Described as the last man standing among the frontline first republic politician, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar Tanko Yakasai OFR, has celebrated his hundred (100) years birthday (born 5 December 1926) in the enceinte city of Kano, the present Kano state.
The celebration focused on the role played by Tanko Yakasai in both politics and governance, the event which saw notable people especially among his associates, grant children notably the chairman of Kano state council of Ulama Sheik Ibrahim Khalil, prominent business man Alhaji Kabiru Sani Kwangila Yakasai, his counterpart Alhaji Bature Abdulaziz, the chief Imam to Guzabe Juma’at mosque in Abuja Imam Fu’ad Adeyemi, the former chief of staff to former president of Cameroon republic Ambassador Umar Muhammad Sani from France, veteran journalist and chief executive office of Premier Radio Kano, Alhaji Abba Dabo, former Danadalan Kano Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa, member representing Takai local government in Kano state house of assembly Alhaji Musa Ali Kachako, Alhaji Inuwa Waya, the former director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), former military governor of Niger and Plateau state among other dignitaries.
In an interview with journalists including GLOBAL TRACKER correspondent, Tanko Yakasai thank Allah who spared his life to reach 100 years, and commended people who attended the special prayers despite their schedule.
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“I thank almighty Allah who spared my life to reach this time in good health, i am grateful to people who spare their time to witness this prayer, i also thank who try to be here but they are unable to do so due to some schedule,” said Tanko Yakasai.
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, the former special adviser to former Kano state governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on media and publicity and Umar Tanko Yakasai, the special adviser to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu also appreciate the attendees for honoring their father who exemplifies purposeful life carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.
“When he was part of the executive council, he was the man who moved for the adoption of Kano state when it was cut from the Northern region which comprises states splitated from previous Kaduna, and Alhamdullilah now Kano it is what it is,” said Salihu
Asked about what kept his father strong despite age, Salihu said “Many people ask him the same question but he used to give two reasons but for me there are three reasons, “firstly he used to say genetically that is how his father too is because both of his parents live over hundred years of age, secondly is every night he go to sleep there is nothing to stop him from sleeping no matter how tragic is or how exciting the event turn to, and to me there is another and the third one which is his diet, Baba don’t eat all this very sugary food materials, though once in a while, he takes little, but what he used to eat help greatly on his health”.
During the first, second and early third republic, Tanko Yakasai is disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation.
As a young man, Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.
His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.
In the aftermath of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development.
He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.
In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria.
He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.
During the time, a special prayer was conducted due to insecurity rocking Kano state and Nigeria at large.