By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, on Saturday in Argungu, paid glowing tribute to late Alhaji Muhammad Bello Alkali, one of the illustrious sons of Argungu Emirate, at the public presentation of the historical book titled, “ A Kingdom in Crisis: KABI in the 19th Century.”

Governor Idris described the late Bello Alkali as a patriotic scholar whose intellectual legacy will continue to enrich the understanding of Kabi’s history, identity and resilience for generations to come.

In a statement by Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, the Governor noted that although the author did not live to witness the unveiling of the book, Allah, in His infinite mercy, made it possible for committed and patriotic individuals to complete the noble task and bring the work to public attention.

The Governor commended the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, CON, for hosting the historic event and for his consistent support for initiatives that preserve the heritage, culture and collective memory of the people.

He also appreciated Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Marafan Sokoto, for spearheading the launch and mobilising support for a work he described as “a priceless contribution to Northern Nigerian historiography.”

Governor Idris emphasized the enduring bond among Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States, saying that the three states share deep ties of history, kinship, religion and culture that no modern political boundary can erase.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, for his support and commitment to strengthening security across the region.

Speaking on the significance of the book launch, Governor Idris disclosed that although the Governors of Sokoto and Zamfara States were unavoidably absent due to official engagements in Abuja, they nevertheless demonstrated solidarity by making generous donations.

He announced that the Governor of Zamfara State donated N30 million for 10 copies of the book, while the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, also contributed N30 million for 10 copies.

Governor Idris further stated that the Kebbi State Government purchased 30 copies of the book for N40 million, bringing the total donation at that stage to N100 million. He directed that the account details for remittance of the pledged funds be made available to the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, to ensure prompt redemption of the pledge.

In a further demonstration of commitment to scholarship and the memory of the late author, Governor Idris announced an additional N10 million donation on behalf of former Governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for the purchase of 10 copies. This brought the total donation by Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara leaders, including Senator Bagudu’s contribution, to N110 million.

The Governor assured the Emir and people of the Argungu Emirate of his administration’s continued commitment to delivering people-oriented projects across Kebbi State.

He reaffirmed the government’s focus on critical sectors such us education, water supply, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure, noting that tangible progress has already been made.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, CON, expressed delight at the presence of distinguished personalities at the occasion, including the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, the Minister of State for Defence, former Governors of Kebbi and Zamfara States, senators, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.

The Emir noted that the gathering was not merely for a book launch but a celebration of a shared history spanning Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and the Dosso region of the Republic of Niger.

The revered Monarch explained that the book captures decades of historical interactions and reinforces the deep bonds of blood, faith and common ancestry among the people of the region.

The Emir commended Governor Nasir Idris for his remarkable developmental strides across Kebbi State, particularly in the areas of water supply, education and healthcare.

Alhaji Mera introduced some distinguished guests at the event, including renowned medical expert, Professor Chukuemeka, noted for his world-class prostate cancer treatment facilities.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, announced that he had undertaken the responsibility of translating the book into Hausa language and facilitating its printing, subject to the guidance of the Emir of Gwandu and the constituted committee.

He pledged N10 million for the translation and printing, noting that the initiative would help make the historic work more accessible to a wider audience, especially to younger generations.

The Deputy Governor also disclosed additional support from other stakeholders, including the National Organising Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu (Jarman Gwandu), who purchased one copy for N1 million, and former Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Augie, who also bought one copy for N1 million. He added that members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly from Argungu, Augie and Arewa/Dandi constituencies, jointly purchased four copies for N2 million.

The Chief Launcher, former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, underscored the importance of documenting history accurately and preserving indigenous identity.

He warned against the gradual erosion of historical consciousness stressing that the Hausa language and cultural heritage could be endangered without deliberate efforts, particularly through the education system.

Senator Yari, who passionately advocated for the preservation of Hausa language in school curricular.

He purchased 150 copies of the book at N150 million, while the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, purchased 100 copies at N50 million while other dignitaries continue to send their donations at the book launch.

A major highlight of the colourful event was the presentation of an award of honour to Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari by APC youths, in recognition of his enduring support, leadership and contributions to the progress of the party and the region.

The award was presented to the Chief Launcher by Governor Nasir Idris amid loud applause from dignitaries and supporters.

The book, “A Kingdom in Crisis: KABI in the 19th Century,” authored by late Alhaji Muhammad Bello Alkali was reviewed on the occasion by Professor Alkasum Abba.

Originally a Master’s thesis submitted in 1969 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the work has now been published as part of the Arewa House Studies Series.