Hudu Isah – Traffic Controller Extraordinaire

Leadership (Abuja)

Hauwa Mahmud Kolo

22 June 2011

As most civil servants work just to get their pay cheques at the end of the month, the sight of a police officer, Corporal Hudu Isah, who controls traffic at Zone 7 Junction, Wuse, Abuja, doing his job with so much enthusiasm and passion, is really fascinating, Hauwa Mahmud Kolo, writes.

Fervently nodding his head, waving his arms and fingers, and jiggling his legs and all that appears flexible in the human body almost simultaneously, gestures commonly referred to as break dancing, the enthusiasm and passion this young man exudes while controlling traffic make an entire sight of amusement, giving motorists some entertainment as they wait for their turn to move.

Hudu Isah, a young police officer who has been on the force for almost a decade now, says he started as an officer, general duty. Isah’s parents never liked the job, but he went the extra mile to pursue his ambition.

He recounts, “I never knew I would eventually join the police force, because my parents never approved of the job. When I got the offer, I spoke with my dad and he disapproved of it. It took three of my uncles to plead with him before he finally allowed me to join the Nigeria Police Force. But even with his approval, he has refused to touch a dime from my money. My mother and siblings are benefiting from my earnings, but my father hasn’t.”

In a society where the mere mention of men of the force elicits great resentment, Isah’s deep passion for his job, is but a wonder. What keeps this young man so motivated and strongly passionate about his job despite the drawbacks?

Isah relates, “When I joined the Motor Traffic Department in 2008, nobody taught me this work. I learnt it by myself and what has kept me going is the fact that people appreciate what I do. I work under the sun, in the rain and at night, because I believe that no matter what, vehicles should be protected from accidents.

“There was a day I witnessed an accident on my way to Mararaba, by Arewa Junction. It was raining and the traffic officer left his duty post to seek shelter. Shortly after he left, an accident occurred. A driver in one of the vehicles involved lost his life instantly. Because of that experience, the moment I got deployed to MTD, I vowed to give it my best and remain at my duty post whenever I am expected to.”

The popular saying, No hard work goes unrewarded is quite apparent in Isah’s life, as this young officer is given as much as N20,000 by day from people who appreciate his dexterity and commitment. Though he values the public for appreciating his unique style, Isah says it isn’t the money that kindles his passion, but the interest that he has for what he does.

“It is not the money people give me that makes me do it judiciously, it is the policing job that I like. But of course, I do appreciate the money. The fact that people are happy makes me happy too. Most times, people park their vehicles and call me to come and collect some money in appreciation of what I do.

“Others, especially taxi drivers just throw it on the ground for me. So far, I have received from as low as N50 to as high as N20, 000 from motorists who pass by. In December, 2010, a company Galaxy Leadership, awarded me the sum of N50, 000.”

Residing in Suleja, Niger State, Isah leaves home as early as 4.30am every day to be able to make it to his duty post by 5.30am. Like many other Nigerians, despite Isah’s indomitable spirit, the challenge of not having decent accommodation in Abuja remains a challenge. This young and dedicated police officer says he needs accommodation closer to his beat.

“I really wish I had a much better accommodation that is closer to where I work. I leave my house in Suleja as early as 4:30 am in order to make it to work by 5:30 am and I get back home by 9:30 pm every day. I pay transport fare of approximately N400 on a daily basis and I work for almost 12 hours daily.

“I only go on break twice- at 1pm and at 4pm. Apart from then, I don’t leave the road until night. I am used to the stress because I just believe it is God that gives health, so I don’t fear any form of sickness. But one thing I would really appreciate is a better residence.”

Despite having spent 10 years with the police force, Isah can only hope for promotion “at the right time.” “I had completed my secondary school education when I got employment with the police force. I was promoted from constable to corporal in May, 2011 and that is the only promotion I have received. I am contented with my job and I have never thought of quitting it for any reason. Even if I am offered a new job, I will not quit the police.”

The Police public relations officer, Superintendent Jimoh Moshood, admits Isah’s dexterity and says that the force is very much aware of Isah and other hardworking officers like him.

He says, “We have quite a good number of these traffic officers who have distinguished themselves and we have been ensuring that such people get rewarded. We have awarded them with appreciation letters and forwarded their names for promotion. Isah particularly was awarded last year by the Rotary Club. We want to always encourage these traffic officers so that others will immitate them.”

Isah says he wants to be remembered as a diligent individual who sacrificed a lot for the safety of people.

“I sincerely love controlling traffic, but if I am eventually taken away from the traffic department, I would like to be remembered as a diligent officer who gave his best in the discharge of his duties.”

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