•Pomp as elder statesman turns 100

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

Elder statesman and Second Republic politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, yesterday marked his 100th birthday anniversary, expressing immense gratitude to God for the gift of long life.

The event was marked at his personal residence on Hadejia Road in Kano on Friday.

He  thanked God for granting him the privilege of a healthy and purposeful life, saying that his 100 years on earth has been fulfilling and highly  rewarding.

Yakasai shared the story of his life’s journey to the gathering, covering his early days at the Almajir School, how he acquired Western styled education at Kano Mid – school, his craft as a tailor, his days in politics and NEPU activism, including his appointment as cabinet member by the Late Police Commissioner Audu Bako on the recommendation of the Late Alhaji Aminu Kano.

Yakasai also appreciated people from different walks of life and backgrounds that have crossed his path in the journey of life, saying that he treasured their friendship and valued their shared experience.

Yakassai’s 100 years milestone was attended with excitement and celebrations across the Kano State. Saturday Sun reports that the occasion was attended by his children, grand children and great grand children as well as dignitaries from all walks of life.

It was marked by special prayers by clerics, goodwill messages from friends and relatives.

In his birthday tribute, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Yakasai as a shining example and a consensus builder, who consistently advocated national cohesion, peaceful co-existence and democratic consolidation.

“In celebrating Baba Tanko today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements but also a century of dedication to freedom and democracy and many more years of supporting me and the progressive cause,” the president said. One of his sons, Salihu Tanko Yakasai expressed thankfulness to God for sparing the life of their father to this time and prayed God to grant his father many more years on earth.  Salihu, a one –time Special Adviser on Media to the former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, said that he and his siblings were lucky to have a father like Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, noting that they learnt a lot from him in life.