By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto State Branch, popularly known as the Caliphate Bar, has conferred an Outstanding Leadership Award on Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto).
The award, which recognises the senator’s contributions and support for the legal profession in the state, was presented at his Gawon Nama residence in Sokoto by the Chairperson of the NBA Sokoto Branch, Barrister Rashidat Muhammad.
In a statement, Senator Wamakko’s spokesman, Bashar Abubakar, said Barrister Rashidat was accompanied by senior legal practitioners, including Barrister Jacob Ochidi, SAN, and Barrister G.M. Gana, SAN.
Barrister Rashidat explained that the visit was aimed at appreciating Senator Wamakko for his consistent support of the NBA. She noted that his contributions had significantly enhanced the association’s activities and objectives.
Also speaking, Barrister Ochidi recalled the senator’s longstanding support for the NBA, dating back to 1999. He highlighted Wamakko’s donation of an 18-seater bus to the association, as well as his allocation of a one million naira monthly imprest during his tenure as governor—initiatives that strengthened the NBA’s operations.
Ochidi further commended the senator for hosting the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Sokoto and for consistently advocating the release of inmates from correctional facilities, which he described as a reflection of compassion and commitment to justice.
Similarly, Barrister G.M. Gana, SAN, described the relationship between the NBA and Senator Wamakko as longstanding and mutually beneficial, stressing the need for continued collaboration.
In his response, Senator Wamakko expressed gratitude to the NBA Sokoto branch for the honour. He said that although he is not a lawyer, he has developed a strong interest in legal matters through his association with several legal luminaries, including Chief Bayo Afode, Chief Solomon Olodo, Barrister Abdulrahman Adeyeyi, Barrister Wale Adedabo, and Barrister Solomon Alimusanya.
He pledged to continue supporting the NBA’s activities in Sokoto and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the legal profession in the state.
The senator also inspected a vehicle recently donated to the NBA by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
The courtesy visit and award ceremony were attended by executive members of the NBA and senior legal practitioners.
