Tribute to Alhaji Isa Gambo Dutse (1933 – 2000)
He noticed some difficulties at birth and persistent infant mortality in my family, which was superstitiously, termed “WABI” in Hausa. To this end, he facilitated my parents visit to the “City Hospital” now Murtala Mohammed Memorial Hospital, in 1960. Today, I am the last child of the family he transformed and product of his sound […]
He noticed some difficulties at birth and persistent infant mortality in my family, which was superstitiously, termed “WABI” in Hausa. To this end, he facilitated my parents visit to the “City Hospital” now Murtala Mohammed Memorial Hospital, in 1960. Today, I am the last child of the family he transformed and product of his sound moral and ethical judgment.
It is of particular interest to recall that, in 1966; he postulated and developed a neighbourhood inclusive co-coordinating system, which became the basis of his identity. We played, dined and slept at his residence freely. His beautiful car (Holden) was dedicated to the masses. In his quest to accelerate the literacy spiral, he established a library with sufficient materials (Hercules, Ali-Baba, Oliver Twist, Robin Hood, Toma and Tani, Going to Kano, Spare, Boom Magazines) etc.
Without exaggeration, his promotion to the rank of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry which coincided with his relocation to Sokoto Road, Nasarawa G.R.A, was greeted with stiff resistance. While we wept, others blocked the vehicle conveying his family and furniture, in 1971. However, he distinguished himself by frequenting the masses, orphans and elders. Another testimony worthy to mention is that, he was a man of integrity and rectitude.
In 1988, by round-about method, I granted N400.00k (four hundred naira only) “over and above my salary” as wedding present for his son. Few days later he got the wind of it and invited me for questioning. It took the presentation of my NDE Agricultural Loan Scheme grant document to convince him.
Regrettably, the country he left some 4,380 days today is grappling for survival. Indeed Nigeria has men of high administrative attainment well able to deal with the persistent social problems.
Alhaji Isa Gambo Dutse and his friends Mallam Aminu Kano, Mallam Yahaya Gusau, Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna of Sokoto, Mr. Sunday Owoniyi, Mallam Aliyu Makaman Bida, Chief C. C. Onu, Mallam Bello Madakin Kano and Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, have since been with the Lord, praying for Nigeria’s unity, peace and progress.
May their gentle souls, rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Bello Musa Nura