President Muhammadu Buhari mourns the demise of Dr. Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, the first-class traditional ruler (Emir) of Dutse, the capital city of Jigawa State.
He was recognized as one of Northern Nigeria’s modernizing leaders.
Before his death at 79, the Emir was the Chancellor of Sokoto State University.
He was considered as an exemplary leader in the global quest for a sustainable living environment, and a lead advocate for afforestation and the green ecosystem.
The late Emir of Dutse was an advocate of the mitigation of climate change, prompting 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.
Expressing sadness on the passing of the Emir, President Buhari said:
‘‘He was instrumental to the progress Dutse had achieved in the last three decades under his watch. He was a grassroots person who was loved by all.”
The President conveyed his condolences and that of the nation to the Dutse Emirate, the government and people of Jigawa State over the sad loss.
Oyo News reports that he was an exemplary thought leader in the global quest for a sustainable living environment, the late Emir of Dutse was a lead advocate for afforestation and the green ecosystem in his expansive traditional domain. It was this commitment to mitigating the 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 ascending the exalted throne, the Enir of Dutse, Dr. Sanusi had acquired substantial experience in agricultural consultancy and management of complex industrial projects around the continents. Beside his passion for traveling, Emir Sanusi had presented cerebral papers at national and international seminars and has written several books, including his autobiography and the highly insightful History of Dutse.
Under the Emir of Dutse’s reign, Dutse Emirate is being transformed from a sleepy town to a sprawling green city where citizens are imbued with determination to confront desertification and adopt eco-friendly habits. He established several private schools for youths and adults and has encouraged the community to seek knowledge as the main tool for development and sustainability of the environment.
The Emir of Dutse, Dr. Sanusi obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ohio University, USA, in 1972 and 1974 respectively, and another Master’s degree from Bradford University, UK, in 1977. He was elected a member of Nigeria’s Constituent Assembly in 1989 and has been awarded the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of Niger, CON, in addition to an honorary Doctorate by the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.