By Ahmed Abdulkadir
On May 12, 2026, I join family members, friends, associates, admirers, and the good people of Sokoto and beyond in celebrating a truly remarkable milestone — the 25th anniversary of the turbaning of Mallam Nasir Ɗanladi Bako, Ph.D., OON, as the Kogunan Sokoto by the late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, CFR, on May 12, 2001.
I still remember that historic day vividly. I had just returned from the Republic of Niger after attending a workshop approved for me by the then Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mallam Nasir Ɗanladi Bako himself (my first trip abroad at the NBC). On my way back, I witnessed the colourful and dignified ceremony that formally elevated him to one of the most respected traditional titles in the Sokoto Sultanate. It was a fitting honour for a man whose life had already become synonymous with excellence, discipline, humility, and service.
The title Koguna carries a deep and fascinating historical significance. Its roots are believed to trace back to the ancient Kanuri word Kouna, which referred to an important royal personality or noble figure within the old Kanem-Borno Empire. In the Kanuri tradition, the title was historically associated with distinguished personalities entrusted with responsibility, leadership, and the defence of the realm. Over time, it evolved beyond a military designation into a revered title of honour bestowed upon individuals of proven character, wisdom, and outstanding service to society.
As centuries passed and interactions among the peoples of the Central Sudan increased through trade, scholarship, migration, and Islamic civilisation, many titles, traditions, and political institutions influenced one another across the region. The Hausa adaptation of Kouna into Koguna reflected this long history of cultural exchange between Borno and the Hausa states.
Within the context of the Sokoto Caliphate, the title acquired an even broader prestige and symbolism. The Sokoto Caliphate, founded through the historic jihad led by Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo in the early 19th century, developed one of the most sophisticated systems of administration and traditional governance in West Africa. The Caliphate incorporated titles that reflected scholarship, military responsibility, administrative competence, and loyalty to the throne. Over time, titles such as Koguna became firmly integrated into the aristocratic and administrative structure of the Sultanate.
Although the title may not have originated directly from the Sokoto Caliphate itself, it became deeply woven into the fabric of the Caliphate’s traditional institution and came to represent honour, trust, statesmanship, and service to society. In Sokoto, the holder of the title is regarded not merely as a traditional titleholder, but as a custodian of heritage, culture, and responsibility — someone expected to uphold the dignity and values associated with the Sultanate.
It is therefore significant that the late Sultan Muhammadu Maccido found Mallam Nasir Ɗanladi Bako worthy of such a distinguished honour twenty-five years ago.
Indeed, long before he became Kogunan Sokoto, Mallam Ɗanladi Bako had already earned widespread respect as an accomplished broadcaster, administrator, intellectual, and mentor. As a young student in the early 1980s, I first came to know him through the famous NTA Sokoto programme Request Time, which he produced and presented with exceptional brilliance. His eloquence, impeccable command of the English language, and professionalism left a deep impression on many of us who admired him from afar. In fact, he became one of the personalities who inspired my decision to pursue English studies at the university.
Years later, destiny brought us together professionally when he became Director General of the NBC — and my first DG at the Commission. In a system where influence and recommendations often determined opportunities, Mallam Ɗanladi Bako employed me purely on merit. He simply looked at my application and CV and minuted: “Please shortlist.” That singular act changed the trajectory of my career and remains one of the greatest demonstrations of fairness and integrity I have witnessed in public service.
His leadership style was exemplary. He recognised excellence, rewarded hard work, and treated even the most junior staff with dignity and respect. He possessed the rare ability to remember people by name across the country — from security guards and cleaners to gardeners and newspaper vendors. He was generous, humane, and deeply committed to the growth of those who worked under him.
I personally benefitted immensely from his mentorship. He encouraged me to write and publish articles, ensured I was assigned meaningful responsibilities, and openly acknowledged good performance. Even in ordinary moments, he demonstrated uncommon kindness and encouragement that left lasting impressions on many of us privileged to work with him.
Over the last twenty-five years as Kogunan Sokoto, Mallam Nasir Ɗanladi Bako has continued to embody the nobility, wisdom, and sense of service historically associated with the title. He has upheld its dignity with honour and distinction, remaining a respected figure in broadcasting, public service, traditional institution, and intellectual discourse.
Today, as we celebrate his silver jubilee as Kogunan Sokoto, we are not merely celebrating the passage of time. We are celebrating a life devoted to excellence, mentorship, integrity, and humanity. We are celebrating a distinguished administrator, a legendary broadcaster, a respected traditional title holder, and above all, a man whose impact on people’s lives continues to endure across generations.
May Almighty Allah continue to bless Mallam Nasir Ɗanladi Bako, Ph.D., OON, Kogunan Sokoto, with good health, wisdom, peace, and many more years of meaningful service to humanity and the nation.
Congratulations, Your Excellency, on 25 remarkable years as Kogunan Sokoto. Your legacy remains a source of pride and inspiration to generations.
