Celebrating A Distinguished Public Servant And Exemplary Father

By Amb. (Dr.) Yusuf Abubakar Yabo, (Baraden Yabo) Former Commissioner, Federal Civil Service Commission, Abuja

On the occasion of Dangara Family Day, it is both a privilege and a source of immense pride to celebrate the life and accomplishments of an outstanding public servant, community leader, educator, and father, Amb. (Dr.) Yusuf Abubakar Yabo, popularly known as Baraden Yabo.

Born in 1945, Amb. Yusuf Abubakar Yabo is a man whose life has been defined by service, integrity, humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to human development. At the age of 81 years in 2026, his remarkable journey stood as a shining example of dedication to both public service and nation-building.

Early Career and Educational Contributions

Before entering the higher echelons of public administration, Amb. Yusuf Yabo began his career as a classroom teacher and teacher trainer. His passion for education helped shape the lives of numerous distinguished Nigerians who later rose to prominence in academia, diplomacy, public service, and professional practice.

Among his former pupils and students are:

Prof. Muhammad Junaidu

Prof. Bayero Yahaya

Prof. Sa’idu Maishanu

Prof. Hamza Maishanu

Prof. Musa Maifabsir

Prof. Isa Maishanu

Prof. Malami Maishanu

Amb. Prof. Ahmed Wali

Dr. Usman Wali

Dr. Muhammad Dikko (late)

Engr. Tukur Sanyinna

Amb. Sen. Abdullah Wali

Asst Compt General Mustapha Sani Kebbi (Rtd)

Late AIG Ibrahim Maishanu

Late Compt Immigration Hamisu Maishanu.

These names represent only a fraction of the many individuals whose lives were positively influenced by his dedication to teaching and mentorship.

Distinguished Public Service Career

Amb. Yusuf Yabo rose through the ranks of the Sokoto State Civil Service from a classroom teacher to become a Permanent Secretary, demonstrating exceptional competence and leadership throughout his career.

Among the key positions he held were:

● Director, Home Affairs, Cabinet Office

● Director of Personnel, Ministry of Agriculture

● Director of Personnel, Ministry of Establishment

● Clerk, Sokoto State House of Assembly

● Secretary, Law Reform Commission

● Secretary, Pilgrims Welfare Agency

● Director-General, Establishment and Pensions

● Director-General, State Civil Service Commission

● Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing

● Permanent Secretary and General Manager, State Housing Corporation

He voluntarily retired from the Sokoto State Civil Service with honour, just months before attaining the mandatory 35 years of service. Federal Civil Service Commission In recognition of his exceptional administrative abilities, Amb. Yusuf Yabo was appointed Commissioner representing Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States at the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Abuja, where he served two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010.

During his decade-long tenure, he became one of the highest facilitators of graduate employment into the Federal Civil Service from the three states he represented. It is estimated that over 1,000 graduates secured federal employment during this period.

Beyond recruitment, he was instrumental in: Facilitating inter-service transfers for numerous civil servants. Reinstating officers who had been unjustly disengaged.

Providing opportunities for victims of political victimisation. Promoting fairness, merit, and professionalism in public service administration.

Many beneficiaries of his interventions later rose to senior positions within the Federal Government. Service Beyond His Constituency. His reputation for competence and integrity extended beyond Sokoto State. At one point, he was invited to act on behalf of another Commissioner representing Kaduna and Katsina States following the prolonged hospitalization of Ambassador Bindawa.

Among the few worst mentioning here are Abubakar Magaji Gusau Former Federal Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Sifawa who rose to the position of Director and now the District Head of Sifawa and similarly Alhaji AA Gumbi who also became Director before his retirement and now playing politics in Sokoto.

This rare responsibility reflected the confidence reposed in his judgment, professionalism, and leadership.

University Governance

Following the completion of his tenure at the Federal Civil Service Commission, Amb. Yusuf Yabo was appointed Member of the Governing Council of the then Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he served diligently until the expiration of his tenure. Community Leadership and Cultural Contributions

Beyond public administration, Amb. Yusuf Yabo distinguished himself as a community educator, artist, songwriter, sportsman, and social reform advocate.

As a student, he served as:

School Head Boy

Basketball Team Captain

Hockey Team Captain

His classmates fondly referred to him as “YY”, a nickname that became popular among spectators whenever he demonstrated his basketball skills on the court.

He was also a gifted artist and songwriter whose compositions promoted agriculture, social enlightenment, community development, and moral values. His songs and creative works contributed significantly to public awareness campaigns in Yabo and surrounding communities during the 1960s and 1970s. (Wakar Torankawa da Wakar Mutanen Yabo) A prelude by Alhaji Sani Torankawa.

Family Life

Amb. Yusuf Abubakar Yabo is blessed with a large and accomplished family. Married to three wives and blessed with twenty-five children, he remains a pillar of guidance, discipline, compassion, and inspiration to his family and countless others.

Among his biological children are Late Amb Abubakar Chika Yusuf Yabo of bless memory, Engr Dr Faruk Yusuf Yabo Federal Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Mineral Development Abuja, Haj Niima Yusuf Yabo FME Abuja, Aminu Yusuf Yabo FMA Abuja, Malami Yusuf Yabo FML LO Geneve, Ahijo Yusuf Yabo Spain Foriegn Embassy, Sadiq Yusuf Yabo ACCA now based in Canada and Hon Umar Yusuf Yabo (Dan Majen) Member House of Reps (Yabo & Shagari Constituency) among others, amounting to 24 children.

Known affectionately as “Dogo Baka da Keta”—a phrase symbolizing his towering stature and extraordinary kindness—he has earned enduring respect throughout his community for his generosity and concern for the less privileged.

His kindness became legendary, inspiring local praise singers and earning him widespread admiration across generations.

Legacy

The life of Amb. (Dr.) Yusuf Abubakar Yabo represents a rare combination of integrity, humility, public service excellence, and human compassion.

His enduring legacy lives on through:

Thousands of public servants whose careers he helped shape.

Students he educated and mentored.

Communities he served. Institutions he strengthened. Family members inspired by his values and example.

As his first son, I remain profoundly grateful to Almighty Allah (SWT) for blessing us with such an exceptional father whose life continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration.

May Allah (SWT) continue to bless him with good health, happiness, dignity, and abundant rewards for his countless acts of kindness and service to humanity. Amin.

Please note Amb. Dr. Malam Yusuf Abubakar Yabo Barandan Yabo at 81 is the only servaving among his sibbling of Late Dangara Abubakar Riskuwa Yabo of Torankawa Family.

Tribute by:

Dahiru Yusuf Yabo

Former Commissioner, Former Gubernatorial Aspirant, Sokoto State and Now Sokoto South Senatorial District PDP Candidate 2027