The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto State Branch, also known as the Caliphate Bar, has conferred an Outstanding Leadership Award on Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto).
The recognition highlights the senator’s longstanding contributions and unwavering support for the legal profession in the state.
The award was presented at Senator Wamakko’s residence in Gawon Nama, Sokoto, by the Chairperson of the NBA Sokoto Branch, Barrister Rashidat Muhammad, who was accompanied by respected legal practitioners, including Barrister Jacob Ochidi, SAN, and Barrister G.M. Gana, SAN.
Speaking during the presentation, Barrister Rashidat said the visit was primarily to appreciate the senator’s steadfast support for the NBA over the years, noting that his interventions have positively shaped the association’s activities and objectives.
Barrister Ochidi, SAN, recalled that Senator Wamakko’s support for the NBA dates back to 1999. He cited the donation of an 18-seater bus that greatly enhanced the association’s operations and noted that Wamakko, as governor, was the first to allocate a monthly ₦1 million impress to the NBA—significantly strengthening its resources. He also commended the senator for hosting an NBA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Sokoto and for his consistent advocacy in securing the release of inmates from correctional centres, describing it as a mark of compassion and justice.
Similarly, Barrister G.M. Gana, SAN, described the NBA’s relationship with Senator Wamakko as longstanding and mutually beneficial, calling for continued collaboration.
In his response, Senator Wamakko expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour. While noting that he is not a lawyer by training, he said his interest in legal matters has grown through close interactions with prominent lawyers, including Bayo Afode, Solomon Olodo, Barrister Abdulrahman Adeyeyi, Barrister Wale Adedabo, and Barrister Solomon Alimusanya, among others.
The senator reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NBA’s initiatives and pledged to sustain efforts that would strengthen the association’s activities in Sokoto. He also inspected a vehicle recently donated to the NBA council by Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State.
The courtesy visit and award ceremony were attended by NBA executives and senior legal practitioners, underscoring the unity and shared purpose within the legal community.
