After completing a six-year tenure as spokesperson for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in 2006—following my earlier role as Press Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance—I had a profound realisation. Having enjoyed privileged access to extensive data on the Federation Account, revenue generation, and fiscal policies, I felt a compelling responsibility to create a platform that would democratize this vital economic intelligence for the benefit of the public. The vision was clear, but the resources were painfully scarce.
Then came an unexpected act of generosity that changed everything. Mallam Sule Ya’u Sule, the longest-serving Chief Press Secretary in the history of the Kano State government, heard of my dilemma. Without my asking, he facilitated substantial advert placements that made possible the inaugural publication of Economic Confidential in 2007. That single, selfless gesture was the catalyst—not just for one magazine, but for an entire ecosystem that later grew to include PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest.
This was only one of many testimonies shared at a surprise 60th birthday celebration for the now Associate Professor of Strategic Communication, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule. Hosted by the Kano State Government at the Tahir Guest Palace, the event was less about marking age and more about unveiling a legacy—a legacy built not on self-promotion, but on the quiet, consistent empowerment of others.
The roll call of dignitaries—childhood friends, schoolmates, colleagues, and former protégés—painted a vivid picture of a life devoted to service. The immediate past and current Presidents of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Alhaji Mukhtar Sirajo and Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the celebrant as the epitome of humility, reliability, and loyalty—a strategic communicator who genuinely invests in the success of others. The Vice Chairman of NIPR, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, commended Sule for over two decades of impactful contributions to public relations practice.
Tributes from government officials were equally telling. The Commissioner of Information for Jigawa State, Sagir Musa Ahmed, and the Director-General of Press and Public Relations at the Kano State Government House, Sunusi Bature, both recounted how Sule’s mentorship helped them navigate the complexities of their roles with integrity and professionalism, while steering clear of pitfalls.
Perhaps the most touching memories came from those who knew him as a student leader. Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi of the University of Ilorin, who was a junior colleague when Sule served as President of the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA) at Bayero University, Kano, in the 1980s, recalled how he was more than a leader—he was a guardian. Passionately protective of his juniors, he ensured their safety and comfort, guiding them not only academically but also as a responsible older brother in an unfamiliar environment.
Throughout the evening, Sule—the author of An Introduction to Strategic Communication and a man who shuns personal accolades—was visibly moved. When he finally spoke, his response reflected his humility. He expressed deep gratitude for the kind words, explaining that he only seeks to meet the basic expectations of humanity, and that whatever he does is simply what one should do for another.
This sense of duty has defined the career of Professor Sule Ya’u Sule. Born in the ancient city of Kano, his professional journey began in 1990 at Triumph Newspapers, where his sharp editorial skills quickly lifted him from Sub-Editor to Deputy Editor. His reputation for excellence led to an unprecedented tenure as Director of Press in Kano State, where he served under both military and civilian administrations, including Brigadier-General Dominic Oneya, Colonel Aminu Isah Kontagora, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
His expertise extended beyond government. He served as Public Relations Officer at Bank of the North and later masterminded media strategies for major political campaigns, including the ANPP Presidential Campaign in 2011. Today, as an Associate Professor at Bayero University, Kano, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Image Merchants Promotion Ltd (IMPR), he continues to shape the field of strategic communication. He also champions press freedom as a member of the Advocacy Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.
In an age when media noise often drowns out substance, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule stands as a reminder of a different kind of power: the power of humility, the strength of silent support, and the enduring influence of a leader who measures success not by his own headlines, but by the triumphs of those he has lifted up along the way. His story is a masterclass in the most powerful form of communication—the language of selfless action and strategic vision.
Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of the award-winning book Crisis Communication Strategies.
📧 yashuaib@yashuaib.com
