Umaru Tanko Al-Makura

Early Life and Background

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura was born on July 11, 1952, in Kwandare, a small community located within the Lafia Local Government Area of present-day Nasarawa State, Nigeria. His early life was rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the region, where he was exposed to the realities of community development and governance from a young age. Growing up in a period of significant political and social change in Nigeria, Al-Makura developed an early interest in public service and societal upliftment, driven by a desire to contribute positively to his community and the nation at large. His foundational experiences in Kwandare instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the welfare of the people.

Education

Al-Makura's educational journey began at the Central Primary School, Keffi, where he received his early formal education from 1959 to 1965. Following his primary schooling, he proceeded to the Government Secondary School, Lafia, attending from 1966 to 1971, where he completed his secondary education. Demonstrating academic promise, he further pursued higher secondary education at the Government College, Makurdi, from 1971 to 1972, obtaining his Higher School Certificate (HSC). This period of his education provided him with a strong academic foundation and broadened his intellectual horizons. He then gained admission to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, one of Nigeria's premier institutions of higher learning. From 1972 to 1975, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura dedicated himself to his studies, earning a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree in History. His university education not only equipped him with a deep understanding of historical contexts and analytical skills but also prepared him for a career in public service and leadership.

Career

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura's career trajectory is marked by diverse experiences spanning education, media, private business, and an extensive political career. After graduating from Ahmadu Bello University, he briefly served as a teacher at Government College, Makurdi, contributing to the education of young Nigerians. His passion for communication and public discourse led him to a stint in the media industry, where he worked as a broadcaster at the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria (BCNN) and later with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). These roles honed his communication skills and provided him with insights into public information dissemination.

Transitioning into the private sector, Al-Makura established his own enterprise, Al-Makura Nigeria Limited, a diversified company engaged in various sectors including construction, import and export, and general contracts. This venture allowed him to develop significant business acumen, management skills, and an understanding of economic development challenges and opportunities. His success in the private sector provided him with the financial independence and strategic experience that would later prove invaluable in his political career.

Al-Makura's political journey commenced early in Nigeria's Second Republic (1979-1983), where he served as the Youth Leader of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the then Plateau State (Nasarawa State was carved out of Plateau State in 1996). This early involvement provided him with a foundational understanding of party politics and grassroots mobilization. In the early 1990s, he served as the Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in old Plateau State, further solidifying his political credentials. He also served as a member of the Constitutional Conference from 1994 to 1995, a critical period in Nigeria's political history, which gave him national exposure and experience in policy formulation. He was a founding member of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) in Nasarawa State. His ambition to lead Nasarawa State became evident when he contested for the governorship in 2007 under the ANPP platform, though he was unsuccessful in that attempt.

His persistence paid off in 2011 when he successfully contested and was elected as the Governor of Nasarawa State under the banner of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a significant victory that ended the dominant People's Democratic Party's (PDP) hold on the state. He was re-elected for a second term in 2015 under the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), serving until 2019. After completing his two terms as governor, Al-Makura was elected as the Senator representing the Nasarawa South Senatorial District in the 2019 general elections, serving in the 9th National Assembly until 2023. In 2022, he also put himself forward as a candidate for the National Chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), demonstrating his continued influence and ambition within the national political sphere, though he later withdrew from the race.

Major Achievements

As Governor of Nasarawa State for eight years (2011-2019), Umaru Tanko Al-Makura championed numerous developmental initiatives that significantly impacted the state. His administration focused heavily on infrastructure development, constructing hundreds of kilometers of urban and rural roads, including strategic links like the Lafia-Doma road and extensive internal road networks in major towns. He initiated and completed several urban renewal projects, including modern markets such as the Lafia International Market, and introduced street lighting projects to enhance security and aesthetics. A notable project was the commencement of the Nasarawa State Cargo Airport, aimed at boosting economic activities and agricultural exports.

In education, Al-Makura's government made substantial investments. While Nasarawa State University, Keffi, was established before his tenure, he significantly enhanced its facilities and expanded its academic programs. He established a School of Health Technology, upgraded numerous primary and secondary schools, built new classroom blocks, and provided essential learning materials. His administration also implemented policies to provide free education for physically challenged students and ensured timely payment of scholarships to indigent students.

His commitment to healthcare saw the construction and renovation of several general hospitals and primary healthcare centers across the state, alongside the provision of modern medical equipment and the recruitment of qualified healthcare professionals, thereby improving access to quality healthcare services for the populace. In public service reform, Al-Makura introduced biometric verification for civil servants to eliminate ghost workers and improve efficiency, while also implementing the new national minimum wage to enhance worker welfare. He also launched various youth empowerment and skill acquisition programs to address unemployment and foster self-reliance among the youth.

One of his significant achievements was his ability to navigate and survive an impeachment attempt by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2014. Despite facing allegations of gross misconduct and financial impropriety, a seven-man investigative panel cleared him of all charges, underscoring his political resilience and public support.

Personal Life

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is a devout Muslim and a family man. He is married to Hajiya Mairo Al-Makura and Hajiya Salamatu Al-Makura, and they are blessed with numerous children. While specific details about his children are not widely publicized in line with personal privacy, his family life is an important aspect of his public persona. He maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing his public engagement on his political and developmental endeavors. He is known for his calm demeanor and strategic approach to challenges.

Legacy

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura's legacy is primarily defined by his transformative leadership as the Governor of Nasarawa State. He is widely remembered as the 'architect of modern Nasarawa' due to the unprecedented level of infrastructure development witnessed during his two terms. His focus on expanding access to quality education and healthcare facilities has left a lasting impact on the state's human capital development. Furthermore, his political journey, marked by his successful challenge to the incumbent party in 2011 and his subsequent re-election and senatorial bid, cemented his reputation as a formidable and astute political strategist. His ability to survive a politically charged impeachment attempt further highlighted his resilience and grassroots support. Al-Makura's contributions have significantly shaped the socio-economic and political landscape of Nasarawa State, establishing a benchmark for governance and development.