Veteran journalist and Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Yusuf Dingyadi, has paid tribute to the late former Finance Minister, elder statesman and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a trusted leader who lived a fulfilled life of integrity, service and compassion.
In a condolence message, Dingyadi said the late statesman was a gentle, humble and deeply religious man who devoted his life to serving humanity, supporting the less privileged and promoting community development.
He recalled that their relationship blossomed during their journalism careers, particularly through writing, publishing and their involvement with the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
“It will be recalled that late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji organised a reception in his residence to honour three of us—Altine Shehu Kajiji, Kabir Assada and myself. That occasion cemented our relationship for life,” Dingyadi said.
He also reminisced about 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.
“During the dinner, we all benefited from Alhaji’s wealth of experience. Even the leader of the delegation, Hilary Anderson, publicly acknowledged the gesture and said she had learnt many things she never knew despite living in London,” he added.
Dingyadi described the late Sardaunan Sokoto as a man who loved and helped people without discrimination, shunned propaganda, rejected selfishness and remained courageous throughout his life.
“Since the demise of 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 late Sardaunan Sokoto.
“He opened his doors to everyone. On one occasion, he instructed his aide to grant me unrestricted access to him at all times. Anyone who was not close to him could never fully appreciate the depth of his character,” Dingyadi said.
He noted that the late elder statesman fondly called him “Yusufu,” a name he always used affectionately, reflecting his cheerful disposition, humility and respect for others.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.
Before his ministerial appointments, he built 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.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions during a challenging period in Nigeria’s economic history.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and the Sokoto Caliphate, he was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Sardauna of Sokoto in 1990, succeeding the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the defunct Northern Region.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, traditional rulers and associates, who described him as a disciplined administrator, accomplished economist and patriotic Nigerian whose legacy of integrity and selfless service will endure for generations.
His funeral prayer, held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Sokoto, 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.