By Sunusi A. Kofar Na’isa
Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un.
The pen has fallen silent, and the microphone has dimmed yet the voice, courage, and legacy of Comrade Aliyu Abubakar Getso will forever echo in the hearts of all who knew him.
Early on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the sad news of the passing of our veteran journalist, respected broadcaster, and committed unionist, my boss and mentor, Comrade Aliyu Abubakar Getso spread across Kano State. Radio stations, online platforms, and social media were flooded with tributes mourning the departure of a great communicator, translator, and editor fondly known among younger journalists as “Baba Getso.”
Born in 1956 at Getso town, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, Aliyu hailed from the royal San-Getso family, the son of Malam Abubakar, Chiroman Getso (Sidi), the Village head of Getso.
The late Comrade Aliyu Getso lived an exemplary life defined by dedication to duty, passion for truth, and steadfast commitment to serving humanity through journalism.
Aliyu Abubakar Getso Educational Background and Career Profile:
Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Getso began his early Quranic education at Getso town before he was enrolled at Gwarzo Boarding Primary School from 1962 to 1968. He proceeded to Government Boarding Secondary School, Dambatta, completing his studies there between 1969 to 1974.
He later attended the Federal School of Arts and Science, Mubi, Adamawa State from 1975 to 1977, and further enhanced his professional skills by undertaking a Television Broadcasting Course in London, United Kingdom, in 1981.
Aliyu Getso joined the Kano State civil service with Ministry of Information in 1977, where he served diligently until his retirement in 1999.
After his public service career, he continued to contribute to the media industry, working with several reputable radio organisations, including Freedom Radio, Vision FM, and Premier Radio Kano.
A former staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information, where he served as Head of the Broadcasting Unit and producer of the popular programme “Jihar Kano A Yau,” he distinguished himself as a disciplined, resourceful, and principled public servant.
His illustrious career in the media industry spanned several decades and institutions, including Freedom Radio, Vision FM, and Premier Radio as mentioned earlier, where he left an indelible mark. Renowned for his eloquence and mastery of both English and Hausa languages, he was celebrated as a translator, editor, and broadcaster par excellence. His professionalism and creativity helped shape the standards of modern broadcasting in Kano and inspired a new generation of communicators.
Beyond journalism, Comrade AA Getso was a devoted unionist and advocate for workers’ rights. He served as Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel from 1986 to 1988 and also elected as Secretary, NUJ Kano State Council, from 1992 to 1996 and later as Assistant Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kano Chapter positions in which he demonstrated uncommon integrity, courage, and a resolute commitment to justice.
On a personal note, I received the news of his passing with deep shock and sorrow. It was through Comrade Getso that I first found my footing in journalism back in 1990, after receiving my appointment with the Kano State Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, History, and Culture. Together with Malle Balarabe, he mentored me and my contemporaries including Mustapha Namadi Ringim, Idris Zakariyau Zaura and others, teaching us how to write news reports, conduct interviews, and produce radio scripts etc.
Under his guidance, we produced the iconic 30-minute Hausa programme “Jihar Kano A Yau,” one of the longest-running radio programmes in Kano.
Our broadcasting unit at the time included dedicated senior colleagues such as Surajo Ibrahim Gaya, the late Auwalu Zubairu Chedi, Abdullahi Abubakar Tudunwada, and our beloved driver, the late Sule Maiganji Danbatta, with Malam Zubairu as one of our regular companions. Those were formative years, and Baba Getso’s mentorship shaped our professional and moral compass in the world of media.
His funeral prayer was held around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at his residence near Kabuga Second Gate, Janbulo, Kano, led by the Imam of Janbulo Quarters. Hundreds of mourners including family members, colleagues, prominent personalities and admirers from across the media and labour communities attended, to bid farewell to this remarkable man.
Comrade Getso was deeply religious, peace-loving, humble, and passionate about his duties. He was respected for his simplicity, sincerity of purpose, and firm belief in fairness and justice. He stood steadfastly for what was right, even when it was not convenient.
To many, he was more than a journalist, he was a mentor, friend, and father figure. His gentle humour, humility, and compassion endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Until his passing at the age of 69, he remained devoted to his family, leaving behind three wives, children, and grandchildren who will continue to uphold his legacy of honesty, hard work, and faith.
The journalism and labour communities in Kano and indeed, across Nigeria have lost a pillar, bridge-builder, and voice of conscience. His death is not only a personal loss to his family but also a monumental vacuum in the media landscape and the struggle for workers’ welfare.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
May He also comfort his family, friends, and colleagues, and give us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Today marks the third day without you, Comrade — answering the call of our Creator, embarking on a journey from which none return.
Adieu, Comrade Aliyu Abubakar Getso, the people’s voice, the journalist’s journalist, and the unionist with a heart of gold.
Kofar Na’isa, is a retired Information officer, Ministry of Information, Kano State. Currently, Editor/publisher The Stentor News online, can be reached via Email sunusiknaisa@gmail.com or 08034519476.
