By Zainab Olufunmi
Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has described the late Military Governor of the old Kano State, Audu Bako, as the initiator of modern development in present-day Kano and Jigawa States.
Yakasai made the remark on Monday at the public presentation of a book titled “Governor Audu Bako: Man of Wisdom and Foresight.”
The elder statesman, who is the only surviving member of Bako’s cabinet, said the late governor was a patriot who demonstrated rare commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the old Kano State.
He said Bako laid the foundation for several landmark projects, including 22 dams that boosted agriculture, power generation and water supply across various communities.
In his remarks, the author of the book, CP Manya Dogo (rtd), who served under Bako for a decade, urged aspiring leaders to study the book and draw lessons from the late governor’s exemplary leadership.
“I worked with him from 1967 for 10 years. Those who want to become good leaders should buy the book because there is a lot to learn,” he said.
Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, represented by the state Commissioner for Commerce, Shehu Sagagi, said the state government would ensure that copies of the book were distributed to school libraries across the state.
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, represented by his deputy, Aminu Usman, made a similar pledge.
Reviewing the book, Prof. Bashir Al-Bishak of Nasarawa State University described Bako as a principled and hardworking leader with a single-minded dedication to public service.
He highlighted several achievements of the late governor, including the establishment of the Bagauda Trade Fair Complex, construction of the Tiga Dam—second only to Kainji Dam—creation of a government-run transport system, and allocation of 2,500 acres of pasture land for cattle grazing.
Al-Bishak said Bako also pioneered the first local government reforms in Nigeria in 1968, initiated the country’s first tree-planting campaign, established the Falgore Game Reserve, built the first Hajj pilgrims camp, and floated the first state-owned aircraft company.
Former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, also paid tribute to Bako, saying his leadership style remained a reference point for successive administrations.
The chief launcher, Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, said the people of Rano would remain grateful to Bako for the dams constructed in their area, which he said had boosted agricultural prosperity.
He launched the book with the purchase of 25 copies for N25 million.