My dad would’ve made a superb royal – Hassan Abba Abdullahi

Hassan Abba Abdullahi is the third child of Alhaji Abba Abdullahi, a former Deputy Governor of Kano State during the administration of Colonel Ndatsu Umaru, between 1990 and 1992. In this interview, he talks about his father’s role as a leader, dad and more. Excerpts: Daily Trust: How would you describe your father? Hassan Abba […]

Hassan Abba Abdullahi is the third child of Alhaji Abba Abdullahi, a former Deputy Governor of Kano State during the administration of Colonel Ndatsu Umaru, between 1990 and 1992. In this interview, he talks about his father’s role as a leader, dad and more. Excerpts:

Daily Trust: How would you describe your father?

Hassan Abba Abdullahi: My father lives a simple life and loves being in the midst of people, especially those in the village. Up till now he maintains the routine of going to the village every week to be with his old friends. He respects and maintains friendships. He also dislikes falsehood and is a role model to a lot of people, especially those in the village.

In addition, he is generous and someone who has made sacrifices to his state and nation. He was there even before the creation of Kano State and he spent all his youthful years serving it. He was instrumental in the establishment of the present irrigation system the present Kano State is enjoying.

DT: What was your relationship like with him while growing up?

Abdullahi: My childhood was full of activities. He is such a simple and straightforward individual who treated his children as friends and confidants. He was and still is a very principled person. Our growing up days was memorable and worth cherishing. We lacked nothing and yet he made sure we were not pampered. We all went to public schools and also attended Islamic schools within our community together will the sons and daughters of other community members. He taught us to respect everyone, irrespective of their social class. We have enjoyed a lot of respect due to the good reputation he built for himself and the entire family.

DT: What do you think he would have excelled at if he had not gone into government service?

Abdullahi: I think he would have been a very good monarch if he had not gone into the civil service sector. He is from the royal family of Sarkin Fulanin Makoda in Dambatta local government. His people are always his priority and they in turn love him with a passion. I think he would have made a very good monarch.

DT: What easily gets him upset?

Abdullahi: He hates being lied to and so despises liars. It easily gets him angry when he discovers that he has been lied to.

DT: What is it like being his son?

Abdullahi: I feel very lucky. I wouldn’t have been elected a local government chairman if not for his influence as a community leader who earned his people’s respect and confidence. His people believe that, they have an obligation to pay him back for all the good things he has done for them.

DT: What usually makes him happy?

Abdullahi: He is happy when he sees one on a quest for knowledge. He always encourages us to seek knowledge and readily renders support.

DT: What is his favourite food?

Abdullahi: Alhaji loves to eat local delicacies, especially Tuwo.

DT: How does he relax?

Abdullahi: He relaxes by going to the village every Saturday and returning on Monday. This has been his tradition, and he maintains it up till this moment.