RABI’UL-THANI 28, 1429 A.H
MONDAY, MAY 5 2008
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Life and time of Coomassie
By L. ABBAS FUNTUA
“Malam Ahamadu Coomassie was a nationalist of immense character. He was devoid of sectionalism and religious bigotry…His selfless attitude and integrity marked him out as a unique personality even those days when Nigeria was still blessed with public officers who served with transparency, integrity and honesty…”
-Former Head of State, Dr. (Gen.) Yakubu Gowon, GCFR
This is a quote from a forward to a book titled: Integrity and selfless service, the life and times of Alhaji Ahmadu Coomassie, co-authored by the duo of Malam Muhammad kabir Sani and Malam Dahiru Coomassie. The book is an account of the life and personality of Malam Ahmadu Coomassie, an educationist, a pioneer technocrat, a captain of industry, an elder stateman and a former and permanent secretary, ministry of education in the Northern region.
The book was launched amidst fanfare Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Banquet Hall of Arewa House, Kaduna. It was a gathering of who is who as former Head of State, ministers, governors, academics, scholars and members of the business community attended the launching.
All arrangements meticulously put together, the event kick started with an opening prayer from Malam Nasir Adam, while Alhaji Sa’idu Barda, former Katsina state governor and chairman of the launching committee, delivered the welcome address.
In his characteristic humorous disposition and oratory remarks, Dan Masanin Kano and former Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, who is also the guest speaker, went down memery lane and recalled with nostalgia the good old days of the government of the Northern region led by the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, which he described as heaven on earth.
Dan Masanin Kano also recalled that late Ahmadu Coomassie’s parents migrated to Kumasi, Ghana, where his father, Malam Sallau, distinguished himself as a community leader and subsequently became Sarkin Zangon Hausawa where influence even superceded that of the emir of Kumasi.
When Ahmadu Kumasi was enrolled in school, he added, he only spent three years and was appointed pupil teacher. Dan Masani further recalled that Ahmadu Coomassie displayed unique quality of service and humility, saying for instance, after independence, he declined the Office of the Secretary ot the Premier and Head of the Northern Nigeria Civil Service.
Dan masanin Kano concluded his remark with an advice for Nigerians to emulate the likes of sir Ahmadu Coomassie character if at all we want solution to the myriad of problems facing the nation.
Former minister of defence, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma who also spoke on the occasion described Ahmadu Coomassie as a man of integrity who worked selflessly toward the development of the Northern region. He said people of Coomassie’s character should not be forgotten just like that onsidering his immense contribution in all sectors of our development.
Reviewing the book, Dr. Abubakar Siddiq Muhammad from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the ideas put forward in the book, makes it worthy reading. He, however, lamblasted the present crop leaders for their inability to imbibe the lesson of life from people like Ahmadu Coomassie.
Other speakers at the occasion were Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi, Maradin Katsina and Prof. Ango Abdullahi, former Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Launching the book, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, chairman AFDIN Group of Companies who is also the chief launcher, stressed the need for having books of this nature which could serve as source of inspiration for younger generations yet unborn.
He bought a copy of the book for N5million and presented a check for the money on the spot.
Gen. T. Y. Danjuma bought the book for N1million, Alhaji Umar Mutallab N5million, Alhaji Abdul’Aziz Maigoro N200,000, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari N50,000.
In a vote of thanks, Sardaunan Katsina, Garkuwan Hausa, and former Inspector General of Police, who is also the eldest son in the family, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie expressed gratitude to all those who contributed towards making the event a reality. He particularly thumbed up those who attended the launching despite their respective tight schedules, especially people like M. D. Yusuf, former inspector general of police and members of launching organizing committee.
Sardaunan Katsina also said that if their late father is alive, he would have clocked 100 years on the day of the launching attended by many, despite other important events that took place same day in Kaduna, Katsina and Daura.
Important dignitaries at the launching include President Umaru Musa Ya'adua, represented by Dr. Abba Sayyadi Ruma, minister of agriculture and water esources; Alhaji Surajo Danyaro Dan Mari, Katsina state deputy governor who stood in for Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema; Governor Namadi Sambo, represented by his deputy; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji M.D. Yusuf and Gen Muhammadu Buhari.
Others were Malam Nuhu Ribadu, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Prof. Ango Abdullahi, former Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria; Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan masanin Kano; Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, former Defence minister;Alhaji Adamu Fika, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, families of late Ahmadu Coomassie led by Sardaunan Katsina, Aljahi Ibrahim A. Coomassie.
Abbas wrote in from Katsina
