…President Buhari, Jigawa Gov, NatureNews publisher mourn
First class Emir of Dutse and environmentalist, Alhaji (Dr.) Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, died yesterday at the age of 78 years.
The Emir, who was Chairman of Advisory Board of NatureNews newspaper, passed away at about 5pm on Tuesday, January 31, at a private hospital in Apo District, Abuja, after a period of illness.
His remains, which was deposited at the morgue of Apo Legislators Quarters’ central mosque, will be air freighted to Dutse on Wednesday, February 1, for the Islamic funeral prayers and burial slated for 1pm.
Senior Special Assistant to Jigawa State Governor on New Media, Auwalu Sankara confirmed the demise of the Emir in a statement he issued last night.
In a condolence message to the Government and people of Jigawa State last night, President Muhammadu Buhari said the late monarch was recognised as one of Northern Nigeria’s modernising leaders and a grassroots monarch who was loved by all.
In the statement signed by his media aide, Garba Shehu, President Buhari said the late Emir Sanusi was instrumental to the progress Dutse had achieved in the last three decades under his watch.
Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, in his condolence message, described the late Emir as a “true leader and a respected figure in the community, known for his wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of his people.”
Governor Badaru extolled the late Emir’s contributions to the growth and development of Dutse, Jigawa State capital, and the positive impact he had on the Dutse communities, adding that the late Emir’s legacy would live on through the countless lives he touched.
Also in a statement last night, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, described the death of Emir Sanusi as a devastating personal loss.
“He was my mentor and motivator, and a great pillar of support for NatureNews since the newspaper was launched on October 1, 2020”, he said.
Alhaji Akoshile said the late Emir was an environmentalist par excellence who committed enormous resources to nature conservation and gigantic projects on climate mitigation including the massive afforestation and creation of biodiversity sanctuary in his domain.
He described Emir Sanusi as “an exceptionally pleasant royal father who radiated love and exuded goodwill to all and sundry which enabled him to discharge the weighty burden of leadership to humanity”.
He was Chairman of the public lecture marking the first anniversary of NatureNews and presentation of the Hero of Environment Actions for Development (HEAD) awards in 2021. The Emir returned to Abuja for the second anniversary lecture two weeks ago, but he could not attend due to ill health.
Born in 1945 at Yargaba village in Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sanusi attended Dutse Elementary School from 1952 to 1956.
After his post primary education, he obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and later a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in International Business from Ohio University, United States of America.
He later obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Project Planning and Analysis from Bradford University, United Kingdom.
Dr. Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi was the Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Sokoto and a passionate benefactor to many indigent students in all tiers.
An exemplary thought leader in the global quest for a sustainable living environment, Emir Sanusi was a lead advocate for afforestation and the green ecosystem in his expansive traditional domain. It was this commitment to mitigating th effect of climate change that prompted him to build the Dutse Royal Golf Course which is reputed to be one of the largest in Nigeria, with lush vegetation, exotic flora and rare fauna.
Before he ascended the exalted throne, Dr. Sanusi had acquired substantial experience in agricultural consultancy and management of complex industrial projects around the continents.
He had a passion for travelling and meeting people and was highly sought-after for intellectual discourse on comtemporary national and international issues, leading to his published works, including his autobiography and the highly insightful History of Dutse.
His Highness Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi was a delegate to the 2014 Nigeria’s National Conference, and he was one of the silent influencers who spent time helping to build bridges of goodwill across the Nigerian nation.
The late monarch carried the traditional garb with so much grace even as he spent time pursuing his passionate for the game of golf.