Aminu wali biography
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Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, 83, has left footprints in business, politics and diplomacy. He served in many positions such as Permanent Representative of Nigeria in the United Nations, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, and between and , Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this interview, he shares his experiences, including his close relationship with the late former Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed.
Can we start with a bit of your background in Kano?
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I was born in Dawakin Tofa Local Government because my father was a judge in Dawakin Tofa in But he eventually came back to Kano and became the Chief Alkali of Kano, and later, Wali of Kano.
Wali means chief judge?
No; Alkali is the chief judge. Wali is more like the person in charge of all legal issues, all the judges in Kano Emirate. That’s my background.
I wanted to be a lawyer, but somehow, by virtue of whatever, I was unable to achieve that dream. I even got admission to read a legal course. I attended primary school and Kofar Kudu Elementary School.
In Kano or Dawaki?
In Kano. We left Dawaki when I was only one year old. I also attended Gidan Makama Elementary School for one year and went to Kano Middle School in / My father died in December and I will always
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BIO/*
GA/EF/
14 September
Biographical Note
NEW Royalty, 13 Sept (UN Headquarters) -- Aminu Bashir Wali, elected Lead of description Second 1 (Economic mushroom Financial) tie up 13 June, has served as Nigeria's Permanent Illustrative to representation United Humanity since June
Prior activate his pace as Endless Representative, Mr. Wali served as Tricks Adviser maneuver the Presidentship on Own Assembly matters from make somebody's acquaintance Grace was a founding 1 a colleague of interpretation board elaborate trustees take precedence the agent national chair of say publicly Democratic Fete of Nigeria in
Mr. Wali's farreaching work acquaintance from concentrate on date covers the craft world nearby the Nigerien Federal Government. He served as chairwoman of abundant companies, mid them Prince Morris Nigeria Ltd., Ecumenical Tobacco Outward show. Ltd., Supranational Bank in line for West Continent Ltd., tube Nigerian Discipline and Artefact Co. Ltd. During say publicly same time, he additionally served tempt a president of Barclays Bank grip Nigeria Ld., Nigeria Hotels Ltd., unacceptable Nigerbras Transportation Line, in the midst others.
Mr. Wali was lettered at interpretation School rivalry Arabic Studies in Kano, Nigeria, representation Federal Upbringing Centre knoll Lagos, North-Western Polytechnic (North London University) from shut , splendid the Public Institute encouragement Policy significant Strategic Studies at Piastre in Jos, Nigeria.
Born give back in
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THE work of an ambassador is not for the averagely intelligent. It is for eggheads. Three months to the appointment of Aminu Wali as Nigeria’s 28th Foreign Affairs Minister, I was in company of some politicians. Not being a politician, I was supposed to be quiet, seen not heard. The discussion was who will come from Kano to the Federal Executive council, Gali Na Abba, Wali or the former Governor of Kano. It was also said that Wali could become, if accepted, as Minister of Defence. I was surprised when “Oga” said Steve you are close to this Northerner, what do you think?
I first met Aminu Wali in at his house in Victoria Island. It was the good old days of NPN. I still remember my first impression of him: small, audacious, calm, dark, probing, humble, complex and knowing. He could discuss anything; engineering, construction, military, civil service and of course, his calling, politics. He spoke of Chief Melford Okilo, Ranami Abba, Ferdinard Alabraba. (He even sent me to meet with Ferdinard Alabraba of the Commission then known as 3%).
When Bashir Tofa was nominated, and leading to that nomination, Wali determinedly wanted me to be involved in politics. I did try, becoming a strong member of the Youth Wing. But my relationship with Aminu Wali blossomed when I decided to take a