TRIBUTE:MALLAM DAN'AZUMI KUDARU

In the entirety of the stretch of the history of the Akurmi nation till this very point in time; there are just a handful of personalities that have attained a height of excellence and well deserved prominence.  Among this exclusive category was a rare gem who was an epitome of competence and dogged determination, ladies and gentlemen permit me to introduce a teacher, father,  scholar, leader, and an inspiring role model, Mallam Dan’Azumi Kudaru. His life was a story of many tales of  determination, focus, selflessness and resilience in the face of the most daunting challenges life can throw at any individual.

The persistent cry of a baby and the hysterical outburst of shouts of joy that followed in 1934 at Anguwar Maiyamma, Yarkasuwa-Kudaru ( present-day Lere local government of Kaduna state)signaled the entrance of a man of greatness and vast accomplishment  who totally dedicated himself to positively impacting and serving humanity, his family and profession, in many ways that is worthy of our  visitation. Legacies always succinctly retell the story of men and women of greatness and achievements which naturally invokes the spirit of inspiration, determination and zeal to serve humanity in the reader. This is one among the many reasons why this medium has been used to recap into the life of this community builder; so especially young people can learn and emulate some of the qualities that stood this colossus ahead of his contemporaries.

His sojourn into greatness kick started in 1942 when he enrolled into Maiyamma Elementary School; from that point in time he never looked back, because he was propelled by his focused passion for both education and the unshakeable desire to become a teacher. His determined pursuit saw him attend the following institutions of learning such as: Toro Vernacular Teachers College (V.T.C) TC Grade 4 (1945-1948), Bauchi Teachers Training College (TC Grade 3) (1951-1952), Katsina Higher Teachers Training College (HTTC) TC Grade 2 (1955-1956), University of Bristol England (England) Institute of Education (Teacher Professional Certificate) (1962-1963), University of Leeds England (Diploma Education) (1970-1971), and the University of Wisconsin U.S.A (B.Sc. Education) (1973-1974).

From a personal point of reference; even with the fact that only on few occasions I had come in contact with this personality of legendary status, I grew up hearing inspiring stories of his exploits from my dad, especially in the area of how he persistently encouraged most of our present-day elites to pursue education to the highest level. From these stories I was able to comprehend that he was an epitome of what true leadership should be, that is why I make bold to say that very few of our elites today can compare, he is truly our own Sarduana. His legacies have triggered me in the direction of always being selfless and dedicated to uplifting humanity.

His public service track record is impeccable as well as meritorious; his professional career spanned a period of approximately 45 years, he started as a Teacher at Elementary School Jankasa, Zango Kataf (1949-1950). Afterwards he became headmaster at the following schools; Elementary School Jankasa Zango Kataf (1953), Junior Primary School Zonkwa (1954), Junior Primary School, Bissallah Yarkasuwa (1957).  He then went back to the classroom from 1958-1960 at Soba Boarding Senior Primary, and later went to Babban Dodo Senior Primary School, Zaria City between 1960-1961 (at the same period he was the Chairman Northern Teachers Association, Zaria Branch).

From 1963-1964, he further became the headmaster at Soba Senior Boarding primary school. Afterwards, he left the classroom to serve as Assistant Inspector of Education Grade 2 Jos from 1964-1965, and then he headed in 1966 to Kaltungo Bauchi as Assistant Inspector of Education Grade 1. He then moved to Gombe HTTC as a tutor from 1966-1967. Again in 1968, he became the Inspector of Education, Funtua, and subsequently in 1969 the Inspector of Education, Kafanchan. In 1970 he was elevated to the position of Area Inspector of Education, Zaria province. From this point in time, he held different significant positions at the state level from 1975 to 1987 when he voluntarily retired. This include: C.E.O special duties Kaduna Local Government, Inspector of Schools Kaduna State Government, Deputy Director (Higher Education) Ministry of Education, Kaduna state, Deputy Director Anchau zone, Deputy Director (Primary) Ministry of Education, Kaduna State.

Due to his impeccable and high leadership qualities, he held other appointments in Kaduna state government, where he executed his responsibilities meritoriously and credibly. The posts he occupied included: First Interim Chairman at the creation of Saminaka Local Government (now Lere Local Government), Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs (Kaduna State), Commissioner, Ministry of Establishment and Training (Kaduna State), Chairman, Kaduna State Rural Electricity Board, Member, Judiciary Service Commission (Kaduna state), Member, Kaduna State Media Corporation, and lastly, Honorary Adviser to E.C.W.A Kaduna and Saminaka D.C.C.

His exposure was not restricted only to his state and nation. He was well travelled with vast experience, and has gracefully placed his foot steps on the soils of countries like England, U.S.A, Las Palmas Island, Ghana, Niger and Sierra Leone. Also, he is fondly remembered for his passion for reading and farming.

With a nostalgic feeling, we remember the 29^th day of July in 1995, when the legend of our time passed on to the world beyond to peacefully rest in the bosom of our creator. He left behind his wife, Mrs. Hauwa Dan’Azumi Kudaru, with eight children and many grand children.