Gov. Radda mourns as renowned novelist, speechwriter Dankano dies

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina

Katsina governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed profound grief over the death of renowned novelist, speechwriter and retired civil servant, Bello Musa Dankano.

Dankano, 71, died on Sunday in Malumfashi, Katsina state, where he was born in 1950.

Governor Radda, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, on Tuesday, described the late writer as a distinguished son of Katsina who dedicated his life to public service and literary excellence.

“Bello Musa Dankano was not just a novelist; he was a storyteller who used literature as a tool for truth, ethical reflection, and social transformation. His passing is a monumental loss to Katsina State and Nigeria’s literary community,” the governor stated.

He noted that Dankano’s dual career in civil service and literature produced lasting contributions to governance and Northern Nigerian literature.

“He served as Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs, and Culture, and speechwriter to successive governors. His understanding of governance enriched his literary works, making them reflections of our socio-political realities,” Radda said.

The governor highlighted Dankano’s notable works, including A Season of Locusts, Petrol Station, My Cousins and I, and The Last Caravan and Other Short Stories, describing them as important contributions to Nigerian literature.

Governor Radda particularly commiserated with the District Head of Malumfashi and Galadiman Katsina, Justice Sadiq Abdullahi Mahuta, the royal family, and the entire Malumfashi community.

He prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljannat Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and give his family, the people of Malumfashi, and the literary community the fortitude to bear the loss.