Maitama Sule

Yusuf Maitama Sule: Dan Masanin Kano (1929–2017) Yusuf Maitama Sule, known by the revered title Dan Masanin Kano, was a distinguished Nigerian politician, diplomat, businessman, farmer, and teacher who played a pivotal role in the country's pre- and post-independence political landscape. He was recognized globally for his exceptional oratorical skills and his deep commitment to Nigeria's ethical and moral development.Early Life and Education Yusuf Maitama Sule was born in 1929 in the Northern Region of Nigeria. Details regarding his early life and primary education are generally private, but he eventually pursued a career in teaching before transitioning into politics.Career Progression Maitama Sule’s political career began during the final years of the colonial era. In 1954, he was elected as a Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives from Kano. Between 1954 and 1956, he served as the Government Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives. His influence grew rapidly, leading to his appointment as the Federal Minister of Mines and Power, a position he held from 1955 until April 1965, under the administration of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Following the collapse of the First Republic, Maitama Sule served in various roles within Kano State. He was appointed as the Kano State Commissioner for Local Government from 1967 to 1972, and subsequently as the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Cultural Affairs from 1972 to October 3, 1975. In 1976, he became the nation's pioneer ombudsman when he was appointed the Federal Commissioner of Public Complaints, a role he held until 1979.Major Achievements and Diplomatic Service Maitama Sule distinguished himself internationally as Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1979 to 1983, a role to which he was appointed by President Shehu Shagari. During his tenure at the UN, he chaired the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid, vehemently opposing racial segregation in South Africa. Earlier, in 1960, he led the Nigerian delegation to the Conference of Independent African States. Upon the re-election of President Shagari in 1983, Maitama Sule returned to ministerial duties, becoming the first and only Federal Minister for National Guidance. In this position, he passionately advocated for an "ethical revolution" aimed at combating corruption and fostering moral rectitude within the country's governance and society.Current Status The Honorable Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, CFR, passed away on July 2, 2017, in a hospital in Cairo, Egypt, after suffering from pneumonia and a chest infection. He is remembered as one of Nigeria's most eloquent and respected statesmen, leaving behind a legacy as a consummate politician and a tireless advocate for ethics in public service.