By Jamilu Ja’afaru Ph.D
With heavy hearts, I received the sad news of the passing of Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar (AE), Dallatun Gombe, on the 6th of April. A true patriot whose passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our community and beyond. A man of remarkable vision, he was not only a dedicated technocrat and reformer but also a beacon of hope and compassion for all who knew him.
From his early days as a brilliant student, Ahmad (AE) earned the cherished nickname “Excellent,” a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in both his academic pursuits and personal conduct. This nickname was not merely a reflection of his intellect; it embodied his moral integrity and relentless pursuit of a better future for his community and country.
Alhaji AE began his career with the Northern Nigerian Government after stints during school holidays with Gombe Native Authority. His service was transferred to the Federal Civil Service in the late 1960s.
As a typical civil servant of yesteryears, he worked in various Ministries including Cabinet Office (Presidency), Defence, Education, Trade, Dept of Customs & Excise, As a key architect in the formation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1977, he played a crucial role in the emergence of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as he superintendent the conversion of staff and staffing of the agency from the legacy Nigerian National Oil Company. The pipeline network and setting up of strategic fuel depots across the country were part of his legacies. The staffing template for the Corporation was deployed and jealously implemented during his time as head of Personnel in the maturing Corporation as they worked to identify and build a team of dedicated professionals thus laying a solid foundation for a more efficient and robust oil sector that would become a cornerstone of Nigeria's economy.
In the 1980s, as Commissioner of Finance for Bauchi State, Alhaji AE implemented transformative financial reforms that revolutionized the state's fiscal management His visionary leadership not only streamlined budgeting processes but also optimized revenue generation, ensuring that public resources were allocated effectively for the betterment of the people. His initiatives led to significant infrastructure projects and social programs that uplifted countless citizens, demonstrating his profound commitment to sustainable economic development.
He was also the Commissioner for Trade and Industry during whose time the famous Nigeria ALIND Nigeria Limited was conceptualised and delivered in Bauchi. Also, the development of the impressive Zaranda Hotel Complex as the government of the day was working tirelessly to make Bauchi an investor destination. Asbestos Nigeria Limited was expanded
Just before the collapse of the 2nd republic, Alhaji AE joined Nigeria External Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), where he played major roles in further developments that led to the merger of parts of Posts and Telecommunication Service (P&T) with NET to give birth to the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) in the mid-1980s. Some of his major contributions were instrumental in advancing the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. His efforts helped bridge communication gaps, fostering connectivity that is vital for socio-economic growth in an increasingly digital world.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alhaji Abubakar was a man of the people. He was deeply committed to uplifting the less fortunate, often reaching out to friends and classmates in need. His generosity knew no bounds; he was a true friend to many, embodying the spirit of empathy and kindness. His life was a masterclass in humility, showing us that true greatness lies not just in professional accolades but in how we care for one another.
As we reflect on his legacy, we celebrate a life devoted to service, integrity, and love. Alhaji AE (Dallatun Gombe) was not just a visionary leader with relationships across the country and beyond, he was a saintly patriot whose impact will resonate through generations.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his immediate family, friends, and the people of Gombe State. We pray that Allah grants him eternal peace and mercy, and we take solace in knowing that his spirit will continue to inspire us all.
Baba AE will be profoundly missed, but his legacy of love, service, and dedication to the upliftment of humanity will forever live on in our hearts.
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