As the Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara celebrates another year older filled with beautiful memories and unlimited success stories this Monday, 1st September 2025, thoughtful birthday messages have continued to pour in from across the country.
Among the messages, are those from the National Executive Committee and the entire family of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), under the leadership of Ambassador E. O. Okafor mni, who joyfully celebrate the distinguished Alhaji Usman Kankara Bello mni, Kanwan Katsina III and District Head of Ketare in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, North West Nigeria.
In the message, Amb. Okafor says the occasion offers a fitting moment to honour a seasoned public servant, respected traditional ruler, and exemplary alumnus whose life has been defined by patriotism, leadership excellence, and an unwavering commitment to national and community development.
The General Manager of Katsina State Radio Services, Alhaji Lawal Attahiru Bakori in his message, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the traditional ruler on behalf of himself and the staff of the station.
Malam Lawal Attahiru Bakori said the mornach is widely being celebrated not only for his leadership but also for his unwavering commitment to community growth and development across various sectors.
The General Manager stated that over the years, Kanwan Katsina has distinguished himself as a patriotic leader whose vision and dedication are impacting positively on his people.
Similarly, the Ketare Youth Development Association (KYEDEMA), under the leadership of Comrade Mudassiru Lawal Gurbi and Secretary Comrade Abdul’aziz Mohammed Ketare joined the growing list of well-wishers celebrating the birthday of Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, mni.
.The youth group praised the royal father for his relentless commitment to driving social and economic advancement in Ketare and beyond.
The Association of Retired Senior Customs Officers from the 1982 intake—The UK Bello’s coursemates during his distinguished service in the Nigeria Customs Service also identified with One of theirs on this Day filled with joy and happiness.
Similarly, the 1981 graduating class of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, led by Yahaya Amfani, and the 1974 graduating class of Government Secondary School, Malumfashi, celebrated the Kanwan Katsina’s exceptional contributions to education, mentorship, and national service.
The outpouring of goodwill messages, pundits believe, underscores the towering influence of Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara as a leader, mentor, and community builder whose life and legacy continue to inspire development, unity, and progress across Katsina State and Nigeria
Born on 1st September 1957 in Kankara town into the renowned Nadabo family, famous for producing five District Heads under the Katsina Emirate Council, Alhaji UK Bello has sustained a proud legacy of service. His educational journey began at Central Primary School Kankara between 1963 and 1969. He later attended Government Secondary School Malumfashi from 1970 to 1974 and proceeded to Katsina College of Arts and Social Sciences for his A Levels. He gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University in 1978 and graduated in 1981 with a degree in Political Science.
After completing his National Youth Service in the old Bendel State in 1981 and 1982, he enlisted in the Nigerian Customs Service in 1982 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent. Through hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks and attained the peak of his career as Comptroller of Customs in 2009. He headed numerous strategic units, formations, and commands including the Kano and Jigawa Command, FCT Command, Sokoto Kebbi Zamfara Command, Eastern Marine Command Port Harcourt, as well as various headquarters units such as Valuation, Excise, Post Clearance Audit, and the Posting Unit.
A results-oriented officer, he was known for consistently surpassing revenue targets and recording major anti-smuggling successes. He notably introduced the payment of Customs Duties on imported smoked fish from Chad at Baga Customs Station in 1985. As the Public Relations Officer at both Apapa and Tincan Island Port Commands, he won the award of Best PRO of the Nigerian Customs Service.
In recognition of his leadership potential and policy insight, he was admitted into the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as a member of Senior Executive Course 35 in 2013. He served as Vice Chairman of Study Group One for two consecutive terms. He also attended a leadership development course on Ethics, Good Governance and Accountability in Pittsburgh, United States of America in 2010.
After a meritorious 35-year career in the Customs Service, he retired in 2017 and returned home to continue serving his people. As Kanwan Katsina III and District Head of Ketare, he has brought purposeful leadership to his community, making visible impact in areas such as education, healthcare, security, polio eradication, agriculture, and youth development. His ability to mobilize resources and forge partnerships has led to numerous developmental projects in his district.
He is the Heritage Chairman of the AANI Katsina State Chapter, a role through which he continues to champion the ideals of AANI. His community-based leadership style, strategic vision, and unwavering sense of duty remain a source of inspiration to many.
