By Adamu Yalwa Gabi, ANIPR
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”— Nelson Mandela
History will never forget Nelson Mandela, the African Nobel Laureate whose steadfast resistance against racial injustice earned him 27 years of imprisonment, yet ultimately crowned him President of South Africa. His life remains a testament to resilience, selflessness, and service, values that transcend time, borders, and positions.
In many ways, these same values are reflected, quietly and consistently, in the life and career of Musa Umar Yashi, a seasoned technocrat whose over 35 years of service to Nigeria have been defined by patriotism, integrity, and uncommon compassion for humanity.
Throughout his long and distinguished public service, Musa Yashi has demonstrated zero tolerance for corruption, with no stain of public fund mismanagement, and an enduring reputation for discipline, humility, and fairness. More importantly, he has remained deeply connected to the people, always attentive, accessible, and willing to help.
This disposition earned him the affectionate title “Yashi na Kowa”, meaning Yashi for everybody. It is a name that did not emerge from propaganda or political convenience, but from lived experience. In his calm and purposeful journey through life, Yashi has positively touched millions, particularly in his home town Yashi, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, and across Nigeria at large.
As Executive Director, Humanitarian Affairs at the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Musa Yashi is playing a central role in responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by more than a decade of insurgency in the North East. His leadership has translated into tangible interventions, including support for displaced persons, provision of food and non food items, livelihood assistance, and the facilitation of permanent and pensionable employment opportunities for many vulnerable citizens.
An accomplished public administrator, Yashi holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Over the years, he has grown under the mentorship of one of Nigeria’s most respected administrator, Alhaji Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Like his mentor, Yashi has remained committed to national service beyond the limits of personal ambition.
His career spans several Federal Government ministries, departments, and agencies, where he rose to the rank of Director and earned a reputation for strengthening institutional capacity and mentoring younger officers. He later served as Chief of Staff to the then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, bringing order, loyalty, and administrative depth to the office.
What ultimately sets Musa Yashi apart is not merely the offices he has occupied, but the spirit with which he has served. His generosity is instinctive rather than performative. He gives without expectation, supports without publicity, and uplifts without demanding recognition. In this respect, his life echoes that of revered Bauchi philanthropists such as late Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, Talban Bauchi, and late Alhaji Bashir Mustapha, Shetiman Katagum, whose homes were known as safe havens for the needy.
In recognition of his exceptional humanitarian contributions, Musa Umar Yashi was honoured in 2022 with the Presidential Award for Best Humanitarian Personality of the Year by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The award represented national acknowledgement of years of sacrifice, consistency, and people centered leadership in one of Nigeria’s most fragile regions.
Today, Musa Umar Yashi stands as a symbol of quiet excellence, a technocrat who believes that public office is a trust, leadership is service, and humanity must always come first. In an era where noise often overshadows substance, his life reminds us that the most enduring legacies are built not on self promotion, but on consistent and compassionate action.
Indeed, Yashi na Kowa is not merely a name. It is a living legacy.
Gabi, a journalist, writes from Bauchi and can be reached via adamumgabi@gmail.com or +2348033990884
