Last year, Alhaji Haruna Sale Kargi, PhD, was turbaned as Turakin Mardannin Zazzau in a colourful event which attracted a mammoth of crowd from different parts of the country. The Emir of Zazzau His Royal Highness Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli turbaned him as Turakin Mardannin Zazzau in recognition of his philanthropy, selfless service and industry. Alhaji Haruna Sale Kargi is the current Director of Finance and Administration (DFA), Kaduna State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Before he joined the service of ministry, he had an extensive and inspiring career spanning over a decade. He was Kaduna state commissioner for intergovernmental affairs during the administration of former governor Namadi Sambo, in which he served with passion and zeal. Turakin Mardannin Zazzau was also a chairman Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Kaduna state chapter.
During his reign as the state NULGE chairman, Alhaji Haruna Sale Kargi championed the welfare of local government employees with great enthusiasm. He was in the forefront defending the rights and interests of local government employees. As the saying goes “he came, saw and conquered”. Indeed, he steered the union with remarkable commitment, leading to its transformation.
The Turakin Mardannin Zazzau was also a director of administration and personnel in various local governments of Kaduna state. There is no gain saying the fact that in the local governments he served, he left footprints of integrity and service delivery. Little wonder, when his name was featured prominently among the eminently qualified individuals to be turbaned by the emir of Zazzau, many people commended the gesture and described it as square peg in a round hole.
No doubt, the title of Turakin Mardannin Zazzau is more than an emblem of royal recognition; it is a reflection of leadership, service, and cultural heritage within the historic Zazzau Emirate. To be called Turakin Mardanni Zazzau is not merely to hold a position within the palace hierarchy, but to embody the values and vision of true community leadership that transcends royal privilege. The title of Turakin Mardannin Zazzau is conferred on individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, loyalty, and integrity.
The Turakin Mardanni serves as a bridge between the traditional institution and the people, ensuring that the emirate’s legacy of justice, wisdom, and peace continues to flourish. The bearer of this title is both a custodian of tradition and an agent of progress. Holders of this title are expected to contribute meaningfully to society by promoting education, supporting economic growth, and encouraging unity among diverse groups.
In this sense, the Turakin Mardannin Zazzau functions not only as a royal figure but as a public servant whose influence extends far beyond palace walls. The title, therefore, embodies a fusion of culture, leadership, and humanity. And this is what truly redefined the character of the present Turakin Mardannin Zazzau, Alhaji Haruna Sale Kargi. Since his turbaning, he has continued to display rare sacrifices, supporting the vulnerable and the emirate council in particular.
Nigeria is facing numerous socio-economic and cultural issues including youth unemployment, insecurity, and the erosion of traditional values. As Turakin Mardannin Zazzau, he has responded to these realities with wisdom and vision, using his status to inspire positive change. By supporting education, youth empowerment, and community development, the Turakin Mardanni has become a living symbol of progress rooted in tradition.
Such leadership reminds society that heritage is not an obstacle to modernisation but a foundation for sustainable development. In this regard, he upholds the principles of fairness, humility, and service – qualities that define true nobility. His influence lies not in authority alone, but in his ability to inspire others, unite divided communities, and promote harmony across religious and ethnic lines.
Ultimately, Alhaji Haruna Sale Kargi, the Turakin Mardannin Zazzau, represents a timeless ideal of leadership that goes beyond royalty. His title calls for selflessness, dedication, and vision – a reminder that true greatness is measured not by wealth or power, but by the positive impact one leaves on others. He stands as a beacon of hope, preserving the past while shaping a better future for his community, Zazzau Emirate and Nigeria at large.
