Abubakar Habu Hashidu

Early Life and Background

Abubakar Habu Hashidu was born on April 10, 1944, in Hashidu village, located within the Dukku Local Government Area of the present-day Gombe State, Nigeria. His early life was rooted in a traditional Northern Nigerian community, characterized by strong cultural values, agricultural practices, and Islamic heritage. Growing up in a region predominantly inhabited by the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group, Hashidu was exposed to the communal ethos and leadership structures prevalent in the area from a young age. While specific details about his parents and immediate family background are not extensively documented in public records, it can be inferred that his upbringing instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility, community service, and a deep understanding of the socio-economic realities faced by rural populations in Nigeria, which would profoundly influence his later political career and policy orientations.

Education

Hashidu commenced his formal education in his hometown, attending Hashidu Primary School. He subsequently pursued his secondary education, laying the groundwork for his future academic and professional pursuits. For his higher education, Abubakar Habu Hashidu attended the prestigious Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria. ABU Zaria is renowned for its role in training Nigeria's public administrators and civil servants, equipping them with the necessary skills in governance, public policy, and management. While the specific years of his attendance and the exact qualification obtained (likely a diploma or certificate in public administration or a related field) are not always specified in public accounts, his education at such a respected institution provided him with a robust theoretical and practical foundation for a career in public service and administration, preparing him for the complex challenges of governance at both state and federal levels.

Career

Abubakar Habu Hashidu's career was marked by a steady ascent through various administrative and political roles, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to public service. He began his career in the public service of the then North-Eastern State, where he gained initial experience in government administration and policy implementation. With the creation of Bauchi State in 1976 from the old North-Eastern State, Hashidu's administrative capabilities were recognized, leading to his appointment as a Commissioner. He served as the Commissioner for Agriculture in Bauchi State, a role that allowed him to directly impact the lives of farmers and contribute to food security in the region. Later, he also held the portfolio of Commissioner for Works and Transport in Bauchi State, overseeing critical infrastructure development.

His administrative prowess eventually propelled him to the national stage during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. Hashidu served as a Federal Minister, holding two significant portfolios. He was appointed the Minister of Water Resources, a crucial role given Nigeria's dependence on water for agriculture, energy, and human consumption. In this capacity, he was involved in national water management policies, irrigation projects, and rural water supply initiatives. Subsequently, he was moved to the position of Minister of Agriculture, where he further applied his expertise and passion for agricultural development at a national level, advocating for policies aimed at boosting food production and supporting Nigerian farmers.

With Nigeria's transition to civilian rule in 1999, Abubakar Habu Hashidu entered partisan politics. He contested the governorship election in the newly created Gombe State under the platform of the All Peoples Party (APP), which later evolved into the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Hashidu emerged victorious, making history as the first civilian Governor of Gombe State. He was sworn into office on May 29, 1999, embarking on the challenging task of establishing and developing the nascent state. His administration focused on laying the fundamental infrastructure and administrative structures necessary for a functional state. He sought re-election in 2003 but was unsuccessful, losing to Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma Goje of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Despite this electoral defeat, Hashidu remained an influential elder statesman in Gombe State and Nigerian politics, offering counsel and contributing to political discourse until his passing.

Major Achievements

Abubakar Habu Hashidu's career was punctuated by several significant achievements that left a lasting impact on Gombe State and Nigeria:

• First Civilian Governor of Gombe State: His most prominent achievement was pioneering the democratic governance of Gombe State from 1999 to 2003. As the inaugural civilian governor, he faced the monumental task of building state institutions from scratch, establishing a functional civil service, and creating a framework for governance in a newly created state. His administration set the tone for the state's political and administrative trajectory.
• Foundational Infrastructure Development: During his tenure as governor, Hashidu initiated and oversaw numerous foundational infrastructure projects across Gombe State. These included the construction and rehabilitation of rural and urban roads, the establishment of new primary and secondary schools to expand access to education, and the development of healthcare facilities to improve public health services. These projects were critical for the socio-economic development of the young state.
• Contributions to Agriculture: Throughout his career, particularly as Commissioner for Agriculture in Bauchi State and later as Federal Minister of Agriculture, Hashidu was a strong advocate for agricultural development. He worked towards implementing policies that supported farmers, enhanced food security, and promoted rural development. His experience and policies helped to modernize farming practices and improve agricultural output in the regions he served.
• Water Resources Management: As the Federal Minister of Water Resources, Hashidu played a crucial role in national water management strategies. He was instrumental in overseeing various water supply projects, irrigation schemes, and dam constructions that were vital for both agricultural productivity and providing potable water to communities across Nigeria.
• Political Stability and Democratic Consolidation: Hashidu's participation in the 1999 democratic transition and his subsequent leadership as governor contributed significantly to the consolidation of democratic governance in Gombe State and Nigeria at large. He demonstrated commitment to the democratic process, even in electoral defeat.

Personal Life

Abubakar Habu Hashidu was a family man, married with children. While detailed public information about his spouse and the exact number of his children is not widely available, he was known to maintain a private personal life, consistent with many public figures in Nigeria. He was a devout Muslim, and his faith often guided his principles and public conduct. Hashidu was widely respected for his humility, integrity, and dedication to public service. He passed away on October 26, 2018, at the age of 74, after a brief illness. He was buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Hashidu, Gombe State, with numerous dignitaries and ordinary citizens attending his funeral, mourning the loss of a revered leader.

Legacy

Abubakar Habu Hashidu is remembered as a pioneering and visionary leader who laid the essential groundwork for the modern Gombe State. His legacy is multifaceted: as the state's first civilian governor, he navigated the complex challenges of establishing a new administrative entity, setting in motion its development trajectory. His contributions to agriculture and water resources, both at the state and federal levels, continue to be recognized for their long-term impact on Nigeria's food security and resource management. Hashidu was an elder statesman whose wisdom and experience were valued in political circles. His tenure as governor, though a single term, is celebrated for initiating critical infrastructure and administrative structures that facilitated Gombe State's subsequent growth. He embodied a generation of Nigerian leaders who dedicated their lives to public service, contributing significantly to the nation's development and democratic journey. His passing marked the end of an era for many in Gombe State and Northern Nigeria, but his foundational work endures as a testament to his enduring commitment to his people and country.