By Adamu Yusuf
The Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, has marked his 69th birthday with an outpouring of goodwill messages and felicitations from family members, friends, professional colleagues, former schoolmates and community development associations.
The well-wishers described him as a distinguished traditional ruler, accomplished public servant and a man deeply committed to the service and development of his people.
Born on September 1, 1957, into the respected Nadabo family in Kankara, Katsina State, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara has built a career spanning education, public administration, the Nigeria Customs Service and traditional leadership.
His educational journey began at a primary school in Kankara, after which he attended Government Secondary School, Malumfashi, from 1970 to 1974.
He subsequently proceeded to the Katsina College of Arts and Science, Zaria, in 1978, before gaining admission to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he studied Political Science and graduated in 1981.
Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara also had a distinguished career in the Nigeria Customs Service, where he rose to the rank of Comptroller of Customs.
During his years in the service, he headed various units and commands and was said to have demonstrated leadership, discipline and professionalism, while contributing to revenue generation and national development.
His wealth of experience in public service has continued to reflect in his role within the traditional institution.
As the District Head of Ketare and Kanwan Katsina, he has brought his administrative experience, professional exposure and leadership skills to bear in promoting peace, unity and development among his people.
His 69th birthday has also provided an opportunity for various organisations and associations with which he has been associated over the years to celebrate his contributions to society.
Among those who felicitated with him are members of the Malumfashi Old Boys Association, 1970–1974 Set; his former schoolmates who share a longstanding bond with him; members of the ABU Zaria 1978–1981 Set; 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 the Nigeria Customs Service.
Also joining in the goodwill messages are members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ketare Youth Development Association (KADEYMA), and the Ketare District Development Association (KDDA), alongside other friends, associates and well-wishers.
From his early education in Kankara and Malumfashi, through his studies at ABU Zaria and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, to his distinguished career in the Customs Service and his present responsibilities as Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare, his life reflects decades of service and leadership.
As family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers continue to celebrate him, they have prayed to Almighty Allah to grant him long life, sound health, wisdom, peace and continued strength to enable him witness many more years in the service of his people and humanity.
They also prayed for Allah’s continued guidance and protection over Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, mni, and for his remaining years to be marked by peace, good health, wisdom, fulfilment and enduring service to Ketare, Kankara, Katsina State and Nigeria.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
