Sidi Ali: A veteran journalist from a northern media family, By Gidado Y. Shuaib

Farewell to a titan of Nigerian journalism and politics, Alhaji Sidi Ali. Your legacy endures, casting a guiding light for generations to come. Rest in peace, knowing that your contributions to our nation shall forever be remembered.

“Zamu Daura ma auren dole!” Hajiya Hakama Sidi Ali thundered over the phone after I answered her call. In Hausa, this translates to “We’re going to find you a wife and force you to marry her!”

Hajiya Hakama Sidi Ali’s warmth and forthright manner have been a constant source of guidance and inspiration since I received a surprise birthday gift from her in 2016. She is candid and principled, yet consistently maintained a cheerful and pleasant disposition. These qualities were often mentioned by my father, who was her classmate at Bayero University Kano in the early ’90s.

Rather than adopting the entitled attitudes of privileged upbringing, Hakama and her siblings, led by her elder brother Hamid Sidi-Ali, embraced simplicity, humility, and amiability — traits inherited from their father. Their family ethos also included a touch of radicalism against injustice.

Her father, Alhaji Sidi Ali, was a former journalist and politician who died on 25 April at the age of 86. As a member of the Sharifai clan, which traces its ancestry to the illustrious Islamic scholar, Al-Maghili, Sidi Ali also came from a prominent media family in Northern Nigeria.

The family’s commitment to media excellence has left an indelible mark on the region’s history and culture. Notable relatives include Alhaji Sidi Mohammed Ali, who worked with the Hausa Service of Voice of Ghana and later headed the Hausa Service of Voice of Nigeria (VON); Alhaji Sidi Ali Sirajo, a respected Civil War correspondent and former managing director of Triumph and New Nigerian Newspapers; and Ibrahim Sidi Ali, who contributed significantly to broadcasting at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and also served as chief press secretary to the late Governor Sabo Bakin Zuwo of Kano.

Born in Kano on 15 July, 1938, Alhaji Sidi Ali’s journey began amidst his father’s thriving cattle and agricultural business ventures, as a youth leader of the Nigerian community in Ghana. The educational path of the then young boy took him from Shahuci Primary School to Rumfa College, where he befriended future leaders, Ado Bayero and Murtala Mohammed.

Sent to Ghana for higher education, Sidi Ali’s immersion in radical politics led to his expulsion, propelling him into a transformative phase. Under the sponsorship of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, his academic pursuits abroad eventually culminated in his education at New York University; Merced College, California; and Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and held a diploma in Personnel Administration and Industrial Relations.

In 1979, Sidi Ali joined the socialist People’s Redemption Party (PRP), led by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, and was elected to the Federal House of Representatives, representing Dambatta Federal Constituency. His re-election in 1983 saw him represent Gezawa Federal Constituency. Sidi Ali’s prominence mirrored his principled stance in both journalism and politics.

A versatile journalist and prominent Pan-Africanist, Sidi Ali served as an assistant information officer at the historic All-African People’s Conference in Accra in 1958 and was actively involved in the pioneering work that led to the founding of the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) in 1963.

Upon his return to Nigeria, Sidi Ali transitioned into the civil service and played a significant role in shaping the government’s narrative throughout the Nigerian Civil War. He worked at the Nigerian International Press Centre, Federal Ministry of Information, among other strategic positions.

In 1979, Sidi Ali joined the socialist People’s Redemption Occasion (PRP), led by the slack Mallam Aminu Kano, and became as soon as elected to the Federal House of Representatives, representing Dambatta Federal Constituency. His re-election in 1983 saw him symbolize Gezawa Federal Constituency. Sidi Ali’s prowess mirrored his principled stance in every journalism and politics. His actions as a member of the House of Representatives, including an incident bright a gun, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and accountability. His opponents on the full portrayed him as a controversial public resolve attributable to his unwavering stance and outspoken nature all the procedure thru the 2d Republic.

A contemporary of Chief MKO Abiola and Senator Olusola Saraki in politics, as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, Sidi Ali fearlessly challenged societal norms and advocated for justice and accountability.

His literary prowess is evident in 19 printed books and a large number of articles that he wrote, which often urged serious reflection and compassionate action. Some of his notable works include A Journey to Timbuktu (1965), Corruption in High Society and The Power of Power on Muhammad Ribadu, Former Defence Minister (1982).

Through his writings and speeches, Sidi Ali leaves a legacy of unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and compassionate action. Some of his most controversial books include Political Fraud of the Nigerian Elites, Nigeria’s Relations with Israel, WAI as an Ideology for Just Rectitude and Tarka: A Victim of Political and Sectional Blackmail, which faced a ban by the then military administration.

His extensive travels and experiences shaped his affinity for journalism and communication, making him a good used of the media industry. It became as soon as now not dazzling that a number of of his childhood are equally Mass Conversation graduates, whereas others are into the acceptable, accountancy and other professions.

The passing of Alhaji Sidi Ali resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark not only within familial circles but also across the nation. His legacy — a tapestry woven with wisdom and compassion — serves as a beacon amid turbulent landscapes.

Following his father’s legacy, Sidi Ali devoted his life to dispute resolution and the reconciliation of aggrieved parties. He also transformed his homes in Obalande, Lagos and Kano into havens for counselling, relief, and accommodation of stranded and downtrodden Nigerians.

His family legacy, intricately woven into Nigeria’s societal fabric, continues through his children, who embody his values and contribute significantly to various professions and fields, enriching the Sidi Ali family’s impact on Nigeria’s public discourse.

The passing of Alhaji Sidi Ali resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark not only within familial circles but also across the nation. His legacy — a tapestry woven with wisdom and compassion — serves as a beacon amid turbulent landscapes.

Alhaji Sidi Ali held board appointments, serving as a commissioner at the Nigerian Broadcast Commission (NBC), a member of the board of NDLEA and that of the Presidential Panel on Gas Scarcity. He also served as a member of the 2014 National Conference (Confab), among many other bodies.

Beyond accolades, Sidi Ali’s legacy transcended professional spheres. Throughout his life, he remained a steadfast servant to Nigeria, honoured for his integrity, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice.

Farewell to a titan of Nigerian journalism and politics, Alhaji Sidi Ali. Your legacy endures, casting a guiding light for generations to come. Rest in peace, assured that your contributions to our nation shall forever be remembered.

Gidado Yushau Shuaibthe creator of YouthDigest and Data Digest, is the Convener of annual Campus Journalism Awards (CJA) writes from Abuja.