Former Governor of Jigawa State & Author of "Being True to Myself"
Alhaji Sule Lamido, born on August 30, 1948, in Bamaina, Jigawa State, has been a towering figure in Nigerian politics for over four decades. His journey from grassroots activism to the highest echelons of government exemplifies a steadfast commitment to democratic principles and public service.
Born into a traditional ruling family in northern Nigeria, Sule Lamido's early life was shaped by deep cultural values and a sense of responsibility toward community service. His formal education, combined with traditional upbringing, instilled in him a unique perspective that would later define his approach to governance and public policy.
Lamido's political journey began during Nigeria's Second Republic, where he emerged as a vocal advocate for democratic governance and social justice. His principled stance during military rule demonstrated remarkable courage, often at great personal risk.
As Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs (1999-2003), Lamido played a pivotal role in reestablishing the country's international standing following years of military dictatorship. His diplomatic acumen helped rebuild Nigeria's global partnerships and restore its position in the community of nations.
During his two terms as Governor of Jigawa State (2007-2015), Lamido implemented transformative policies that significantly improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. His administration is widely credited with turning one of Nigeria's least developed states into a model of rural development and good governance.
Throughout his career, Sule Lamido has been guided by a consistent set of core values:
Advocating for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of background.
Unwavering commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order.
Focusing on policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Maintaining ethical standards and accountability in public service.
"Politics should be about service, not self-enrichment. Throughout my career, I have strived to remain true to this principle, even when it meant taking the more difficult path."
"Being True to Myself" is more than a political memoir—it is a thoughtful reflection on a life dedicated to public service and the pursuit of democratic ideals in Nigeria. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and candid reflections, Lamido offers readers a rare glimpse into the complexities of Nigerian politics and the challenges of governance in a diverse and evolving democracy.
The memoir chronicles Lamido's journey from his early political awakening to his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister and his transformative governorship of Jigawa State. With remarkable candor, he discusses the triumphs and challenges of his career, including the difficult decisions he faced and the principles that guided him.
Beyond political narrative, the book offers valuable insights into Lamido's philosophy of leadership, his vision for Nigeria's development, and the personal values that have anchored him throughout his career. Readers will find inspiration in his unwavering commitment to democratic principles and his practical approach to addressing the challenges facing developing nations.
Written with both historical precision and personal warmth, "Being True to Myself" stands as an important contribution to Nigeria's political literature and a testament to one man's enduring faith in the potential of his nation.
"In sharing my story, I hope to offer more than personal reflections—I aim to contribute to our collective understanding of Nigeria's democratic journey. This memoir is my humble attempt to document not just my experiences, but the resilience and aspirations of the Nigerian people I have been privileged to serve. I invite you to engage with these pages not as a definitive account, but as one perspective in our ongoing national conversation about governance, development, and the path forward for our beloved country."
Sule Lamido