Comrade Aliyu Abubakar Getso: A life of service, humility
The pen has fallen silent and the microphone dimmed, yet the voice, courage and legacy of Comrade Aliyu Abubakar Getso will forever echo in the hearts of all who knew him. Early on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the sad news of the passing of our veteran journalist, respected broadcaster and committed unionist, my boss and […]
The pen has fallen silent and the microphone dimmed, yet the voice, courage and legacy of Comrade Aliyu Abubakar Getso will forever echo in the hearts of all who knew him.
Early on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the sad news of the passing of our veteran journalist, respected broadcaster and committed unionist, my boss and mentor, Comrade Getso, spread across Kano State. Radio stations, online platforms and the social media were flooded with tributes mourning the departure of a great communicator, translator and editor fondly known among younger journalists as “Baba Getso.”
Born in 1956 at Getso town, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, Aliyu hailed from the royal San-Getso family, the son of Malam Abubakar, Chiroman Getso (Sidi), the village head of Getso.
The late Comrade Aliyu Getso lived an exemplary life defined by dedication to duty, passion for truth and steadfast commitment to serving humanity through journalism.
Educational background and career
Alhaji Aliyu Getso began his early Qur’anic education at Getso town before he was enrolled at Gwarzo Boarding Primary School from 1962 to 1968. He proceeded to Government Boarding Secondary School, Dambatta, completing his studies there between 1969 and 1974.
He later attended the Federal School of Arts and Science, Mubi, Adamawa State from 1975 to 1977, and further enhanced his professional skills by undertaking a television broadcasting course in London, United Kingdom in 1981.
Getso joined the Kano State civil service from the Ministry of Information in 1977, where he served diligently until his retirement in 1999.
After his public service career, he continued to contribute to the media industry, working with several reputable radio organisations, including Freedom Radio, Vision FM and Premier Radio, Kano.
A former staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information, where he served as head of the broadcasting unit and producer of the popular programme “Jihar Kano A Yau,” he distinguished himself as a disciplined, resourceful and principled public servant.
His illustrious career in the media industry spanned several decades and institutions, where he left an indelible mark. Renowned for his eloquence and mastery of both English and Hausa languages, he was celebrated as a translator, editor and broadcaster par excellence. His professionalism and creativity helped shape the standard of modern broadcasting in Kano and inspired a new generation of communicators.
Beyond journalism, Comrade A.A. Getso was a devoted unionist and advocate for workers’ rights. He served as secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel from 1986 to 1988. He was also elected as secretary of the NUJ, Kano State Council from 1992 to 1996, and later as assistant secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano chapter, positions in which he demonstrated uncommon integrity, courage and a resolute commitment to justice.
On a personal note, I received the news of his passing with deep shock and sorrow. It was through Comrade Getso that I first found my footing in journalism back in 1990 after receiving appointment in the Kano State Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, History and Culture. Together with Malle Balarabe, he mentored me and my contemporaries, including Mustapha Namadi Ringim, Idris Zakariyau Zaura and others, teaching us how to write news reports, conduct interviews and produce radio scripts etc.
May Allah comfort his family, friends and colleagues and give us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Today marks the third day without you, Comrade – answering the call of our creator – embarking on a journey from which none returns.
Adieu, Comrade Aliyu Abubakar Getso, the people’s voice, the journalist’s journalist and the unionist with a heart of gold.
Kofar Na’isa is a retired information officer, Ministry of Information, Kano State and currently, the editor/publisher, The Stentor News online. He can be reached via [email protected]