education, lack of jobs, and social injustice.

His education is not just long, it is deep, diverse, and useful for the leadership Adamawa needs. Starting from Giginyu Primary School in Kano and moving on to study science in Yobe, he later trained as an electrical/electronics technician at Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri.

But Ishaya didn’t stop there. His hunger for knowledge took him far:

Master of Arts in Theological Studies, giving him a strong ethical foundation.
Dual Master’s Degrees in Organizational Leadership and Urban Transformational Leadership from California Baptist University and William Carey International University in the U.S, equipping him with modern leadership and development tools.
Graduate of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), a network of credible leaders changing Africa’s political story.
Now pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Development, proving he’s still growing, still learning, and still preparing for the task ahead.

This isn’t just education for certificates. It’s education for solving real problems, from how to run institutions effectively to how to bring development that reaches the grassroots.

Ishaya started working in 1993. From Kabo Air to the Federal Airport Authority and Universal Trust Bank, he showed excellence wherever he served. But his real impact began when he committed his life to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and community development:

Executive Director of PSJ (Peacebuilding and Social Justice) – where he leads bold initiatives to fight inequality and uplift the poor.

Director of Sports Friends West Africa – using sports to unite youth, prevent violence, and raise future leaders.

Former Director at ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos – where he developed infrastructure and trained future church leaders.

Editor with Our Daily Bread Ministries and Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable – influencing global conversations on peace and faith.

Also READ: Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa Applauds Adamawa’s Bold Chiefdom Move

Ishaya helped build the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) from the ground up—a political party founded to change the way leadership works in this country. As National Treasurer, he brought integrity and vision to the table. Now, he’s bringing that same energy to run for Governor of Adamawa State in 2027.

But this is not about ambition. It’s about service. It’s about turning Adamawa’s potential into progress. It’s about ensuring every child in Adamawa—no matter how poor—can dream and succeed, just like he did.

Ishaya is a devoted husband and father to two sons. But his heart is big—he has taken in and raised many other children, showing that leadership starts at home. His values are shaped by faith, compassion, and communities.

IID is about these and more:

Ending poverty through job creation and skill development

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Fixing our schools and health centres
Empowering women, youth, and local communities
Using sports, faith, and dialogue to build peace
Making government work for the people, not a few elites

For too long, Adamawa Central has produced quality leaders that Adamawa State hasn’t benefited from. In 2027, it’s time to change that. Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa has the experience, the heart, and the vision to lead Adamawa into a new chapter.

Let’s rally behind a man who knows what hunger feels like, who has walked the road of hardship, and who is ready to lead with competence, compassion, and courage.

Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa, leadership rooted in service, focused on the people.