JIGAWA STATE AT 35
Saluting the Founding Fathers, Leaders, and People of Jigawa State on the 35th Anniversary of the Creation of Jigawa State
27th August 1991 – 27th August 2026
On this solemn and historic occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the creation of Jigawa State, the Government and Good People of Jigawa State give gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful, for His mercy, guidance and protection over the State and its People.
On 27th August 1991, Jigawa State was created by the Federal Military Government under the leadership of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, as part of a historic restructuring of the federation to bring governance closer to the people and promote more balanced development. Carved out of the old Kano State, Jigawa began its journey with Dutse as its capital and with a people united by history, purpose, faith, culture, enterprise and a shared aspiration for peace, progress and development.
This anniversary is a solemn moment of thanksgiving, remembrance, renewed hope and commitment. It offers an opportunity to salute the patriots whose vision, advocacy, sacrifice and public service made the birth and consolidation of Jigawa State possible.
Special tribute is paid to the founding fathers, elder statesmen, community leaders, public servants, professionals, women and youth leaders, civil society organizations, development partners and all men and women of goodwill who believed that the people of this land deserved a State through which their hopes and aspirations could find fuller expression.
With gratitude, Jigawa State acknowledges the services of all those, living and departed, who have had the privilege of leading the State since its creation, including the pioneer Military Administrator, Major-General Olayinka Sule, psc, dss, mni; the first elected civilian Governor, Alhaji Ali Sa’ad Birnin-Kudu; subsequent military administrators and civilian governors, including Brigadier General Ibrahim Aliyu, Colonel Rasheed Alade Shekoni, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Zakariya Maimalari, Alhaji Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, Alhaji (Dr.) Sule Lamido, CON and Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni; as well as deputy governors, legislators, judges, commissioners, heads of service, permanent secretaries, local government leaders and civil servants who have contributed in different capacities to the growth of the State.
The government and people of Jigawa State also salute the traditional institutions and royal fathers across the emirates of Hadejia, Kazaure, Gumel, Ringim, and Dutse, together with all districts, village, and ward heads, ulamas, and the community leaders who have continued to serve as custodians of heritage, guardians of peace, and bridges between government and the people.
From the earliest days of institution-building to the present, Jigawa has advanced through the steady labour of its people. Farmers, traders, teachers, health workers, artisans, scholars, entrepreneurs, security personnel, religious leaders, and public officers, and many others, have all helped define the character of a State known for peace, resilience, discipline, and unity of purpose for the progress and development of the State.
As Governor, I recognise that the greatest tribute we can pay to our founding fathers and past leaders is not merely to remember their names, but to keep faith with their ideals and exemplary leadership. Those ideals require us to preserve peace, strengthen justice, expand opportunity, care for the vulnerable, protect public resources, respect our elders, invest in our young people, and build institutions that will outlive us.
The 35th Anniversary is therefore a moment for thanksgiving, reflection, remembrance and renewed commitment. It is a time to honour yesterday, serve today and prepare for tomorrow. It is a time to recommit ourselves to the continued pursuit of a greater Jigawa: peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, disciplined, knowledge-driven, and anchored in the values that have sustained our people for generations.
The Government of Jigawa State therefore solicits the continued understanding, patience, and support of the good people of Jigawa State as the current administration pursues its transformative agenda for a Greater Jigawa, anchored in sustainable development, socioeconomic well-being, peace, and prosperity for all.
On behalf of the government and good people of Jigawa State, I extend heartfelt appreciation to all our founding fathers, past leaders, royal fathers, elder statesmen, civil servants, and citizens at home and in the diaspora. May Almighty Allah reward their service, forgive the shortcomings of those who have departed, strengthen those still with us, and continue to bless Jigawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live Jigawa State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
His Excellency Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA
Executive Governor of Jigawa State
Government House, Dutse
27th August 2026.
JIGAWA STATE AT 35
