Mohammed Badaru@63:Unblemished Record of Defense Taskmaster

By Zakari Kafinhausa

All he ever wanted as a child to do in life was to make a difference in other people’s lives. As a child, he thought the only way to accomplish this was to engage in a vocation where his impact would be most felt. Some decades later, Alhaji Mohammmed Badaru Abubakar CON, Mni , The Honourable Minister of Defense and former Governor of Jigawa State is doing what he always wanted to do- touch lives positively.Alhaji Mohammed Badaru famously known as Sardaunan Ringim a business tycoon turned politician/public servant who has overcome all manner of obstacles ranged on his path.

In the lives of many, birthdays are usually periods for sober reflections and stocktaking. Numerous personalities with eyes on the verdict of history use such occasions to reflect on their contributions to the betterment or otherwise of their societies. For the Mohammed Badaru , he will silently allow the occasion of his 63rd Birthday anniversary passed on 29th September 2025 in strict compliance with his natural humility and mood of the nation. But this not an ordinary man, Hon Minister Badaru is a man of destiny with unblemished public service records.

The Sardaunan Ringim is a man who has distinguished himself in the service of his beloved home state of Jigawa and indeed, Nigeria as a whole. He is man who is active and decisive who weighs intellect against intuition, he is fair and firm in his dealings, a man who encourages cooperation rather than confrontation as he works in partnership with others. He is a man who bears all that comes his way with internal grace and humour.

The story of this task master is that of triumph of the human vicissitude .His life is a proof that with strong will to succeed in life and divine nod to one’s actions, one can turn all obstacles to blessings. He is quintessence of humility, apostle of change, a revolutionary and core disciplinarian .proficient at the evolution of continuity between the past, diligently reshaping today for brighter tomorrow.

Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (CON ) was born in Babura 29 September 1962 was the 4th incumbent democratically elected Governor of Jigawa State and currently the Minister of Defense, Federal Republic of Nigeria appointed by President Bola Tinubu after an excellent scorecard as governor of Jigawa State and Chairman Presidential Committee on Fertilizer Initiative and Chairman Presidential initiative on Non-oil Revenue .

Abubakar is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained a B.Sc Accounting degree. While studying at the University, he became involved in community activism, sport and business. Badaru is also an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru which accords him the prestigious of membership of the national institute (Mni).

After his graduation he established his business, the Talamiz Group, a conglomerate with diverse interest in automobiles, manufacturing, agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as commodity distribution.

Abubakar was Vice President II of the Federation of the West Africa Chamber of Commerce and a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria. Prior to that, he was a member of the National Council on Privatization.

Badaru was former National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture(NACCIMA). He was elected in 2015 as the Executive Governor of Jigawa State and after a sterling performance he was reelected in 2019.He is one of the influential power brokers in his party (APC) and chairs the party’s committee on contact and strategy with the sole responsibility of attracting members to the party and designing a winning strategy for 2023 elections.

In recognition of his hard work, philanthropic activities and community engagement, Abubakar was conferred with the traditional title of Sardaunan Ringim in Ringim emirate and Walin Jahun in Dutse emirate councils respectively. He was also conferred with the national honour of the Commander Of The Order Of Niger (CON) by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Badaru is an extra ordinary international business mogul and pragmatic political tactician who has overcome all manner of obstacles ranged on his path .People have criticized his guts and sometimes daring business and political adventure , but he has the knack for succeeding in virtually all enterprises he has embarked upon in life.

Badaru has transformed the once sleepy state into a hub of activities .He has given the Jigawa person a new sense of identity –one that is based on the “can –do” spirit and a deep appreciation of his place in the Nigerian scheme of things .He has shown that government can indeed be a force for good and that a peoples’ spirit can be lifted and the wings of their dreams can soar above and beyond conventional though and beliefs.

The level of infrastructural development, the road network, the education change agenda, the numerous other people –centric initiatives that dot the landscape have won him plaudits and acclaim both home and abroad.

The Mohammed Badaru Defence Ministry’s led Operation Fasan Yama and other ongoing military efforts in different theatres nationwide are driving forces behind improved security across several regions.

The Impressive results so far recorded by the security agencies: 13,543 terrorists and bandits neutralized, 17,500 arrested, 9,821 hostages rescued, and 24,000 terrorists surrendered. These aren’t just numbers. These are lives saved, villages reclaimed, and communities restored.
Indeed, a remarkable return to normalcy in many parts of the Northeast and Northwest: Markets are back. Farms are productive again. We’ve seen Fulani, Hausa, and other communities rebuilding trust. The progress is real and visible.

Looking forward, Mohammed Badaru affirmed: “This President is not making empty promises. He’s building the institutions, the morale, the partnerships, and the firepower to secure Nigeria. We are not relenting. The goal is total victory over insecurity by the end of 2025, and we are on track.”

He called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and united: “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re laying a solid foundation. Neutral observers will tell you that we’ve made real progress. The President’s commitment is unwavering.”

By any benchmark one deploys to assess him, and in whatever clime in our firmament of the planet earth, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni , is a stunning success, a unique gift to Jigawa & Nigeria and he deserve to be celebrated by all and sundry within the Nigerian geography as he turned 63 years in the service to the people .

Kafinhausa wrote in from Jigawa State.