Yunusa Hamza
On Saturday evening precisely after 4:30PM of 5th July 2025 I received a call from my cousin- brother Bala Isyaku Farin Dutse, the Registrar of the Jigawa state College of Education Gumel, whom we depart immediately after Asr Prayers at his residence at Inuwa Dutse Housing Estate, Dan Masara, enquiring whether I am aware of what befell to the Executive Chairman Gumel Local Government?
I answered in the negative, but further reached out to my source, Abdullahi Gumel affirms that ‘Oga abin da kaji haka yake’’ I broke into tears, memorizing ‘’Innallilahi Wainnaillarir Rajiun’’ So our Leader in the Jigawa state Civil Society had gone and is no more.
Lawan Ya’u Gumel has been a household name in the Jigawa State civic space for over 39 years (1986-2025) as attested by his development godson and mentee Isa Surajo.
The track records of LY Gumel span diverse constituencies, where individuals excel and have established an umpire devoid of sentiment or ill will.
His compassion and free mindedness fetched him a lot of respect even from his foes, not talk of friends and well-wishers, here is a civil activist with no-boarder as a one time, Chairman Gumel Youth Movement-GYM, Village Development Initiative-VILDEV, Gumel Emirate Foundation.
The immediate Chairman of Gumel Local Government, before his demise, was the brain behind the emergence of the much-cherished crop of change agents within the Jigawa state political landscape, commonly referred to as ‘Experts’ and ‘Promoters,’ of which they are a part.
Chairman (as fondly called and referred by all) was an extraordinary individual whose impact resonated deeply within his community and beyond.
As a mentor, he nurtured the hearts and minds of many among the nowadays Non-State Actors, guiding them on their journeys with wisdom and grace from Giwa to Guri; then Kumsa of Birniwa to Basirka of Gwaram LGAs, there is nowhere the advocacies dividends of Comrade Lawan Gumel had not manifested or impacted tangibly or otherwise in the areas of improved health outcomes or better educational indices, which had a direct bearing on human capital development. I owe no apology to known.
Lawan was truly a gem, a person of exceptional character, integrity, and kindness. His ability to connect with people from diverse background made him a beloved figure and icon in the citizens constituency.
It is unarguable that there isn’t a political ward from the 287 that exists in Jigawa State that was created from Malam Lawan Ya’u’s magnanimity through different intervention and engagement with clear attribution to his lineage.
Infact one salient strength of the Late Chairman with his unique smile and ‘’barkwanci’’ that could light up a room and a listening ear that offered solace.
Oga Lawan made everyone feel valued and understood, so it wasn’t surprising when Gumel town stood agog and witness the large crowd of the millennium witnessing the burial of the man of all season, in fact Governor Umar Namadi spends hours against normal governance process to pay respect to departed soul of the ‘Dan Kasa Nagari’
As a nurturing mentor, Lawan Ya’u Gumel dedicated his life to empowering others. He took the time to invest in the potential of young individuals, providing them with the guidance and support they needed to become leaders.
His teachings, hands-on holding, and guidance emphasized the importance of empathy and perseverance, inspiring countless people to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the world they want to see.
He argues less and acts more, as rightly presented during the Government and Citizens’ Engagement session that happened a week back i.e. 29th June 2025.
His points are clear and direct, in his own words, ‘’ All we did are captured here (pointing to a dossier in hands), take look at it, but we (Promoters) stood firm behind Governor Umar Namadi fca.
To many and in majority Lawan was a master bridge-builder, the proudest son of the land, so much love by his community and constituency, he wore dignity like a garment, and integrity like a crown.
His departure leaves a vacuum, not only to Gumel people, his senatorial district but to the state at large and across the country.
He was a statesman and all year-round stakeholder, whose loyalty to God and to his people was unwavering fostering collaboration among different groups and communities.
He believed in the strength of unity and worked tirelessly to break down barriers, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
His efforts in peacebuilding and relationship brokering are superb and were all instrumental in promoting harmony within and beyond civic space.
The legacy of Lawan Ya’u Gumel is one of love, service, and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change. His life serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and the impact one individual can have in connecting hearts and minds.
In honouring him, we pledge (‘Promoters’) to carry forward his values of compassion, mentorship, and unity.
May his memory continue to inspire us to build bridges and light the paths for others, creating a better place and space to being for generations to come.!
Mutumin Kirki,
Halinka Nagari Yabika Chairman, Allah Yasa Ana Aljanna!
Hamza (Tafidan Farin Dutse), writes from Farin Dutse Gwaram Local Government Jigawa State
