Honourable Ali Modu Tela: A personal poignant reflection, by Dr Aminu Salihu Yakudima
From behavioural psychology and natural instinct, some individuals are born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Others are naturally gifted with leadership abilities without the rudimentary methods of mastering it. Late Honourable Ali Modu Tela, also known as Alhaji Ali Kotoko and fondly called ‘Man’, was one such person. Even as a teenager, he demonstrated remarkable leadership potential.
Even though I was reluctant to write, I was impressively attracted by his disposition, hence this personal poignant reflection on his life and enduring legacy. The demise of Hon. Ali Modu Tela, at his residence in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, on Friday, the 10th of October, 2025, was indeed painful and a sad loss.
This is my second piece on Hon. Ali Modu. Last year, he was in Abuja on a business trip and had a conversation with me on national issues and matters of public interest. Thereafter, I wrote an article on the parley, which was published in the media outlets.
After our secondary education 45 years ago, Ali Modu Tela had an easy going in this life and went on to establish himself in business and politics at a young age. In doing so, no one I believe will claim credit for the mentorship and his overall success. He achieved milestones in his own effort through affiliation, hard work, and the support of his father.
I had the privilege of interacting with him during our secondary school days at Government Secondary School (GSS), Bama, Borno State, and later at Borno College of Basic Studies (Bocobs), Maiduguri. After our remedial programme in Bocobs, he departed to the UK for further studies.
This heartfelt tribute to Ali Modu Tela, a man of exceptional leadership and charisma, is to convey with accuracy how a popular figure he was, and respected by his peers in both GSS Bama and Bocobs as well as among the politicians, especially at the grassroots level.
As a classmate, I recall his exceptional qualities, including humility. Therefore, I have many things to write about Ali but will limit my contribution to the fundamentals. He was a shy person, but well accommodating, who often restricted himself from congregation and groups of people in many given circumstances. His exposure to sporting activities in school was instrumental to interacting with a larger society.
Ali Modu was a good athlete with a keen interest in badminton, squash, and long tennis. He often mastered the games in both single and double categories. He had been part of the team that won trophies for GSS Bama and went ahead to replicate this for Bocobs and Borno State in several interstate competitions.
In 1980, when Ali Modu Tela secured admission into Bocobs, his sporting prowess allowed him to interact with diverse groups, showcasing ability to connect with others, earning him widespread respect among students. Despite his reserved demeanour, he excelled in sports, particularly badminton.
Ali’s return to Nigeria in the late 1980s was a significant turning point. He underwent a lifestyle change, pursued business ventures, including oil and gas, and became more accessible to the general public. He also became a rallying point, and his home in Maiduguri became a hub for friends, relatives, and associates who received 24-hour hospitality. A few of them stayed permanently in the house and pursued their dreams. He not only provided for their basic needs but also ensured their safety and social well-being.
Following this, Ali Modu Tela ventured into partisan politics, registering with a political party in Borno State. His grassroots appeal and strategic positioning earned him recognition, leading to his appointment as Honourable Commissioner for Land and Survey. He was deployed to Commerce and Industry and redeployed to the Ministry of Agriculture during Governor Ali Modu Sheriff’s administration.
Ali’s performance was satisfactory. However, despite his dedicated service, he was subsequently relegated to the background and denied opportunities for further engagement, which severely impacted his morale and effectiveness.
Thus, Hon. Ali’s illustrious political career was ultimately defined by challenges and neglect, especially after the tenure of his office as the Honourable Commissioner. Despite his tireless efforts to uplift others and give them a glimmer of hope, he was met with ingratitude and serious marginalisation. The relegation, which continued after his tenure, had significantly dampened his enthusiasm and involvement in public life until his passing away at the age of 63 years.
May his achievements be remembered and cherished, and may his soul rest in eternal peace. May Allah SWT forgive his shortcomings and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdausi. On behalf of the entire membership of my family, I offered these prayers and dignified farewell to Honourable Ali Modu Tela.
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