Dingyadi Pays Tribute to Alhaji Alhaji, Describes Him as a Trusted Brother
Veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi has eulogized the late former Finance Minister, elder statesman and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji as a trusted leader who lived a fulfilled life of integrity, service and compassion.
In his message of condolences, Dingyadi said the late statesman was a gentle, humble and religious man who dedicated his life to serving humanity, supporting the less privileged and promoting community development.
He said their relationship blossomed during their career in journalism especially writing and publishing and their involvement with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
“It will be remembered that late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji held a reception in his residence in honour of three of us; namely, Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and myself. That day sealed our relationship for life,” Dingyadi said.
He also reminisced how the late statesman hosted a delegation of British Broadcasting Corporation ( BBC) journalists during the turbaning of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido.
‘We all benefited from Alhaji’s wealth of experience during the dinner. “The head of the delegation, Hilary Anderson, even accepted the gesture publicly and said she learnt many things that she never knew although she has lived in London,” he added.
Dingyadi said late Sardaunan Sokoto was a man who loved and helped people without discrimination, shunned propaganda, rejected selfishness and remained courageous throughout his life.
“Since the demise of the Sarkin Yakin Gwandu, Alhaji Abubakar Koko, Tsoho Mafara and Muhammadu Bature, I have not seen a man who carried the burden of his people with such sincerity as the late Sardaunan Sokoto.
“He welcomed all comers. On one occasion he ordered his aide to give me free access to him at all times. “Anyone that was not close to him can never really appreciate the depth of his character,” Dingyadi said.
He said the late elder statesman would always call him “Yusufu” with love, as he was known for his cheerful disposition, humility and respect for others.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji was a former Minister of National Planning and later Finance Minister under former military President Ibrahim Babangida.
Before his ministerial appointments, he had a distinguished career in the federal civil service, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and serving in key ministries, including Trade, Finance and National Planning.
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He was universally recognised as one of Nigeria’s leading technocrats, who played a leading role in the development of Nigeria’s economic policies and in the management of Nigeria’s relations with international financial institutions at a difficult period in Nigeria’s economic history.
In recognition of his meritorious services to the public and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was decorated with the noble traditional title of Sardauna of Sokoto (in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region).
Political leaders, traditional rulers and associates have continued to pay tribute, describing him as a disciplined administrator, accomplished economist and patriotic Nigerian, whose legacy of integrity and selfless service will endure for generations.
His funeral prayer was held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto and was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, Sambo Dasuki, Abubakar Dasuki and several serving and former ministers, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.
