By Osita Chidoka
A few days ago, Deputy Corps Commander Abdullahi Sani visited me to inform me of his impending retirement. He officially retired on Sunday, 7 December 2025, after 35 years of service. My first encounter with Sani was in 2007, when I was Corps Marshal.
I received a letter from a Deputy Route Commander in Kaduna. The language immediately caught my attention—the cadence, clarity, and confidence of the writing stood out. I asked to see the officer.
When he arrived, his physical appearance did not quite match the elegance of the prose, but within minutes of our conversation, his intellect, composure, and confidence were unmistakable. I asked him a simple question: Are you available to work with me? He became my Staff Officer, Media, and excelled in the role.
He went on to serve two other Corps Marshals in the same capacity. Sani was so good that, even later as Minister of Aviation, I often fell back on him to craft my major speeches.Trust, once earned, has a long memory. Beyond work, he kept me informed about his children’s progress.
They were a source of pride to all of us, and I was happy—indeed honoured—to be their “Uncle.” Last year, I visited him at his command in Lekki, where he was serving as a Unit Commander. His office was orderly and professional, and the morale of his staff was evident. I left impressed and deeply proud of him.
Sani was one of my great human-resource revelations in the public sector and a reaffirmation of a long-held belief: every state in Nigeria has outstanding talent—what often differs is opportunity. Given the chance, our institutions still produce men and women of depth, discipline, and integrity.
I wish him a fulfilling retirement and have no doubt he will continue to add value to society. Who knows, he may yet become an Athena Fellow.
I will have no hestitation to recommend him to his State government or any other institution for his skill, learning mindset, humility, integrity and loyalty.
He possesses Uche (knowledge), Uchu (hardwork) and EgwuChukwu (High Moral Conduct).
