12/07/2025
UNVEILING HIS GREY EMINENCE, BARRISTER MAKU KIGBU-BMK; A Celebration of Simplicity, Silent Impact and Inspirational Life!
By Sen Dugga
In a world where heroes often seek recognition and prominence from the front lines, Barrister Maku Kigbu, BMK as he prefers to be fondly addressed, shines humbly, devoid of vain glories .
His striking simplicity and selfless ideology has had a profound impact on student unionists, community leaders, youth movements, political and professional landscape over the years!
A Life of Simplicity and Purpose
At Federal Government College, Jos, Saint Joseph's College, Vom, Plateau State, the University of Jos, Nigerian Law School, Bwarri, and in work life and socio political engagements, BMK's simplicity, deep insights and leadership prowess inspired and endeared many followers to him. Despite not holding any office, he championed good governance, effective representation, and selfless service, influencing notable associates and people from all walks of life and divides throughout his four decades journey.
Despite his privileged background, back in the university, BMK stayed in the hostels and lived very simple life throughout his university days, relating and sharing with those not considered of same class or status as him in the eyes of society.
He often wrote scholarly articles, influenced and actively participated in protests against tuition fee hikes, erratic power supply, and other students rights issues on campus.
BMK was instrumental in my trajectory and that of many others before and after me, whom we shared passionate ideas of community development and leadership from time immemorial. He was especially significant in my emergence as the National President of the Eggon Youth Movement (Later referred to as Eggon Youth Wing) now renamed Eggon Youth Association (EYA).
BMK has been the shadow producer behind the scenes of the happenings and movements within our community youth network across the state and the diaspora.
BMK has entrenched himself in the grassroots, and amongst the stakeholders who have come to align with his idea of a paradigm shift away from the monetisation, procurement and devaluation of community leadership roles. This he believes, will pave way for men and women of thought, good conscience and character, needed for the actualisation of the aspirations of the community, as against self serving and desperate individuals who seek vain glorification and are simply crazy for positions and sundry titles. He believes leadership should be taken seriously at the community level with focus on community development agenda.
BMK's clarion call, has gained wide acceptance amongst the youths and stakeholders of his community, and has metamorphosed into a movement of some sort, attracting a large spectrum of followers. But as it is with every idea or movement, there will always be pockets of resistance and blackmail by the status quo and their beneficiaries, in attempt to derail and dismiss its potency and acceptance.
BMK's blend of native intelligence and intellectual insights on issues, earns him respect and accolades amongst his peers and the elders guild.
BMK is one of the few examples of wards from prominent homes in society who have not allowed the temporal privileges of life to overshadow their humanity and character, and have strived to stay simple and maintain respectful relationships with people in high and low places. Those who are not privy to these aspects of him, keep questioning the level of influence and respect he has earned especially amongst the youth strata of his community and beyond.
A life of mentorship and inspiration
BMK is a rooted individual, culturally and philosophically. His love for culture and arts pushed him to learn and gain mastery of the Gbini (Raft Zither), a traditional musical instrument of his Eggon ancestry, which he fondly played in his days on campus and still entertains himself with till date at home and abroad. His fluency in Eggon Language and mastery of the Gbini musical instrument remain a reference point of admiration and inspiration in the society. It is also a testament to his cultured upbringing and afrocentric background.
BMK recently shunned to limelight with a sample of his melodious Gbini music at the Jos International Museum Day to the admiration of many dignitaries including Governor Sule, Former Governor Dariye, Aren Eggon, Emir of Lafia, B**g Gwom Jos, Hon Solomon Ewuga, Bar Halilu Envulanza, Alhaji Ishaku and a host of other notable personalities from the traditional institutions, academia, politics and private enterprise.
In terms of mentorship, BMK is an idea pad on the go. A storehouse of unique thoughts, strategies and craft. He can envision and fine tune ideas instantly. I can describe him as a prolific craftsman of ideas and programmes.
On a light note, BMK's peaceful and respectful outlook can be mistaken for weakness. He is a silent Indaboski, a gentle lion, capable of light mischief and trouble when pushed to the limits!
*Outlook on Life*
BMK believes excellence in professionalism, selfless service to humanity and community development are the most enduring legacies of an individual over and above vain glories. This is what he symbolises and the future is now!
Like every human, BMK has a fair share of his fault lines, weaknesses and need improvement. His often tough speak, radical opinions on issues and knack for perfection in ex*****on of tasks and shared objectives, could come off as overbearing, due to his zeal for excellence and immediate results and outcomes. He needs more mastery in patience and understanding of team strengths and weaknesses.
His knack for humour makes him a lively guest and conversationalist. His opinions are sharp, often provoking deep thoughts and humour.
From all assessment, BMK is a passionate and consummate personality gifted in multi-dimensional ways. And I believe society has a lot yet to derive from his resourceful and bold ideas.
On behalf of his cream of friends and associates, I join the family to celebrate him on his birthday, and I pray for God's speed and perfection towards the actualisation of his visions and aspirations in the society.
Best wishes to a true friend, a brother, comrade and a rising light on his auspicious birthday anniversary!
NB. Barrister Maku Kigbu, BMK, is a Legal Practitioner and Consultant, with over 13 years experience in public Administration, Corporate Governance, Telecommunications business, Policy and Regulation
Dugga, G. S. is a close friend and associate of BMK for over 18 years and he writes on behalf of Friends & Associates of BMK.
