By Chimezie Godfrey
Intellectuals, scholars, labour leaders and close associates have paid glowing tributes to the late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, mni, describing his life as one defined by integrity, intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress.
The tributes were made on Wednesday in Abuja at a well-attended symposium and posthumous book presentation organised in his honour, where participants reflected extensively on his contributions to academia, public service, labour activism and national development. The event drew participants from diverse sectors, including policy experts, former public office holders, labour leaders and members of the National Institute community.
Delivering the welcome address, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Jibrin Ibrahim, said the late Mohammed lived an impactful life that resonated across generations, noting that his passing came as a rude shock to many who had benefitted from his mentorship and guidance.
“I welcome you on behalf of the organising committee of this symposium commemorating the legacies of a good friend, Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed, whose life has impacted positively the lives of many. It was such a shock when we heard about his passing. We are all on line to pass on anytime our time comes, but we must celebrate those who lived meaningful lives,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute, Okafor, described the deceased as a man of rare humility and character, stressing that his integrity and principled lifestyle set him apart among his peers and contemporaries.
“Mallam Sokoto is a man of integrity. He was humble, forthright, very honest and peaceful. When we were at NIPSS, he stood out among his peers. Even when several people contested for leadership positions, he was unanimously chosen because of his character,” he said.
He further recalled their shared experiences, describing the late Mohammed as a trusted ally and dependable friend who maintained strong relationships across professional and personal spaces.
“I told his son earlier that your father may not have accumulated wealth, but he left behind something more enduring—integrity. That is the true measure of a man. We will continue to support his family and ensure they are not left alone,” he added.
In his remarks, Director of Research at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Musa Umar, said the late Mohammed was widely respected within the institute for his discipline, commitment to duty and uncompromising stance on professionalism.
“Mallam Sokoto to us at the National Institute was a man of integrity. His yes is yes, his no is no. He served in virtually all departments because of his credibility. There is hardly any aspect of the institute’s work he did not contribute to, and he was respected by all,” he said.
He noted that beyond his official responsibilities, the late Mohammed played a critical mentoring role for younger colleagues, many of whom have gone on to occupy strategic positions in both public and private sectors.
Former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, described the deceased as a committed labour intellectual and mentor who contributed significantly to strengthening trade union consciousness in Nigeria.
“He was a comrade to the core. Not just in name, but in action. He helped to build intellectual capacity within the labour movement and contributed immensely to the growth of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union. His impact is still being felt today,” Wabba said.
Wabba further noted that his engagement with the late Mohammed extended beyond institutional interactions, adding that he remained a consistent source of guidance and inspiration throughout his leadership journey.
Chairman of the occasion, Yahaya Abdullahi, described the late Mohammed as a lifelong friend, mentor and confidant whose values shaped his personal and professional outlook.
“He was my childhood friend, my colleague and my roommate. We shared everything together. Sokoto was highly principled, selfless and deeply committed to whatever he set out to achieve. There is no one who would not want him by their side,” he said.
Abdullahi emphasised that the gathering was not just to mourn but to celebrate a life well spent and to reaffirm commitment to the ideals he stood for, particularly integrity, service and national cohesion.
The event also featured the posthumous presentation of a book authored by the late Mohammed titled “The Satiru Revolt,” which was reviewed by M. J. Kuna.
Kuna described the book as a significant scholarly contribution that offers a fresh reinterpretation of historical narratives, particularly in relation to colonial and pre-colonial socio-political structures.
According to him, the work challenges conventional colonial accounts and provides deeper insight into the socio-economic and political conditions that shaped resistance movements, urging scholars and students alike to engage critically with its content.
Participants at the event offered prayers for the repose of the deceased and called on younger generations to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism and intellectual excellence that defined his life and legacy.
Intellectuals, Associates Celebrate Enduring Legacy of Late Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed
