Kakanda, in a tribute marking Jibrin’s 50th birthday, said the former lawmaker represented a generation of young Nigerians who demonstrated that political success requires participation, resilience, strategic alliances and the courage to pursue independent causes.
According to him, Jibrin distinguished himself as a pragmatist, mobiliser and businessman, while also attaining the highest level of academic qualification despite the demands and distractions associated with political life.
Recounting how their relationship began, Kakanda said he had publicly defended Jibrin during a political controversy more than a decade ago, despite having never met him personally at the time.
He recalled that their first encounter happened unexpectedly at an amusement park, where he met Jibrin and his wife while he was with a friend.
Kakanda said that after exchanging pleasantries and parting ways, Jibrin unexpectedly returned and asked, amid laughter, whether he was Gimba Kakanda.
He explained that Jibrin’s wife, whom Kakanda had previously known through her advocacy work, had recognised him as the person who had been defending Jibrin on Twitter and subsequently drew her husband’s attention to his identity.
“Over the years, I came to work closely with him,” Kakanda said, noting that their relationship subsequently developed beyond their initial encounter.
He further recalled that ahead of the 2023 general elections, they were among the early supporters of the political movement around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the political leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
As Jibrin marked his 50th birthday, Kakanda described the milestone as an important transition into a stage of greater wisdom, responsibility and service.
He prayed for continued good health, wisdom, fulfilment and the opportunity for Jibrin to witness the causes to which he had dedicated his life produce greater results.
“May every height you have attained become the foundation for higher service, and may Allah preserve you and make the years ahead your finest yet,” he said.
Kakanda concluded by wishing the former lawmaker a happy 50th birthday and many more years of purposeful service to the nation.
