SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO LATE SIR ALHAJI ABUBAKAR ALHAJI, KBE

The Tree That Could Make a Forest Has Fallen.

Nigeria has lost one of her finest statesmen, one of the last surviving symbols of integrity, intellect, humility and patriotic service. With the passing of Late Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, KBE, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and former Minister of Finance & Budget under the administration of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, an extraordinary chapter in the nation’s public service has come to an end.

To many Nigerians, he was an accomplished diplomat, economist and administrator. To those of us privileged to know him personally, he was much more—a remarkably humble elder statesman, an uncommon intellectual, and a hidden national treasure whose true worth was appreciated only by a select few. He belonged to that rare generation of leaders who never sought recognition, yet whose wisdom quietly shaped history.

I first came into close contact with Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji during the administration of Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa. While he served as Economic Adviser and I served as Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Tourism, we were both members of the Sokoto State Executive Council. At the time, Special Advisers also sat as members of the Executive Council. Although our official interaction was relatively brief, it was enough to reveal his exceptional humility and fatherly disposition. He fondly addressed me simply as “Komishina,” a name he always used with warmth and affection.

However, it was in 2004, during preparations for the First Sokoto State Economic Retreat, that I truly discovered the depth of the man behind the public office. As Commissioner, I had invited the President of Trade Inc., Washington D.C., Name with held, to serve as Business Trade Consultant to Sokoto State. As a matter of courtesy, I arranged visits to two distinguished elder statesmen—my late uncle, President Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji.

Just as Former President Shehu Shagari hosted us to a reception exceptionally well. Sir Abubakar graciously hosted us to dinner at his Sokoto residence. What followed remains one of the most memorable encounters of my public life. As he engaged The team leader in an animated discussion, I became nothing more than a fascinated observer. Their conversation flowed effortlessly through diplomacy, economics, international affairs and personal experiences. It was intellectually stimulating, humorous and profoundly revealing. I simply sat back and listened, almost like a stranger witnessing two old global colleagues reconnecting.

As we departed, Firm President turned to me in amazement and asked, “So you have this kind of personality here?” He continued, “With this man, there is virtually nothing we cannot access in America. He only needs to touch a few buttons. His friends and colleagues are among America’s most influential senior statesmen. Tell your Governor that this man can help us.”

His words astonished me.

A few days later, I met Sir Abubakar again. Holding my wrist affectionately as was his custom, he asked, “Komishina, where are your American friends?” I told him they had returned home.

He smiled and asked, “Where did you get them?”

I replied that they had been engaged as the State’s economic consultants.

He laughed gently and said, “Komishina, you will not get anything from them. You are not going to achieve anything through them.”
Surprised, I asked why.

Looking directly into my eyes, he replied with remarkable confidence, “Bafarawa does not know what he has brought. They are too much for him. He cannot handle them.”

At that moment, I realised I was speaking with a man whose understanding of international diplomacy, global economics and strategic relationships extended far beyond ordinary comprehension. That brief exchange gave me a valuable clue about the extraordinary depth of his experience. The rest, perhaps, is a story for another day.

From that day onward, my perception of Sir Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji changed completely. My admiration for him grew immensely, and so did our personal relationship. I came to appreciate why many regarded him as one of Nigeria’s finest economic minds and one of the quiet architects behind the economic direction associated with the Babangida administration. His wealth was never measured merely by the offices he occupied but by the wisdom, networks, credibility and integrity he carried with effortless simplicity.

Beyond public service, Sir Abubakar was a deeply devoted Muslim. One of his most enduring images was that of a man constantly carrying and reading his cherished copy of Dalā’il al-Khayrāt alongside the Holy Qur’an. Whether at home or in public, he remained attached to remembrance of Allah, reflecting a life anchored in faith, discipline and humility.

Indeed, Nigeria has lost not merely a former Minister or diplomat, but a statesman whose calibre has become increasingly rare. Truly, the tree that could make a forest has fallen.

May Almighty Allah (SWT), in His Infinite Mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his lifetime of service to Islam and humanity, widen and illuminate his grave, and admit him into the highest station of Aljannatul Firdaus. Āmīn.

Hon. Dahiru Yusuf Yabo
Sokoto South Senatorial Candidate, PDP 2027. 31 July 2026