By Gambo Abdullahi, Lafia

History found its voice on Wednesday, 30th September, 2026, at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Government House, Lafia.

At the prestigious Award Night organized to commemorate 30 years of the creation of Nasarawa State, one of the state’s founding fathers, Alhaji Yakubu Muhammad Aliyu, OON, the Ubandoman Lafia, popularly known as Mai-Sule, was honoured.

The 86-year-old elder statesman, whose courage and intellect contributed to the creation of the state, was unavoidably absent due to advanced age. The award was received on his behalf by family members led by his son, Ahmad Yakubu Muhammad, the Yandakan Lafia and Commissioner for Planning and Budget.

Born in 1939 into the Dalla Royal House of Angwan Doka, Lafia, as grandson of the 11th Emir of Lafia, Mai-Sule’s life has been a blend of royalty and merit.

He started his education at Lafia Elementary School in 1944, and was among the seven pupils selected from the entire Lafia Division to attend Katsina Ala Middle School from 1949 to 1953. He later obtained his Grade II Certificate at Teachers Training College, Ilorin, between 1954 and 1958.

He began his teaching career in 1958 at Lafia Senior Primary School, now Government Science Secondary School, Lafia. In 1962, he was selected for a special programme in Educational Management and Local Government Administration at the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated as Overall Best Student – a feat published by the Nigerian Citizen Newspaper in June 1963.

He served as Planning and Development Officer at the Ministry of Education Headquarters, Kaduna, where he supervised teacher education and secondary schools in Northern Nigeria. His recommendations led to the upgrading of Senior Primary Schools to secondary schools in Lafia in 1966/67, as well as in Gboko, Mubi, Maiduguri and Sokoto.

After the creation of Benue-Plateau State, he served in various capacities, including as Planning Officer for Education, Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Divisional Officer for Lowland and Tiv Divisions, and later as Permanent Secretary from 1972 to 1978.

He was also General Manager of the Benue-Plateau Bus Service before voluntarily retiring on 28th December, 1978, with an unblemished record.

A custodian of tradition, he has held several traditional titles, including Zanna of Lafia, Magajin Garin Lafia, and now Ubandoman Lafia.

Having witnessed two previous state creation exercises, Mai-Sule became a leading intellectual force in the agitation for the creation of Nasarawa State, preaching unity and peaceful coexistence.

At 86, his life remains a reference point for integrity, selfless service and visionary leadership.

For many, honouring Mai-Sule at 30 is honouring the very soul of Nasarawa State itself.