Jigawa State, carved from Kano State in 1991, is the eighth largest state by land area in Nigeria. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Jigawa State’s gubernatorial history, stressing both civilian governors and military administrators who have held office since the state’s creation in 1991.
You will learn about the leadership tenures of each governor, including details about their political affiliations, and terms in office.
Complete List Of Past And Current Governors Of Jigawa State
Name | Took office | Left office | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Olayinka Sule | 28 August 1991 | January 1992 | Military |
Ali Sa'ad Birnin-Kudu | January 1992 | November 1993 | SDP |
Colonel Ibrahim Aliyu | 9 December 1993 | 22 August 1996 | Military |
Rasheed Shekoni | 22 August 1996 | August 1998 | Military |
Abubakar Maimalari | August 1998 | May 1999 | Military |
Ibrahim Saminu Turaki | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | APP; ANPP |
Sule Lamido | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2015 | PDP |
Badaru Abubakar | 29 May 2015 | 29 May 2023 | APC |
Umar Namadi | 29 May 2023 | Incumbent | APC |
Who Was The First Governor Of Jigawa State?
The first governor of Jigawa State was Ali Sa’ad Birnin-Kudu. He owned the office from January 1992 to November 1993. Ali Sa’ad Birnin-Kudu was a Muslim barrister and a member of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party.
During his tenure, he played a significant role in shaping the early governance of Jigawa State. Birnin-Kudu’s leadership was the beginning of Jigawa State’s journey as an independent entity, following its creation in 1991.
His administration faced various challenges typical of a nascent state, including infrastructure development, healthcare provision, and education enhancement.
Despite the short duration of his tenure, Birnin-Kudu laid the foundation for subsequent administrations to build upon. As governor, Birnin-Kudu implemented policies aimed at improving the welfare of Jigawa State residents.
He prioritized projects that promoted economic growth and social development within the state. Birnin-Kudu’s tenure came to an end in November 1993, succeeded by J. Aliyu.
Regardless of his relatively brief time in office, his contributions to the early governance of Jigawa State remain noteworthy.
Today, Ali Sa’ad Birnin-Kudu is remembered as a key figure in the history of Jigawa State, whose leadership laid the groundwork for the state’s progress and development in subsequent years.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Jigawa State?
The current governor of Jigawa State is Umar Namadi. He was born on April 7, 1963, in Kafin Hausa, then part of the Northern Region of Nigeria.
Namadi is an accountant and a politician. He served as the deputy governor of Jigawa State from May 2019 to May 2023. Namadi’s educational background includes obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bayero University Kano in 1987.
He later became a qualified chartered accountant in 1993. Also, Namadi holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Bayero University Kano. Namadi has been involved in different professional endeavors.
He founded the Namadi, Umar & Co Chartered Accountants firm based in Kano, and he has been an active member of professional bodies such as the Nigeria Institute of Management, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and Chartered Institute of Taxation. In 2010, he attained the status of Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
Namadi has also been engaged in research, focusing on topics such as Sources and Application of Funds, Auditing a Computerized Information System, and Community Banking.
He served as the pioneer Head of the Dangote Group Management Accounts Department, where he played a big part in establishing monthly management accounts for the company.
Before his gubernatorial role, Namadi was involved in state committees on verification and validation of contracts, as well as verification and staff audits.
Who Was The First Military Governor Of Jigawa State?
The first military governor of Jigawa State was Brigadier General (retired) Olayinka Sule. He served as the Administrator of Jigawa State from August 1991 to January 1992.
Born on May 4, 1948, in Ogun State, Nigeria, Olayinka Sule played an important part in the early governance of the newly formed state.
Before he was appointed the Administrator of Jigawa State, Sule had a distinguished military career. In 1983, he served as the military attaché to the permanent mission of Nigeria to the United Nations.
His leadership skills and experience led to his promotion to the rank of Colonel. Sule’s tenure as the Administrator of Jigawa State was seen as the formative period of the state’s administration. Jigawa State was carved out from part of Kano State, and Sule was tasked with establishing its governance structure.
He handed over power to the elected civilian governor, Ali Sa’ad Birnin-Kudu, in January 1992, marking the transition to the Nigerian Third Republic.
After retiring from the army in 1996, Olayinka Sule continued to contribute to society. He became the captain of the Ikeja Golf Club and was known for his prowess in golf, winning several tournaments.