ZUBAIR ABDURRA’UF IDRIS @ 60: The Voice That Refused to Be Silent

By Uwais Abubakar Idris

From DW Cologne to Voice of Nigeria, from the newsroom to the frontline of community service, one of Nigeria’s most respected broadcasters is signing off from public service, but not from public life.

On Friday, 31 July 2026, Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris marks two remarkable milestones. He turns 60 and retires from Nigeria’s civil service after 34 years of distinguished service in broadcasting, media leadership, advocacy, and community development.

For many, retirement marks the end of a career. For Zubair, it marks the beginning of a new chapter built on a legacy that has already left a lasting mark on journalism, public service, and society.

A Career That Crossed Borders

Over three decades, Zubair built a career that reached far beyond Nigeria’s borders. His voice travelled across continents, telling Nigeria’s stories to the world while bringing global events closer to home.

His work took him across the length and breadth of Nigeria, producing documentaries and special reports that captured the country’s diverse cultures, people, and traditions. He later joined Deutsche Welle (DW) in Cologne, Germany, where he served in the Africa, Middle East and Hausa Service between 1997 and 2002.

At DW, he was more than a news editor. He was an innovator.

He introduced *Dandalin Matasa*, a programme that gave young people a platform to discuss national issues and express their views. He transformed *Mutum Da Duniyarsa* into a programme that brought environmental protection, climate change, and conservation into everyday public discussion. Through *Duniya Mai Yayi*, he helped explain democracy and human rights to audiences at a time when Nigeria was taking its first steps in democratic governance.

His work reflected a simple belief: broadcasting should not only inform. It should educate, engage, and inspire.

From Broadcaster to Media Leader

When he returned to Nigeria, Zubair moved naturally into media management.

In 2002, he became Executive Director of Radio Services at the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC). A year later, he was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KSMC Radio and Television, a position he held until 2009.

He later returned to the Voice of Nigeria, where his experience and leadership earned him progressive promotions until he became Director of Programmes Operations.

Wherever he served, he focused on strengthening institutions, mentoring younger broadcasters, and raising professional standards.

Building Institutions Beyond Public Service

Even while on research leave, Zubair was not content to sit back.

In 2017, he founded Prestige Radio 91.7 FM in Minna, the first privately owned radio station in Niger State. The station reflected his long-held belief that broadcasting should remain close to the people it serves.

His vision did not stop there. Legacy Radio in Suleja has since been fully developed and awaits final operational approval from the National Broadcasting Commission.

These stations stand as lasting investments in community broadcasting and in the future of Nigerian media.

Using the Media for Public Good

Zubair’s greatest strength has never been his titles. It has always been his commitment to using the media to improve society.

As co-founder of the Wadata Media and Advocacy Centre (WAMAC), and with support from the MacArthur Foundation’s *On Nigeria* Project, he became one of the leading voices promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Through town hall meetings held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, he brought together traditional rulers, students, traders, civil servants, women, and young people to discuss corruption and public accountability.

His approach was different.

He did not simply speak to communities. He listened to them. He encouraged dialogue, built trust, and helped ordinary citizens become part of the national conversation.

Standing With His Community

Away from broadcasting, Zubair earned deep respect as a community leader.

The Birnin Gwari Emirate recognised his service by conferring on him the traditional title of **Danmasani**, Senior Councillor of the Emirate, after his distinguished service of thirteen years as *Danlawan*.

The honour reflected years of dedication rather than ceremony.

During the difficult years when Birnin Gwari faced persistent attacks by bandits and kidnappers, he became one of the respected voices advocating peace, dialogue, and community action. He used his influence, experience, and wide network to support efforts that helped reduce insecurity in the area.

When many chose silence, he chose engagement. He spoke for his people, brought stakeholders together, and remained committed to finding practical solutions.

A Desire to Serve Beyond the Newsroom

Zubair’s commitment to public service eventually led him into politics.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, he sought to represent the Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Although he narrowly missed securing his party’s nomination by just twelve delegates, the outcome did not lessen his determination to serve.

Instead, it opened another path.

Today, he serves as a member of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), representing the North-West geopolitical zone.

Whether in broadcasting, advocacy, community leadership, or public administration, his guiding principle has remained unchanged: service before self.

A Legacy That Lives On

Civil service regulations may require retirement at the age of 60, but influence is not measured by years in office.

After 34 years behind the microphone and in leadership, Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris leaves public service with a reputation built on professionalism, integrity, innovation, and compassion.

He helped shape public broadcasting, mentored generations of journalists, established enduring media institutions, championed accountability, and stood firmly with his community during some of its most difficult moments.

As he joins the ranks of Nigeria’s distinguished sexagenarians, colleagues, friends, former students, and countless listeners share one hope: that retirement will not slow him down.

The microphone may no longer be part of his daily routine, but his voice will continue to be heard through the people he has mentored, the institutions he has built, and the lives he has touched.

Some careers come to an end.

Some legacies continue to speak.

Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris belongs firmly to the latter.

( Uwais Abubakar Idris is a Freelance Journalist with DW-RADIO and TELEVISION in Abuja)