Tinubu Mourns Bamanga Tukur, Hails ‘Man of Big Ideas’ as Former Gongola Governor Dies at 90

President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of elder statesman, businessman and former governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who died on Saturday at the age of 90.

Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, was described by President Tinubu as a towering figure whose remarkable career left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political, economic and business landscape.

In a condolence message, Tinubu said Tukur’s death marked the end of a significant chapter in the country’s history, noting that the deceased distinguished himself in public administration, governance, politics, industry and pan-African business leadership.

Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority between 1975 and 1982, where he played a role in modernising port operations and advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He later ventured into politics during the Second Republic and was elected governor of the old Gongola State in 1983. The state was subsequently divided into present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.

Tukur also made significant contributions to the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests spanning manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.

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He served as Minister of Industries under the military administration of General Sani Abacha between 1993 and 1995.

At the continental level, Tukur championed African economic development. He served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, where he advocated greater intra-African trade, private sector growth and sustainable development.

He also served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from March 2012 to January 2014.

Tinubu described Tukur as an urbane and generous statesman whose life was defined by integrity, service and enterprise.

“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear.

“He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” the President said.

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Tinubu extended his condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate, the government and people of Adamawa State, as well as Nigeria’s political and business communities and Tukur’s associates across Africa.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and comfort his family and all those mourning his death.