Remembering Alhaji Hassan Ahmed Danbaba (13th Magajin Garin Sokoto)
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him” – James Mills The above quote by James Mills is quite true and fitting of late Alhaji Hassan Danbaba, Magajin Garin Sokoto, whose death occurred on Saturday, February 12, 2022. It was extremely a sad day for me as it also turned out to be for many others who in diverse ways relate with him.
Magaji, as he was fondly called, could aptly be described as a man of the people. He possesses most of the attributes that makes one a purposeful leader, which among others include utmost fear of the creator, the Almighty Allah (SWT), possession of wisdom and insight, being just and compassionate, always in touch with his people, however, humble, and being courageous and brave. Magajin Gari having possess most of these qualities at a much younger age, sojourned like a comet to make his marks in the most telling manner and exhibited same in his dealings with others. His good disposition, excellent sense of judgement, hard work and extra moral activities all placed him in a position to make giant strides in life.
Gamji Members Association had appointed Alhaji Hassan Ahmed Danbaba as its Patron following the death of its pioneer National Patron, Justice Mamman
Nasir (who passed on, 19th April, 2019), 10th Galadiman Katsina and Former President, Federal Court of Appeal.
I had earlier updated Magaji on the progress attained in respect of the Gamji Members Association’s planned Memorial lecture in honour of Justice Mamman Nasir, Galadiman Katsina.
On drawing his attention to the approaching proposed date for the lecture, he scheduled, Sunday, February 13 for us to meet to conclude on the lecture, (which the Association had proposed to hold on Saturday, April 16, 2022 in Kaduna).
Since his death, tributes have been pouring in from across the country and beyond. Some of the selected tributes and eulogies include that of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, who expressed shock beyond words on his demise. According to him, “Magajin Gari leaves a void that will be difficult to fill in the Sultanate and our nation.”
A cousin of his, Engr. Aminu Nuhu, described Magajin Gari as a philanthropist and religious person who treated anybody he came across as his brother. Another cousin of his, who also holds the title of Sarkin Rafin Gumbi, Samaila Abdulkadir Mujeli, said, “Magajin Gari, like his grandfather, was an embodiment of love and selfless service. Blessed with broad vision, abundant patience, good sense of humour, spiritual excellence and courage of conviction. He was very sympathetic, clean hearted and soft spoken.”
Dr Mansur Buhari, an associate of his, said, “If you come with your problem, he will not let you go until something is done about it, even if it means meeting a highly placed personality.”
Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar CSG, GCFR, commented thus “Magajin Garin Sokoto was a highly respected traditional chief who touched many souls through his social connections and economic endowments. He will forever be remembered for his generosity, steadfastness and humility. His death is a colossal loss to humanity in general and to the Sokoto caliphate in particular.”
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, in his tribute, describes him as a replica of his grandfather, saying, “he lived a life of service to his community.”
Senator Aliyu Wamakko described Magaji’s death as not only a loss to his immediate family but to the country in general, a position corroborated by the governors of Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa states, amongst others.
Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State expressed regrets that he died at a time his invaluable contributions were needed for the overall development of the nation.
Magajin Garin Sokoto was born in 1971 into the family of Alhaji Marafa Danbaba and Hajia Aishetu Ahmadu Bello, the eldest daughter of the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello KBE. He attended Capital School Sokoto for his primary education and Federal Government College Sokoto for his post-primary education. On successful completion, he proceeded to the United Kingdom, where he studied and obtained a Diploma in Management. In October 1997, he was installed as the 13th Magajin Garin Sokoto and Chairman, Kingmakers of the Sultanate Council, following the death of the 12th Magajin Garin Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Gumbi OBE.
He was a successful businessman and served as Director in a number of outfits including being an Executive Director with Thisday Newspapers Limited. He was Chairman, Sokoto-Rima River Basin Development Authority, Sokoto; Patron of a number of associations including Gamji Members Association and Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN). He was survived by three wives and six children.
May Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi, Ameen
Dr Abdullahi Bala Isa, PhD. is the National President Gamji Members Association & Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs