By Omoyeni Ojeifo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the death of elder statesman, renowned businessman and former Governor of the old Gongola State, Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur, as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political and economic history.
Tukur, the Tafidan Adamawa, as hailed by Tinubu, died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90, after a distinguished career spanning public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.
The President described Tukur as a towering figure whose distinguished career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and business leadership across Nigeria and Africa.
The remarks were contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, posted on his X page and obtained by Persecondnews on Saturday.
“Alhaji Tukur was urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service that the Adamawa Emirate and the nation hold dear,” Tinubu said.
“He was a man of big ideas and bold enterprise who believed in Nigeria’s limitless potential. Nigeria will sorely miss his wise counsel and fatherly guidance,” he said.
The President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Tukur family, the Fombina Emirate of Adamawa, the Government and people of Adamawa State, and the political and business communities in Nigeria and across Africa.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Tukur’s shortcomings, grant his soul Aljannah Firdaus and comfort all those mourning his death.
Meanwhile, Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has declared a three-day mourning in honour of the former governor and directed that government flags across the state be flown at half-mast during the period.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Saturday following the death of the former Gongola State governor
Fintiri’s directive came as tributes continued to pour in following the death of the elder statesman, whose political, business and public service career spanned several decades.
Born on September 15, 1935, Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1975 to 1982, where he helped modernise port operations and improve Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He later entered politics during the Second Republic and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, which comprised the present-day Adamawa and Taraba states.
Tukur subsequently distinguished himself in the private sector as Chairman of BHI Holdings and the DADDO Group of Companies, with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and trading.
He also served as Federal Minister of Industries under the administration of General Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1995.
On the continental stage, Tukur served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, advocating intra-African trade, private sector-led growth and sustainable development.
He was the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party from March 2012 to January 2014.
Fintiri described Tukur as “a colossus who made remarkable contributions to the development of Adamawa State and Nigeria.”
“I will personally miss his wise counsel and extensive experience on issues concerning Adamawa and the country,” Fintiri said.