# Umar Buba Jibrin

Umar Buba Jibril was a Nigerian politician. He served as the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, representing the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency in the 8th National Assembly until his death. He died on 30 March 2018 at the age of 58.

## Early Life and Education

Umar Buba Jibril was born on 22 November 1960 in Kabawa, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He was the son of Alhaji Jibril Ndamasa and Mallama Salamatu Jibril. Jibril began his primary education at L.E.A Primary School, Kabawa, and completed it in 1974. He then attended Government Secondary School Koton-Karfe from 1974 to 1979, where he excelled academically and served as the Head Boy in his final year. After completing his secondary education, Jibril proceeded to the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he studied Architecture. He obtained both a Bachelor's degree (1985) and a Master's degree (1990) in Architecture, graduating with a Second Class Upper division [5].

## Career and Professional Life

Jibril's professional career began when he completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State between 1986 and 1987. After his service, he was employed as a Principal Architect at the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, where he worked from 1986 to 1999 [6]. During his time at the university, he contributed to several notable projects that helped shape the institution's landscape. He left academia in 1999 to venture into private business, managing an Oando filling station owned by his brother in Lokoja. Under his leadership, the station expanded significantly [7].

## Political Career

Jibril's foray into politics began in 2003 when he was elected as a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, representing Lokoja I State Constituency under the People's Democratic Party (PDP) [8]. His exceptional leadership skills saw him become the first Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly from the PDP, holding the position from 2003 to 2005. His tenure as Speaker was marked by the passage of several key legislative bills, including the Kogi State University Amendment Bill [9].
In 2007, Jibril transitioned to national politics when he contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives, representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency under the PDP. He served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions during his first term, sponsoring notable bills such as the National Eye Centre Act Amendment Bill [10].

## Re-election and Leadership in the House of Representatives

In 2011, Jibril switched political allegiance to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), under which he was re-elected to the House of Representatives. He later leads CPC Kogi State chapter into the formation of the newly All Progressives Congress (APC) in the lead-up to the 2015 elections, securing his third consecutive term in the House [11]. Jibril's political ascent continued when he was appointed Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, making him the first representative from Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency to hold such a high-ranking position [12]. In his role as Deputy Majority Leader, Jibril played a key role in stabilizing the House following the crisis that followed Yakubu Dogara's election as Speaker [13].
One of Jibril's last and most notable legislative efforts was sponsoring the controversial Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Regulatory Commission Bill. The bill sought to create a regulatory body for NGOs and civil society organizations in Nigeria, sparking significant debate across the country [14].

## Constituency Projects and Philanthropy

Throughout his career, Jibril maintained a strong connection with his constituents. He facilitated numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of those in Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency. His projects included the construction of over 40 solar-powered boreholes, the donation of electricity transformers, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights in both rural and urban areas [15]. He also built classroom blocks, initiated skills acquisition programs, and organized medical outreach programs that benefited thousands of constituents [16].

## Death and Legacy

Umar Buba Jibril passed away on 30 March 2018 after a brief illness. His death was mourned by political leaders and citizens alike, with many paying tribute to his service and leadership. Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and President Muhammadu Buhari all expressed their condolences and highlighted his contributions to national politics [17].
Jibril's legacy as a grassroots leader, a skilled legislator, and a philanthropist remains etched in the memory of the people he served. He was survived by three wives and many children, and he was buried in his hometown of Kabawa, Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State, according to Islamic rites [18].