Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has announced plans to establish a foundation in honor of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. This foundation aims to preserve and advance the Islamic scholar's enduring legacy of inter-religious harmony, peacebuilding, and national unity.

Governor Sani made this pledge during a condolence visit to the family of the revered Tijjaniyya leader, who passed away on November 27 at his residence in Bauchi. He led a 30-member delegation to offer condolences and pay tribute to the cleric’s decades-long contributions to Islam and societal development in Nigeria.

The governor stated that the Kaduna State Government will form a special committee comprising members of the late Sheikh’s family, his students, and other key stakeholders. This committee will be responsible for developing the framework and operational modalities for the proposed foundation, ensuring that it reflects the values and visions upheld by the late Islamic leader throughout his life.

Governor Sani emphasized that although Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was originally from Bauchi State, his influence crossed regional and religious boundaries, making him a national figure deserving of recognition beyond his home state. He noted that it is the duty of Kaduna State to honor the cleric for his significant role in promoting peaceful coexistence, providing moral guidance to leaders, and fostering unity among Nigerians.

The governor explained that the foundation would focus on sustaining the ideals of the late Sheikh while also implementing projects and initiatives he had envisioned but could not fully execute during his lifetime. These initiatives will center on religious tolerance, education, youth development, and community cohesion.

“I regularly consulted our late leader, and his advice always yielded positive outcomes,” Sani said. “I consider myself part of his family, and we have always enjoyed a cordial and respectful relationship. His counsel was invaluable, especially regarding governance, peace, and social stability.”

He further assured that his administration would continue to build on the late Sheikh’s lifelong efforts to foster unity among Muslims and encourage peaceful coexistence between different faiths, not only in Kaduna State but across the entire country.

During the visit, Bauchi State Deputy Governor Alhaji Mohammed Jatau recalled that Governor Sani was on an official assignment in China at the time of the cleric’s death. He noted that despite being abroad, Sani promptly reached out to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to express his condolences and solidarity.

Jatau also mentioned that upon his return, the Kaduna State Government established a special committee to receive condolences from students, clerics, and well-wishers of the late Sheikh, highlighting the deep respect the governor and his administration had for the deceased Islamic scholar.

On behalf of the family, Khalifa Sayyid Ibrahim, a son of the late cleric, expressed gratitude to Governor Sani for his consistent support and personal connection with Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, even before he assumed office.

“This is your home,” Ibrahim said. “Immediately after the news of our father’s death was announced, we spoke on the phone. You sent representatives to the funeral prayers and later dispatched a delegation of Malams to condole with us. Today, you have come personally, which reflects the high regard in which you held our late father.”

Ibrahim also thanked the governor on behalf of the late Sheikh’s 82 children for his pledge to rebuild the residence where the cleric grew up, describing the gesture as a meaningful step toward preserving the family’s heritage and memory of their father.

Family members and observers expect the proposed foundation to serve as a lasting institution dedicated to promoting the principles Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi stood for, ensuring that his teachings and commitment to peace continue to inspire future generations.