Born in the serene embrace of Nassarawa in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, Abubakar Gimba emerged as a prominent figure whose life journey has woven together literature, banking and leadership with distinctive elegance. He lived in Minna for the more significant part of his life.
Gimba’s literary tapestry, vibrant and evocative service to the community, has been expertly threaded through his various roles in multi-faceted life. At the time, he was the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors and Executive Director of banks who later midwife the establishment of his state university. His novels – “Witness to Tears,” “Trail of Sacrifice,” “Innocent Victims,” “Sunset for a Mandarin,” and “Golden Apples” – stand as testaments to his literary brilliance and craftsmanship. These works delicately intertwine societal intricacies with cultural reflections, vividly portraying the human experience with measured responses, cadence and moral fortitude as necessary pillars for human sanity.
Gimba’s contributions to society extend beyond the realm of words. His stewardship as the Concern Foundation and Savannah Group Ltd Chairman showcased his commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s cultural landscape while still being a financial manager. In this multifaceted role, he became a conductor of artistic expression and a torchbearer of creative exchange.
Finance and literature, seemingly disparate worlds, harmonise seamlessly within Gimba’s narrative as an economist and writer. His tenure as an Executive Director at the Union Bank of Nigeria and United Bank for Africa highlights his astuteness in financial matters. This dual mastery demonstrates the beautiful synergy of intellect, imagination and economics.
Beyond his financial management, Gimba’s administrative legacy blooms in education as a pro-chancellor of IBB University, Lapai and the Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the university at conception. He was also a one-time President of the most prominent university south of Saharah, the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His role as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in Niger State unveiled his astute navigation through intricate bureaucratic terrains, marking him as one of the influential architects of Niger State’s economic landscape at the apex of his Civil Service career.
Education served as the tapestry’s warp and weft, with Gimba’s Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Cincinnati, USA, lending his journey a distinct intellectual sheen. His travels across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East further enriched his perspectives, infusing his literary work with global nuances. Gimba is one Nigerian writer who took Minna to the world.
The International Writing Programme (IWP) embraced Gimba, allowing his luminous presence to bridge continents and cultures, backed by a U.S. Department of State grant. This international convergence underscores his commitment to the global literary mosaic, reflecting Nigeria’s rich literary heritage from Minna.
Gimba’s life unfurled in layers of creativity, leadership, finance and exploration of society. His story resonates as a vibrant reminder that one’s origins need not confine one’s reach; instead, they serve as stepping stones to weave a legacy that transcends borders and genres, enriching the world with their unique threads of influence.
Gimba authored many novels, short stories, poetry, and essays. He was a public speaker of immeasurable eloquence. A columnist in many newspapers, as well as a humanitarian whose concerns about the proper functioning of society are dependent on the ability of such society to raise a functional being.
