As the Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara marked his 69th birthday, there were accolades from far and near as Nigerians from all walks of life sent an avalanche of goodwill messages and felicitations to honour him.
Besides family members, friends, and associates, there were accolades and encomiums from old school associations, community development groups, and erstwhile colleagues in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Old school mates in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions he attended over the years were not left out.
There was unanimity in their verdict that the retired but not tired Customs Chief is a distinguished traditional ruler, accomplished public servant and a man deeply committed to the service of his people at all times.
Maritime Bits checks reveals that Kankara was born on 1 September 1957 into the respected Nadabo family in Kankara. He has over the years built a remarkable record of service spanning education, public administration, NCS and traditional leadership.
His educational journey began at Primary School, Kankara before he proceeded to Government Secondary School Malumfashi in 1974
Thereafter, he attended Katsina College of Arts and Science, Zaria, Kaduna State in 1978, before gaining admission to the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he graduated from the Political Science Department in 1981.
It is on record that Kankara had a distinguished career in NCS, rising to the rank of Comptroller before his retirement. During his years of service, he headed various units and commands, where he demonstrated leadership, discipline, professionalism, improved revenue generation and commitment to national service.
His wealth of experience in public service has continued to be reflected in his roles and responsibilities within the traditional institution.
As the District Head of Ketare and Kanwan Katsina, he has brought to the institution years of administrative experience, exposure and leadership, further strengthening his commitment to the peace, unity and development of his people.
His 69th birthday has also provided an opportunity for several organisations and associations with which he has been associated over the years to extend their felicitations and goodwill messages. They have also acknowledged his contributions to the sustainable development of the society over the years.
Among those who have felicitated with him are members of the Malumfashi Old Boys Association, 1970–1974 Set, his former schoolmates who share a long-standing bond with him; members of Ahmadu Bllo University (ABU) Zaria 1978–1981 Set, reflecting his years at the university; members of the Association of Alumni of the National Institute (AANI), particularly holders of the distinguished mni title; and members of Customs Course 1/1982, his professional colleagues from NCS.
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ); Ketare Youth Development Association (KADEYMA); and the Ketare District Development Association (KDDA); among other friends, associates and well-wishers have continued to appreciate his contributions to society through their goodwill messages from far and near.
At 69, Kankara represents a unique blend of professional excellence, traditional leadership, institutional experience and community service. From his early education in Kankara and Malumfashi, through his studies at ABU Zaria and the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State to his distinguished career in NCS and the discharge of his roles and responsibilities in his present position as Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare, his life reflects decades of service and leadership.
Not a few have opined that as family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers continue to send their birthday felicitations, that the Almighty Allah will grant him long life, sound health, wisdom, peace and continued strength.
They also prayed that the good Lord will preserves him to witness many more years in the service of his people and humanity.
According to them, the Almighty Allah will continue to guide and protect Kankara, bless his life and leadership. May his remaining years be filled with peace, good health, wisdom, and fulfilment and enduring service to Ketare, Kankara, Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole.
