Sidi Ali: The veteran journalist from a Northern media family

“Zamu Daura ma auren dole!” Hajiya Hakama Sidi Ali thundered over the phone after I answered her call. In Hausa, the translation is, “We will find and force a wife on you!”.

Hajiya Sidi Ali’s warm demeanour has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration since I received a surprise birthday gift from her in 2016. She is candid and sincere yet always maintains a cheerful and friendly disposition. These qualities were often discussed by my father, who was her coursemate at Bayero University Kano in the early 1990s.

Rather than adopting the entitled attitudes of privileged children, Hakama and her siblings led by her senior brother Hamid Sidi Ali embraced simplicity, humility, and amiability—traits inherited from their father, Alhaji Sidi Mohammed Ali. Their family ethos also included a touch of radicalism against injustice.

Sidi Ali, a veteran journalist and politician, passed away on April 25, 2024, at the age of 86. As a member of the Sharifai clan, which traces its ancestry back to the renowned Islamic scholar Al-Maghili, Ali also hailed from a distinguished media family in Northern Nigeria. The family’s commitment to media excellence has left an indelible mark on the region’s history and culture.

Notable family members include Sidi Mohammed Ali, who worked at the Hausa service of Voice of Ghana & headed the Hausa service of Voice of Nigeria (VON); Alhaji Sidi Ali Sirajo, a Civil War Correspondent and ex-Managing Director of Triumph and New Nigerian Newspapers; and Ibrahim Sidi Ali, who contributed to broadcasting at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). He was Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor Sabo Bakin Zuwo of Kano.

Born in Kano on July 15, 1938, Alhaji Sidi Ali’s journey began amidst his father’s thriving cattle and agricultural produce businesses as a leader of the Nigerian community in Ghana. The educational odyssey of the then-young boy took him from Shahuci Elementary School to Rumfa College, where he befriended future leaders Ado Bayero and Murtala Mohammed.

Sent to Ghana for higher education, Ali’s immersion in radical politics led to expulsion, catapulting him into a transformative phase. Under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s sponsorship, his academic pursuits abroad culminated into education at New York University, Merced College in California, and Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a diploma in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations.

A versatile journalist and renowned Pan-Africanist, Sidi Ali served as an Assistant Information Officer at the first All African People’s Conference in Accra, the capital of Ghana, in 1958 and was actively involved in the pioneering work that saw the birth of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Sidi Ali steered into the civil service and played a pivotal role in the government’s narrative during the Nigerian Civil War. He also worked at the Nigerian International Press Centre domiciled under the Ministry of Information, among other strategic positions.

In 1979, Mallam Ali joined the socialist People’s Redemption Party (PRP), led by the late Mallam Aminu Kano, and was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Dambatta Constituency. His re-election in 1983 saw him represent Gezawa Federal Constituency.

Sidi Ali’s literary prowess mirrored his principled stance in both journalism and politics. His actions as a member of the House of Representatives, including an incident involving a gun, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice and accountability.

Ali’s opponents often portrayed him as a controversial public figure due to his unwavering stance and outspoken nature during the Second Republic. A contemporary of Chief MKO Abiola and Senator Olushola Saraki in politics, as a member of the House of Representatives, Sidi Ali fearlessly challenged societal norms and advocated for justice and accountability.

His literary prowess is evident in his 19 published books and numerous articles, which often urged critical thought and compassionate action. Some of his notable works include “A Trip to Timbuktu” (1965), “Corruption in High Society,” and “The Power of Power on Muhammad Ribadu, Former Defence Minister” (1982)

Through his writings and speeches, Sidi Ali leaves a legacy of unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and compassionate action. His controversial books included: “Political Fraud of the Nigerian Elites,” “Nigeria Relations with Israel,” “WAI as an Ideology for moral rectitude,” and “Tarka: A Victim of Political and Sectional Blackmail”, which faced a ban by the then military administration.

His extensive travels and experiences have shaped his affinity for journalism and communication, making him a true veteran of the media industry. It was not surprising that some of his children are mass communication graduates, while others are into legal, accountancy, and other professions.

Like his father’s legacy, Ali dedicated his life to dispute resolution and reconciliations of aggrieved parties. He also transformed his homes in Obalende, Lagos, and Kano into havens for counselling, relief, and accommodation for stranded and downtrodden Nigerians.

The family legacy, intricately woven into Nigeria’s societal fabric, continues through his children, who embody his values and contribute significantly to various professions and fields, enriching the Sidi Ali family’s imprint on Nigeria’s public discourse.

The passing of Sidi Ali resonates deeply, leaving an indelible mark not only within familial circles but also across the nation. His legacy — a tapestry woven with wisdom and compassion — serves as a beacon amid turbulent landscapes.

The deceased held other appointments: Commissioner, Nigerian Broadcast Commission (NBC), NDLEA Board Member, Presidential Panel Member on Fuel scarcity, Member 2014 National Conference, among others. Beyond accolades, Ali’s legacy transcended professional realms. Throughout his life, he remained a steadfast servant to Nigeria.

Farewell to a titan of Nigerian journalism and politics, Sidi Mohammed Ali. Your legacy endures, casting a guiding light for generations to come. Rest in peace, knowing that your contributions to our nation shall forever be remembered.

Gidado Shuaib, publisher of YouthDigest & News Digest, is the convener of Campus Journalism Award.