The elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai has described late governor Audu Bako as the initiator of developmental progress in Kano and Jigawa states.
He stated this at the public presentation of the book ‘Governor Audu Bako: Man Of Wisdom And Foresight that took place on Monday.
Yakasai, now the only surviving member of the cabinet of late governor Audu Bako, described him as a patriot and selfless individual who was committed to the development of the old Kano state (now Kano and Jigawa states).
He highlighted the various infrastructure the late governor put in place that set the pace for making the two states what they are today.
These include among various others, 22 dams to support agriculture, power and water supply in the two states.
In a very brief speech by the author of the book, CP Manya Dogo, who had served directly under the governor for 10 years, he called on those who want to become good leaders today to read the book and learn.
“Is not only Audu Bako that Kano is indebted to but myself Manya Dogo. I was selected to work with him since 1967. I worked with him for 10 years thereafter.
“I will advise those who are interested in becoming leaders to buy the book and read it because they have a lot to learn from it” he stated.
Representing the Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, his chief of staff Shehu Sagagi reaffirmed what the elderly statesman Yakasai said, adding that the Kano state government is going to ensure that all the libraries in schools across the state have copies of the book.
The same was also stated by the Jigawa state governor Umar Namadi, who was represented by his deputy Aminu Usman.
Reviewing the book, Professor Bashir Al-Bishak of Federal University Lafiya, Nasarawa state, mentioned the highlights of the book describing how the book showed Audu Bako as “a man of principles with a single-minded approach to life and office.
“As an individual he was very hard working and self-dependent by taking personal bank loans to aquire landed property or machinery to invest in his business was a hardcore farmer.”
He also mentioned that as a governor, Audu Bako founded a trade fair complex in Bagauda, one of the 22 dams in Tiga that is second only to Kaianji dam in Nigeria, first government-run transport and dedicated 2500 acres of pasture for high-yield cattle grazing.
He highlighted further that Audu Bako established feed mills, modern abattoir, dairy farms, and sales outlets for market and livestock.
Audu Bako also started the first local government reforms in the country in 1968 before the federal government and initiated the first tree planting campaign.
He also founded the Falgore Game Reserve, the first in the country, he established the first pilgrims camp of Hajj, and he established the first state aircraft company which was the in the country among other initiatives for the old Kano state Professor Al-Bishak highlighted from the book.
The former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau praised the leadership qualities of the late governor adding that he not only learnt from him, but also consulted those that were with him for guidance and advice.
The Chief launcher of the book, Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, said there is no way they can forget the late governor because as a result of the dams constructed in their area, a lot of agricultural riches have come to them.
Launching the book be purchased 25 copies for N25 million reiterating that the people of Rano will never forget him.
Representing the family, his eldest living daughter Justice Fati Yusuf Imam, thanked the author of the book, and also the dignitaries that attended the event. The family also bought six copies for N5 million.