From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The death of Aliyu Modibbo Yola, son of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Alhaji Mai Borno, has raised the number of New Nigerian Newspaper (NNN) beneficiaries awaiting payment from the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) to 110. Modibbo Yola passed away on Sunday, 6 April 2025, at the Federal Medical Centre in Yola, Adamawa State, after a brief illness.
Magaji Isa Hunkuyi, a friend, announced the news on their group WhatsApp platform. He revealed that Modibbo Yola had been struggling to secure his benefits from the NSGF. “Inna lillahi wainna alaihun rajihun Aliyu Modibbo Yola died at early hours of today Sunday at Federal Medical Centre Yola. May the Almighty Allah forgive his sins and grant him Jannatul Firdausi Amin,” Hunkuyi prayed.
“He was on the NNN editorial desk and was later transferred to Yola, Adamawa state his home town as state Editor NNN after the death of his Father Alhaji Aliyu Mai Borno a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN who’s his photo is on N1000 note,” he said.
“The last time we spoken on telephone, about four days ago, he prayed that ‘may Allah help us to collect our benefits from Northern Governors with our hands,'” Hunkuyi added.
This loss sheds light on the dire circumstances faced by retired and severed NNN staff, who have waited years for their entitlements. The NSGF, chaired by Gombe State Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, reportedly raised N7 billion from selling NNN properties to settle these dues. Yet, the N2.5 billion owed to retirees remains unpaid.
Reports suggest 35 beneficiaries urgently need medical care due to their financial hardship. The NNN Elders Forum has been in talks with the Northern States’ Governors Secretariat, hinting at possible efforts to resolve the issue. However, no clear timeline has emerged, leaving retirees in limbo.
The ongoing deaths highlight the pressing need for the NSGF to release these funds and ease the suffering of those affected. Founded around 1966 by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Northern Premier and Sardauna of Sokoto, the NNN was once managed by the Federal Government. In 1996, under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Northern governors took over the once-thriving newspaper. Their failure to provide monthly subventions soon led to its collapse.