All he ever wanted as a child was to make a difference in people’s lives. As a boy, he believed the best way to achieve this was through a vocation where his impact would be most felt. Decades later, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, Honourable Minister of Defence and former Governor of Jigawa State, is doing exactly that—touching lives positively. Widely known as the Sardaunan Ringim, Badaru is a business tycoon turned politician and public servant who has triumphed over daunting obstacles on his path.
For many, birthdays are moments of sober reflection and stocktaking. Great personalities, mindful of history’s verdict, often use the occasion to assess their contributions to society. For Mohammed Badaru, however, his 63rd birthday on September 29, 2025, quietly passed in keeping with his natural humility and the sober mood of the nation. Yet, this is no ordinary man. The Minister of Defence is a leader of destiny with an unblemished record of public service.
The Sardaunan Ringim has distinguished himself in service to his beloved Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole. Active and decisive, he balances intellect with intuition, fairness with firmness. He is a leader who prefers cooperation over confrontation and works in partnership with others. Even in the face of challenges, he bears all with grace and humor.
The story of this taskmaster is one of triumph over adversity. His life demonstrates that with determination and divine guidance, obstacles can be turned into blessings. He embodies humility, discipline, and revolutionary change. He has mastered the art of reshaping the present while drawing from the past to build a brighter future.
Born on September 29, 1962, in Babura, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was the fourth democratically elected Governor of Jigawa State and currently serves as Minister of Defence under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His appointment followed his sterling record as governor, as well as his leadership of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative and the Presidential Initiative on Non-Oil Revenue.
A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a B.Sc. in Accounting, Badaru was deeply involved in student activism, sports, and business. He later attended the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, earning the prestigious membership of the National Institute (mni).
After graduation, he founded the Talamiz Group, a conglomerate with interests in automobiles, manufacturing, agriculture, animal husbandry, and commodity distribution. He also served as Vice President II of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce, was a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, and a member of the National Council on Privatization.
His leadership extended to the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), where he served as National President. In 2015, he was elected Governor of Jigawa State and re-elected in 2019 after a sterling performance. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), he became one of the party’s key strategists, chairing its Committee on Contact and Strategy, tasked with attracting new members and crafting a winning blueprint for the 2023 elections.
In recognition of his service, philanthropy, and community engagement, Badaru was conferred with the traditional titles of Sardaunan Ringim and Walin Jahun, as well as the national honor of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).
Badaru is an extraordinary international business mogul and a pragmatic political tactician. While his bold business and political ventures have drawn criticism, he has consistently succeeded in nearly every endeavor. Under his leadership, Jigawa State was transformed from a sleepy region into a hub of development. He instilled a new spirit of identity in his people—anchored on resilience, possibility, and pride of place within Nigeria.
His administration delivered unprecedented infrastructure, expanded road networks, reformed education, and launched people-centered initiatives that earned both national and international acclaim.
Now as Minister of Defence, Badaru is spearheading operations such as Operation Fatan Yaki and other nationwide campaigns that are significantly improving security. Under his watch, security agencies have recorded impressive results: 13,543 terrorists and bandits neutralized, 17,500 arrested, 9,821 hostages rescued, and 24,000 insurgents surrendered. These numbers reflect more than statistics—they represent lives saved, communities restored, and trust rebuilt across the Northeast and Northwest.
“Markets are back, farms are thriving again, and communities—Fulani, Hausa, and others—are rebuilding trust,” he affirmed. “This President is not making empty promises. He is building institutions, morale, partnerships, and firepower to secure Nigeria. The goal is total victory over insecurity by the end of 2025, and we are on track.”
Calling on Nigerians to remain hopeful, he added: “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we are laying a solid foundation. Neutral observers will testify to the progress made. The President’s commitment is unwavering.”
By any measure, at home or abroad, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, is a resounding success—a rare gift to Jigawa and Nigeria. At 63, his life remains a testament to discipline, service, and impact, worthy of celebration by all.
Kafinhausa wrote from Jigawa State.