Tributes have continued to pour in for the late Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, MFR, as the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, alongside key stakeholders in the sports sector, mourns the passing of one of Nigeria’s most respected football administrators.
Widely regarded as a pillar of sports development, Galadima’s death has left a deep void not only in Kano but across the entire Nigerian sporting community.
From administrators and journalists to athletes and fans, voices of grief and admiration have echoed in recognition of a man whose legacy was defined by integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to the growth of sports.
As tributes continue to pour in through the inbox of this platform, they vividly reflect the wide-reaching impact of his lifelong contributions to sports development.
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The messages of condolence and appreciation also highlight the enduring influence he had on generations of stakeholders within the industry, from administrators and journalists to athletes and supporters.
His legacy, as expressed in these tributes, remains deeply rooted in the values of service, leadership, and commitment to excellence, which continue to inspire many even in his absence.
Muzammil Dalha Yola, Assistant Secretary, SWAN Kano
With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, mourns the passing of a pillar, mentor, and father figure in the sports industry, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, MFR, former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
Alhaji Dr. Galadima passed away in Kano at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness. He was, without doubt, an institution in Nigerian sports, having served in numerous capacities at both state and national levels with rare sincerity, integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment.
As the founding father of Kano Pillars FC, his vision, foresight, and sacrifice laid the foundation for one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs.
His immense contributions to sports administration, policy formulation, and youth development will remain indelible in the history of Nigerian sports.
Indeed, SWAN Kano has lost a steadfast supporter, a wise adviser, and a dependable friend. The Nigerian sports fraternity has lost a rare gem whose counsel, humility, and passion for excellence helped shape generations of administrators, journalists, and athletes.
We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdausi as his final abode.
May Allah also grant his family, Kano Pillars FC, the NFF, and the entire sports community the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Ike Abonyi, veteran journalist
Even though I started journalism before my graduation, my career blossomed in Kano-based Triumph Newspaper where I did my national service.
It gave me ample opportunity to meet and understand other Nigerians. Among the very rare gentle exceptional Nigerian i came across in Kano and later in Lagos was Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima.
A man who possessed that rare alchemy of unshakable integrity and boundless grace. A man who is led by the steady rhythm of his actions and the profound depth of character.
Galadima was admired not just for what he achieved, but for the unwavering kindness he maintained while achieving it.
Most of his legacy isn’t written in stone, but in the lives of everyone he inspired to reach a little higher.
”True greatness is not being greater than others, but being greater than your former self.” Alhaji Galadima was that man.
Rest in peace,
Alhaji.Sani Ibrahim Coach, PhD, Sports Manager, former Kano Pillars scribe
The late Ibrahim Galadima of Fagge, an icon of sports management and administration in Kano and Nigeria, was widely regarded as an honest, hardworking, and exceptionally brilliant personality who consistently led by example throughout his public service.
He distinguished himself through a strong sense of accountability and integrity, earning respect across different levels of sports administration.
One of the notable aspects of his character was his commitment to transparency, as he was known to return unutilized funds, vehicles, and other official resources to the government treasury upon the completion of sports assignments, an uncommon virtue that set him apart and earned him lasting admiration.
His legacy is deeply rooted in discipline, service, and moral uprightness, qualities that continue to inspire those who worked with him and the broader sports community.
He leaves behind a record of exemplary leadership that will be remembered for years to come.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Jamilu Abdulhamid Bello, Secretary General, KASHIGA.
The passing of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima is a great loss not only to Kano State or Fagge Local Government, but to Nigeria as a whole.
He was a true leader, disciplined, respectful, and deeply committed to due process and time management.
Many of us benefited from his words of encouragement, his support, and his willingness to honour our invitations whenever called upon.
His absence will be deeply felt. May the Almighty forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdausi.
Our prayers are that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will forgive his shortcomings, overlook his errors, and grant him mercy in the hereafter. We also pray that He will accept all his good deeds and reward him with Aljannatul Firdausi.
At the same time, we ask Allah to grant his family, loved ones, and all those he left behind the strength, patience, and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss with faith and acceptance.
Hon. Sir A.S Michika, Former Chairman, Kano State Marathon Organizing Committee
The Death of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima is a big loss in Kano and the Nation sports industry.
Dr. Galadima was both an excellent administrator and a true Nigerian sports icon. His tenure as NFA chairman was marked by structure, reforms, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He strengthened institutional frameworks and promoted professionalism.
Galadima has mentored a generation of administrators who are doing greatness running sports in Northern Nigeria today, he will always be remembered as the founder of Kano pillars FC, for reforming the NFA, for serving as Galadiman fagge, for pioneering the Kano State sports commission and for also steering it to the level that it is today. Kano is today a football powerhouse through Kano pillars FC due to Galadima.
Am calling on Kano State Government to immortalise Ibrahim Galadima, including naming a state sport monument after him.
Finally, the late Ibrahim Galadima of Fagge, an icon of sports management and administration in Kano and Nigeria, was widely regarded as an honest, hardworking, and exceptionally brilliant personality who consistently led by example throughout his public service.
He distinguished himself through a strong sense of accountability and integrity, earning respect across different levels of sports administration.
One of the notable aspects of his character was his commitment to transparency, as he was known to return unutilized funds, vehicles, and other official resources to the government treasury upon the completion of sports assignments, an uncommon virtue that set him apart and earned him lasting admiration.
His legacy is deeply rooted in discipline, service, and moral uprightness, qualities that continue to inspire those who worked with him and the broader sports community. He leaves behind a record of exemplary leadership that will be remembered for years to come.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
