The name Alhaji Isiaka Sule rings bell in Isanlu, Yagba East local government of Kogi state, for his engagement in developmental services, and requires no much introduction right from his days as Grade II student in Kano (then secretary of the delegates sent by IPU Northern zone in 1971 for the selection and coronation of the new Agbana of Isanlu) and has continued to give his services to community development till date.
Alhaji Isiaka Sule hails from the Sule Iroko family in Ilafin Isanlu (whose father migrated alongside with other successful farmers like Musa Oluyori to Ileloke Bagido Isanlu).
His Educational Background
He started with FSLC in 1960, and progressed to the School of Arabic Studies, Kano to get his Grade II certificate in 1968. Driven by passionate love for education, he bagged a degree in History/IRK from Bayero University, Kano in 1975/76, and served his father’s land (NYSC) in 1976/77. In 2003/2004, he added another feather to his cap, with the Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from Kogi State Polytechnic.
Alhaji Sule’s dedication to community services dated back to his days in Bayero University Kano, where he was a very active and committed member of IPU Kano branch between 1967 and 1973, and upon his return home, as a teacher at Egbe Teachers College between 1977 and 1980, he confounded IPU Egbe branch.
Moving back to Isanlu in 1980 gave him the opportunity to do more for Isanlu, and that made the people to elect him as the IPU chairman. He served in this capacity for 9 good years, setting landmark records upon which other successive presidents after him have continued to build.
As the pioneer principal of Oluyori Muslim Comprehensive High School Isanlu in 1980 (a role which he served for decades), he was determined to make the school a model secondary school in the state. That was the drive behind the untiring efforts and dedication with which he worked, and that made the administration of the then military administrator of Kogi State (Col Aniebor) named him as the most outstanding principal of the year.
His successful civil service career birthed students who are topping the echelon of their careers. Among them are:
Ona of Abaji, Chairman FCT Traditional Council of Chiefs)
Late Chief Owotogbe, One Time State NUT Chairman and Ijumu LG Council Chairman
Mr Bode Ogunmola, One time Commissioner for Information in Kogi.
As a unionist, Alhaji Sule was NUT chairman for the entire Yagba LGA between 1991 and 1994, later to be elected as the 2nd state Chairman of NUT between 1995 and 1997, and thereafter elected the NUT National Vice President (a post he occupied for the span of 8 years till he retired). In that capacity, he led the NUT delegation to the then Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris to fight for the approval of Teachers Salary Structure.
He was also a pioneer Board member of Isanlu Community Bank for 12 years.
It is noteworthy to say that, he is a silent philanthropist who doesn’t like to blow his horn on his charitable works. The fees of enormous number of students were paid silently by him, and he is still doing same till date. In recognition of his good works in the community, he was nominated for a chieftaincy post, but he declined the offer based on personal principle. Despite his passive interest in chieftaincy affairs, the late Agbana will continue to address him as High Chief of Isanlu Kingdom.
He has his name written in golden letters within the religious body. He is a member of State Council of Ulamau, and remains the longest serving chairman of JNI in Okunland. He was part of those that drafted the bill for the conversion of the State Muslim Pilgrimage board to State Hajj Commission. His appointment and critical roles resulted in a hitch free hajj operation.
Alhaji Isiaka Sule is loved and celebrated amidst young and old irrespective of the religious divide.
– David Adi Khulong wrote from Isanlu, Kogi State.
