Remembering Late Muhammadu Ladan

On May 16 this year, it was exactly 43 years since his demise. But his memories remain ever fresh in our hearts. I understand why they say a good name is worth more than silver and gold. I and my numerous cousins – and even nephews and nieces – are still using his name.
Born in 1914 – the year Nigeria’s Southern and Northern Protectorates were amalgamated to become one country – Alhaji Muhammadu Ladan died while serving as the Permanent Commissioner in the Public Service Commission of the North Central State.
He died as a result of heart-related ailment and was buried in his hometown of Zaria according to Islamic rites. My grandfather was educated at the Zaria Provincial Middle School between 1921 and 19 28. He was also at the then famous Katsina College from 1928 to 1933.
As fate would have it, he later taught at the Katsina Training College and between 1933 and 1934, and at the Zaria Provincial Middle School between 1934 and 1948. He worked diligently and rose through to become the headmaster of the school for some time.
In 1949, he went to Britain where he worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). After returning from Britain, he joined the services of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in 1950 and became the Northern Regional Controller in 1957 before he left to become Clerk of the Northern House of Assembly. His stint as a broadcaster has inspired many in the family to follow his footsteps, just as his commitment to education made us all to value education.
In 1960, according to records, Alhaji Muhammadu was appointed chairman of the then Northern Nigerian Development Corporation, which later transformed into the New Nigeria Development Company Limited. He however resigned from NNDC in 1966 and took up appointment with the Civil Service Commission of the North Central State.
Alhaji Muhammadu was married and survived by 23 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The children include Alhaji Yusuf Ladan, Dan Iyan Zazzau and District Head of Kabala; Alhaji Abubakar Ladan, former Secretary to Kaduna State Government; late Shehu Ladan, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Safiya Tukur, former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs in Kaduna State; Mrs. Yelwa Fatima Baba-Ari, Director of FCT Secondary Education Board.
Others are: Malam Ilyasu Ladan, Alhaji Ja’afar Ladan (late), Alhaji Aliyu Ladan, Alhaji Suleiman Ladan, Alhaji Umar Ladan (late), Alhaji Bello Ladan (late), Alhaji Abdulrahman Ladan, Alhaji Ahmed Ladan, Alhaji Mannir Ladan of Kaduna State Judiciary, among others.
Oh Allah, bless the souls of the departed, and bless us with those who will pray for us when we depart.