SULAIMAN SHEHU IDRIS: Tribute to a ‘Dogged’ Community Activist, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
SULAIMAN SHEHU IDRIS: Tribute to a ‘Dogged’ Community Activist
By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,
It is with profound sorrow and deep reflection that I pay tribute to my dear brother, friend, and compatriot, Sulaiman Shehu Idris—widely known as COMRADE MAJAH—who has returned to his Creator.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, while sitting in office, I received a phone call at approximately 12:23 p.m. What began as an ordinary exchange of greetings quickly turned into a moment that altered my composure.
From the tone of the caller’s voice, I sensed unease. Then came the words that shattered disbelief: “Ya’u, are you aware that Suleiman is dead?”
I paused, unsettled, and asked in return, “Which Suleiman?”
The response followed: “Suleiman Shehu.”
Still struggling to process the weight of the message, I sought clarification once more: “You mean Comrade Majah?”
The confirmation that followed marked the beginning of grief. What remained after that moment were silence, shock, and involuntary exclamations that words can hardly capture.
In the days preceding his passing, I had not met him recently due to the demands of our works. Unknown to many of us, he had been battling illness, including persistent pain in his leg. On the day before his passing, he independently visited Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) for medical follow-up. Sadly, when his condition deteriorated the following day, he was rushed back to the same facility, where he eventually succumbed.
Meanwhile, my relationship with Sulaiman spans nearly two decades, rooted in childhood friendship and shared formative experiences. We attended the same night Qur’anic school, which we called “Makarantar Dare” alongside my siblings.
I recall vividly how, despite the proximity of the school to his home, he and his brother, Abubakar Shehu Idris (aka Dan Tsoho), would often come to our house first so we could proceed together. At other times, after classes, my elder brother Ibrahim Mukhtar, my cousin Jibrin Sunusi (aka Shekarau), and I would accompany them partway home before returning.
Sulaiman later pursued graduate study in Geology at Bayero University Kano. Even during his undergraduate years, he remained closely connected, often seeking counsel and sharing updates about his academic journey with me. Though physical distance eventually separated us, our bond remained intact.
Beyond friendship, Comrade Majah distinguished himself early as a committed community activist. Following his graduation and completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he mobilised like-minded young people and established the Madobi Youth Development and Awareness Forum (MYDAF), where he served as the pioneer Chairman.
Through MYDAF, he championed youth enlightenment and community development, with particular emphasis on education. One of the most impactful initiatives under his leadership was the “BRING BACK OUR CHAIRS” campaign, which mobilised community contributions to provide desks and chairs for primary schools across Madobi. The initiative significantly improved learning conditions and rekindled communal responsibility toward education.
His leadership also yielded measurable milestones. On January 21, 2021, MYDAF hosted a landmark event showcasing its achievements in education across the twelve (12) political wards of Madobi Local Government Area. The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of Madobi LGA and was marked by strong community participation and celebration of local development progress.
His activism extended beyond education. Concerned about environmental degradation and climate change, he founded the Madobi Youth for Green Action Network under MYDAF. The initiative mobilised volunteers toward afforestation efforts, targeting the planting of 5,000 trees across the twelve wards of Madobi LGA.
He also contributed to broader environmental sustainability campaigns, including plastic and bottle recycling initiatives supported by AREAI and the Coca-Cola Foundation. In this space, he served as Assistant Recycling Lead for Kano State, reinforcing his commitment to environmental responsibility.
In later years, Sulaiman transitioned into professional service with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Limited, working on the Kaduna–Kano railway project. Even in this corporate and technical environment, he remained committed to youth empowerment. He facilitated employment opportunities for numerous young people from Madobi, ranging from manual labour positions to administrative roles.
Through this intervention, he restored hope to many young people who had previously lost confidence in their prospects. Many of those beneficiaries are now economically viable, supporting their families and building sustainable livelihoods—an enduring legacy of his influence.
At just 27 years of age, Comrade Majah lived a life defined by purpose, courage, and service. He consistently demonstrated that community transformation is achievable through conviction, organisation, and selfless engagement. He left behind a legacy that will continue to speak long after him.
To his family, friends, and associates, his absence is deeply personal. To Madobi community, it is a significant collective loss. We have lost a resilient advocate who consistently stood for justice, development, and the welfare of his people.
Indeed, he departed too soon. Yet, as painful as the loss remains, we submit to the will of the Almighty, who alone determines the appointed time of every soul.
COMRADE MAJAH, your watch has ended. Your journey has concluded, but your impact endures. May Allah grant you eternal rest, forgive your shortcomings, and admit you into Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Till we meet again, where parting is no more.
MUKHTAR Ya’u is a Research Fellow, Centre for Crisis Communication, Abuja. He writes from Madobi, Kano State.