Former Governor Ahmed Makarfi Turns 70…Why He Is Seen As ‘Clear Proof’ Of God’s Power

President Bola Tinubu led a chorus of congratulations as former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi joins the septuagenarian club today, Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Alhaji Makarfi served as Kaduna State Commissioner for Finance before becoming governor of the state in 1999. He later represented Kaduna North Senatorial District in the senate for eight years and also served as national chairman of PDP.

The president described the birthday celebrant as a statesman whose public service was defined by integrity and exemplary leadership.

President Tinubu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga described Makarfi as a ‘quintessential public servant and statesman’ and a ‘perfect gentleman’ whose contributions to governance and national development had earned him respect across political divides.

Alhaji Makarfi, he added, demonstrated commitment to democratic ideals, prudent management of public resources and policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians throughout his public service career.

‘As you mark this significant milestone, I join your well-wishers in thanking Almighty Allah for your life of service and accomplishment.

Your contributions to Kaduna State and our nation remain an enduring testament to purposeful leadership’ he said.

The president prayed that Allah will grant the birthday celebrant many more years in good health, strength, wisdom and peace as he continues to contribute his experience to service to Nigeria and humanity.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State also on Saturday congratulated Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi on his 70th birthday, describing his contributions to Kaduna State and Nigeria as significant while noting that he has devoted a substantial part of his life to the service to the Centre of Learning and the country.

The governor added that Makarfi’s tenure as Kaduna State governor remains an important chapter in the history of the state because of his approach to leadership during a challenging period.

He said the respect Makarfi continues to command across ethnic, religious and political divides reflects the impact of his years in public service.

Governor Sani prayed for sound health, renewed strength, wisdom and many more years of fulfilment for Makarfi in the service to humanity, Kaduna State and Nigeria.

Team@orientactualmags.com reports that Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi’s life stands as a clear proof of God’s power and the fact that divine intervention transcends human capability.

Ahead of the 2003 Kaduna State governorship election, almost every stakeholder and powerbroker in the state had then said Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi had no good health and there were fears in some quarters that he may not be alive to complete his second term and a southern Kaduna person may easily emerge as the state governor.

Some stakeholders had reportedly agreed with this opinion but no one could however voice it out, they only gossiped about it and discussed the matter using cautious and lowered voices. Definitely, no one will stop a sitting governor from seeking re-election.

Alhaji Makarfi’s deputy, Engineer Stephen Rijo Shekari, a heavily built person, looked very healthy and he was the one seen as a possible beneficiary of the situation if the birthday celebrant had died as feared.

Makarfi eventually launched his re-election bid, got a second term mandate and later served as a member of the senate for eight years.

He also served as PDP National Chairman and he is still very much alive.

To show that God’s ways are higher and different than human ways, Engineer Stephen Rijo Shekari, an indigene of Kamuru Kaje, Zangon Kataf, who was born in 1948, died in 2005 after a short illness.

What the stakeholders had feared eventually happened in 2010 when Mr Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa became the governor of Kaduna State.

Yakowa, who was Shekari’s replacement in 2005 and had become the then Governor Namadi Sambo’s deputy, took over from his boss after his emergence as Vice President.

The then President Goodluck Jonathan had appointed Sambo as Vice President following the death of Alhaji Umaru Yaradua and his emergence as the new president.

Sadly, Yakowa died in a helicopter crash on December 15, 2012-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you