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Air Commodore Usman Jibrin: The Fighter Pilot Who Became Kaduna’s Military Governor

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From the skies of the Nigerian Civil War to the political arena of Kaduna State, Usman Jibrin’s life reflected courage, conviction, and service to nation and faith.

Air Commodore Usman Jibrin (1942 – 8 September 2011) was a distinguished Nigerian Air Force officer, fighter pilot, and politician. He served as the military governor of North-Central State (present-day Kaduna State) between July 1975 and 1977, during the regime of General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. His career, marked by discipline, patriotism, and a deep sense of justice, made him one of the most respected figures of Nigeria’s early post-independence military era.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1942 in Nasarawa Local Government Area of present-day Nasarawa State, Usman Jibrin’s early years reflected the values of hard work and humility that would define his later life. He attended Abuja Middle School and then Government College, Kaduna, one of northern Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools at the time.

After completing his studies, Jibrin briefly worked at Radio Television Kaduna, gaining exposure to media and communications before embarking on a military career that would place him among the pioneers of the Nigerian Air Force.

Military Training and Career

Jibrin joined the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963, just a year after its establishment. He quickly proved himself as a skilled and intelligent officer, earning opportunities for advanced training abroad.

He trained as a pilot and instructor in Canada, before proceeding to Germany for jet fighter conversion courses. He also received fighter pilot and instructor training in the Soviet Union, and later underwent staff training in the United Kingdom. This global exposure made him one of the most technically proficient officers of his generation.

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During his service, Jibrin held command positions in several Nigerian Air Force bases across the country. His leadership and professionalism earned him respect from both his peers and subordinates.

Role in the Nigerian Civil War

When the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) broke out, Jibrin was among the Air Force officers who actively participated in combat operations. In the early stages of the war, he flew smaller aircraft due to the limited air fleet available to Nigeria at the time.

As the war progressed, the Air Force began receiving more advanced jet fighters from the Soviet Union, and Jibrin transitioned into flying and training others on these sophisticated machines. His experience during the war helped shape the tactical foundation of the Nigerian Air Force in the years that followed.

The 1975 Coup and Appointment as Governor

Air Commodore Jibrin played a supportive role in the July 1975 coup that brought General Murtala Muhammed to power. His unit was responsible for providing airfield and airspace security, as well as military airlift support during the transition.

Following the success of the coup, General Murtala Muhammed announced Jibrin’s appointment as Military Governor of North-Central State (now Kaduna State) on 30 July 1975.

As governor, Jibrin focused on restoring efficiency in administration, improving infrastructure, and enhancing agricultural productivity. His tenure coincided with a period of reform-oriented governance under the Murtala/Obasanjo regime, which sought to modernise the Nigerian civil service and state institutions.

Retirement and Later Disagreements

Jibrin’s principled nature led to a major disagreement with General Olusegun Obasanjo, who succeeded Murtala Muhammed after his assassination in 1976. The conflict arose over the Federal Government’s takeover of universities and public institutions, including the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (Kaduna), which Jibrin argued were the property of the state government.

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Rather than compromise his convictions, Jibrin chose to retire from both the Air Force and governorship in 1978, marking an honourable end to his military career.

Civilian Life and Public Service

After retirement, Jibrin continued to serve Nigeria in various civilian capacities. He was appointed Chairman of the Green Revolution Committee in Benue-Plateau State, a programme aimed at boosting food production during the late 1970s.

He later served as Chairman of the Nigerian Productive Research Institute, Ilorin, and Chairman of the Jos Steel Rolling Mill, from which he resigned after uncovering “discrepancies” — a testament to his integrity.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Jibrin became deeply involved in Islamic affairs and community development. He served as:

Chairman, Nigerian Agricultural and Cooperative Bank

Chairman, Nasarawa Community Bank (2010)

Treasurer, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs

Board Member, Jaiz International Bank

Through these roles, he contributed to both national economic growth and the advancement of Islamic finance in Nigeria.

Personal Life and Death

Air Commodore Usman Jibrin was known for his modesty, discipline, and deep religious faith. He was married and had children, many of whom went on to serve in professional and public roles across Nigeria.

He passed away on 8 September 2011, aged 69, after a lifetime of service to his nation. His funeral, attended by senior military officers, political leaders, and religious figures, reflected the respect he commanded across sectors.

References:

Vanguard Nigeria, “Former Kaduna Military Governor, Air Commodore Usman Jibrin, Passes Away” (2011)

The Guardian Nigeria, “Life and Times of Air Commodore Usman Jibrin” (2011)

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Tinubu, Kaduna gov, Saraki mourn Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

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Tributes continue to pour in across Nigeria following the passing of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, with prominent political leaders describing his death as a monumental loss to the Muslim world.

The late scholar died in the early hours of Thursday.

President Bola Tinubu says he received the news of the death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi “with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss.”

The President noted that the revered cleric, who died at 101, was “a moral compass who dedicated his life to teaching and preaching.”

A Thursday statement signed by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this.

Describing the loss as “monumental not only to his family and teeming followers but also to the nation,” Tinubu recalled “the blessings and moral support he received from the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi in the run-off to the 2023 election.”

He further said, “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason. As both a preacher and a notable exegete of the Holy Quran, he was an advocate of peace and piety. His death has created a huge void.”

The President condoled with the scholar’s followers nationwide and beyond, urging them to honour his memory by upholding his teachings of “peaceful coexistence, strengthening their relationship with God and being kind to humanity.”

Also, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said he received the news “with deep sorrow”, describing the Sheikh as “an extraordinary spiritual guide whose life reflected the highest values of Islam: knowledge, humility, peace, and unity.”

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He noted that the late scholar’s teachings “shaped generations, strengthened the Tijjaniyya community, and enriched Islamic scholarship across Nigeria and beyond.”

Praying for Allah’s mercy on the scholar, the governor asked that the Almighty grant him “Al-Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family, students, and all who drew guidance from his exemplary life.”

He added that “his legacy of devotion and service to humanity will continue to illuminate our path.”

Meanwhile, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, also expressed deep sadness, describing the deceased as “a colossus of Islamic scholarship and a spiritual father to millions.”

Saraki, taking to X, noted that Sheikh Dahiru lived “a long, blessed life, spanning a century, spent wholly in the service of his Creator and the propagation of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammed.”

He highlighted the scholar’s impact on Islamic education, stating that “through his Almajiri schools and famous Tafsir sessions, he ensured that the words of the Almighty were not just recited, but imprinted in the hearts of millions of young people across our nation.”

Saraki also offered condolences to his family, the Sultan of Sokoto, the people of Bauchi State, the Tijjaniyyah adherents, and the wider Muslim Ummah.

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Minister, deputy senate president mourn Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, have mourned the passing of renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.

In a statement released on Thursday signed by his spokesman, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister expressed deep sadness over the death of the revered scholar, describing him as “a man of character and quiet service.”

Tuggar said he joined the late cleric’s family, students, and members of the Tijaniyya community in Nigeria and across the world in grieving the loss.

“The minister extends his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, the people of Bauchi State, and all those touched by his passing,” Abdulkadir said.

Tuggar hailed Sheikh Bauchi as a figure whose life was defined by devotion to community, peace, scholarship, and faith.

“The minister described the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi as a man of character and quiet service, whose life was marked by devotion to community, peace, scholarship, and faith. During his lifetime, he significantly contributed to shaping Islamic knowledge, as well as the moral and ethical standards of modern Nigeria,” he added.

The minister noted that the cleric made significant contributions to Islamic knowledge, as well as to the moral and ethical development of modern Nigeria.

He prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the scholar’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, students, and followers the strength to bear the great loss.

Similarly, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, expressed grief over the passing of the respected Islamic leader.

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In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Barau described the cleric’s death as “a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” praising his decades of dedicated service to Islam, humanity, and the global Muslim community.

He said Sheikh Bauchi influenced millions across Nigeria and beyond through his teachings, scholarship, and exemplary leadership.

The statement read, “I mourn the passing of our renowned Islamic scholar and leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, a great icon of Islamic scholarship whose light shone on millions of Muslims across Nigeria and beyond.

“Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s lifetime of service, his dedication to the Qur’an, tireless preaching, spiritual leadership of the Tijaniyya movement, and his work in establishing Qur’anic schools and humanitarian outreach changed lives and strengthened the faith of generations.

“His scholarship and commitment to advancing Islamic education and moral values were a beacon for millions. He was more than a scholar; he was a father, teacher, and guide to many.”

Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, extended his condolences to the cleric’s family, students, the Muslim Ummah, and all who benefited from his teachings.

He prayed to Allah to forgive the scholar’s shortcomings, grant him the highest ranks in Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort his family and followers.

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Dele Olojede: Nigeria’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist and Advocate for Press Freedom

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Dele Olojede, born in January 1961 in Modakeke, Nigeria, is a distinguished journalist, editor, and publisher whose career has spanned nearly four decades across more than 100 countries. He is widely celebrated as the first African recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, awarded in 2005 for his groundbreaking coverage of the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, and remains an influential voice in African and global journalism.

Early Life and Family

Olojede was born the twelfth of 28 children in Modakeke, a town in Osun State, Nigeria. He grew up in a large, vibrant family that valued education and civic engagement, laying the foundation for his future pursuits in journalism and activism.

Education and Early Career

Olojede attended the University of Lagos, where he studied journalism and became actively involved in the student union movement. During his university years, he was influenced by literary giants such as Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and Cyprian Ekwensi, as well as African writers like Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. He also explored poetry in both Yoruba and English and participated in Shakespearean theatre productions, which helped hone his storytelling skills.

In 1982, Olojede began his professional career at National Concord, a Lagos-based newspaper owned by Moshood Abiola. Concerned about the newspaper’s political influence, he left in 1984. That same year, he became one of the founding staff writers for Newswatch, working under the late Dele Giwa, Nigeria’s renowned investigative journalist. His work at Newswatch included exposing injustices, such as securing the release of musician Fela Kuti from prison through a 1986 investigative report.

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Advanced Studies and International Career

In 1987, Olojede earned a Ford Foundation scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University in New York, where he won the Henry N. Taylor Award for outstanding foreign student. He later became a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States.

Olojede joined Newsday in 1988, initially as a summer intern, and progressed to cover local news, the United Nations, and eventually serve as Africa Correspondent based in Johannesburg after Nelson Mandela’s release. Between 1996 and 1999, he served as Asia Bureau Chief in Beijing before returning to New York as Newsday’s foreign editor.

Pulitzer Prize and Notable Work

In 2004, Olojede returned to Africa to cover the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. His series, which included the widely acclaimed story “Genocide’s Child,” examined the lives of survivors, particularly children born of war crimes. The series earned him the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, marking a historic milestone for African journalists.

Return to Nigeria and Civil Journalism

After leaving Newsday, Olojede relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, with his wife and two daughters. In 2008, he returned to Nigeria to launch 234Next, a pioneering newspaper dedicated to exposing government corruption. Under his leadership, the publication upheld journalistic integrity by paying reporters a living wage and resisting political pressures. Despite its eventual closure in 2011 due to financial challenges, 234Next left a lasting impact on investigative journalism in Nigeria.

Legacy and Current Work

Beyond reporting, Olojede has played a significant role in journalism education and advocacy. He serves on the boards of EARTH University in Costa Rica and The Markup, a New York-based investigative journalism organization. He also founded and hosts “Africa In the World,” an annual festival in Stellenbosch, South Africa, designed to foster dialogue and global engagement on African issues.

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Dele Olojede’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to truth, justice, and the power of the press. From exposing injustices in Nigeria to documenting the aftermath of genocide in Rwanda, his work continues to inspire a generation of journalists and advocates across Africa and the world.

Sources:

Pulitzer Prize Official Website

Newsday Archives

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