Tribute to Baba Tanko Yakasai: 100 years and counting

Very few people are as lucky as the elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai. He clocked 100 years yesterday.

In February 2024, at the onset of another round of debate on constitution amendment, I visited him in his house in Abuja together with my colleague from Trust TV, Shafiu Suleiman. We wanted to have his take on two issues: state police and whether Nigeria should change to the parliamentary system of government or not.

Without mincing words, he said he wanted state police and gave us his reasons. “What happened before was a local government police; what we are going to have now is state police. That is, the 36 states in the federation will each have their own police.

“The governors now, as against the emirs in those days, are elected, and they operate under an elected state assembly, which is the organ largely responsible for the control of funds and administration in the state. So, the system of control is now completely different from what it used to be. The possibility of abuse will be significantly minimized.”

He also described the current US presidential system being “used” in Nigeria as “political dictatorship,” but opposed the outright implementation of the parliamentary system, which Nigeria adopted from Britain at independence. Instead, he suggested a blend of presidential and parliamentary systems.

“You have it in France, so when you transfer it to Nigeria, you will adjust it to suit our local situation,” he said.

At 99 years at the time, it was an excellent interview by all standards. Many of his age mates would hardly be that sharp, focused and consistent, wherever they are now.

His clarity of thought belied his age, speaking with a precision and confidence that instantly commanded attention. Every answer he gave was layered with context, dates and references delivered without hesitation as though his memories remained perfectly catalogued. His voice carried the calm authority of someone who has witnessed nearly a century of history as he analysed events with the sharpness of a seasoned scholar. Sitting across him, one could not help but feel the rare privilege of engaging a mind remarkably preserved.

As a journalist who interviews people of different strata, I have noticed a glaring, rapid degeneration of intellect and fresh ideas these days among some people far younger but holding sensitive positions in the society.

Baba Tanko Yakasai was equally highly impressed with the way we managed the interview, quietly engaging with him and giving him enough time and space to respond at his own pace.

As someone who spoke from his heart without thinking of impressing anyone, and not minding that we were on camera, he was from time to time telling us: “Allah Ya muku albarka” (May the Almighty bless you). These kind words remain dear to me till date.

And when we finished the interview, we thanked him for the time he gave us, and for about five times, I uttered these words as a mark of appreciation: “Allah Ya kara maka lafiya” (May the Almighty increase your health) as we put together our recording equipment.

However, I curiously noticed that whenever he said “Amen,” he would quickly add the following phrase: “Da nisan kwana” meaning “And longevity.”

We laughed together with one of his sons, Balarabe, who assisted us so much during the interview that lasted an hour.

On our way back to the office, I jokingly told Shafiu that we too had to change our pattern of prayers while seeking favours from Allah by taking a lead from Baba Tanko Yakasai and always add “Da nisan kwana.”

Indeed, it is evident that God has answered his prayers by bringing him this far  – 100 years – with all the accompanying blessings: good health, sound mind and institutional memory.

Exactly one year ago, on December 5, 2024, our Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Ahmed Shekarau, called me on the phone: “Hamza, can you ask one of our reporters to try and look for Alhaji Tanko Yakasai and interview him about his life? He is 99 years old today.”

It was around 4:30pm and I wondered… The expectation was that if we got the interview, we would publish it in the next edition of the Daily Trust.

Considering the time and also not sure whether he was in Abuja or Kano at the time, I simply initiated the process of personally reaching out to him. I called his number, and lo and behold, he picked.

“Salam and happy birthday, Baba,” I said. “Wa’alaikumussalam, how are you, Hamza?” he answered from the other end.

“I am fine, Baba. Please, I want to have an interview with you through the telephone for a few minutes so as to ask you a few questions about your life.”

“Okay, go ahead,” he said.

It was a spontaneous interview, but he gave us what we wanted, everything about his life and struggles.

The interview was titled: ‘I thought I was Jukun — Tanko Yakasai at 99’ and was published the next day, Friday, December 6, 2025. It says a lot about him and his exploits.

Although he never attended any formal school, Baba Tanko Yakasai speaks the Queen’s English, has held key positions in many places, travelled widely, and his opinions are respected till date.

A key member of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), he is a founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). Through hard work and a dream for a prosperous future, he taught himself the English language.

He was the Hausa Editor, Daily Comet, Kano between 1954 and 1960; sales manager, AGIP Nigeria Ltd, Kano Area Office, 1966–1967; variously served as commissioner in the Ministries of Information, Forestry, Community Development and Cooperatives, and Finance between 1967 and 1975. He was a special assistant to former President Shehu Shagari on National Assembly Liaison between 1979 and 1983.

His life will remain a lesson for multiple generations to come.

“I was one of the three siblings born by my parents. The two others were female; I am the only male child, and I am the youngest. The two died and left me behind. Each died after having one child. The children have also gone. But as I am talking to you now, I have got 19 children. Four died. Otherwise, I produced 23 children. Luckily, I have over 80 grandchildren. I am grateful to my God. I pray that I will continue to live in peace and harmony with my children and grandchildren,” he said during the interview last year.

Baba, as you step into another year, may Allah extend your life in good health so that whenever we come for an interview you will say: “Allah Ya muku albarka.” It is what some of us need at this time.

Happy birthday, Dattijon Arziki.

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