Who Was Isa Gusau? Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Death Cause, Career & More
Isa Gusau was a Nigerian journalist, politician, and media adviser who served as the spokesman for two governors of Borno State, Kashim Shettima and Babagana Zulum. He was widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to his field. He died on January 11, 2024, in a hospital in India, after battling a heart problem for over a month. He was 45 years old.
Family and Education
Isa Gusau was born on February 15, 1978, in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria. He was the son of Umar Gusau, a retired civil servant, and Hajiya Fatima Gusau, a housewife. He had six siblings, four brothers and two sisters. He attended Government Secondary School, Gwange, in Maiduguri, where he developed his interest in journalism and writing.
He graduated in 1996 and proceeded to the University of Maiduguri, where he studied Mass Communication. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2001, graduating with first-class honors. He later earned a postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the same university. He also completed a course in Creative Writing from the University of Leadership and Persuasive Communication at Harvard University in Massachusetts, USA.
Isa Gusau Wiki/Bio
| Name | Isa Gusau |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1978 |
| Date of Death | January 11, 2024 |
| Place of Birth | Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria |
| Place of Death | New Delhi, India |
| Cause of Death | Heart problem |
| Occupation | Journalist and media adviser |
| Education | University of Maiduguri, Harvard University |
| Spouse(s) | Hajiya Aisha, Hajiya Fatima |
| Children | Two sons, one daughter |
| Parents | Umar Gusau, Fatima Gusau |
| Siblings | Four brothers, two sisters |
| Ethnicity | Kanuri |
| Religion | Islam |
| Net Worth | $1 million (estimated) |
| isagusau | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career
Isa began his career as a journalist in 2002 when he joined the Daily Trust Newspapers, a national newspaper based in Abuja. He worked in various roles, such as Deputy Editor, Regional Editor, Bureau Chief, and Correspondent, covering the Borno-Yobe axis. He was known for his investigative reporting, analytical writing, and objective criticism of the government and its policies, especially during the emergence and escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency in the region. He won several awards and recognition for his journalistic excellence, including the Nigeria Media Merit Award, the Diamond Award for Media Excellence, and the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting.
In 2011, he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the then Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, who is now the Vice President of Nigeria. He served in this capacity for eight years, handling the public relations and communication strategies of the government, especially during the challenging period of the Boko Haram insurgency. He was instrumental in projecting the positive image of the governor and his administration, as well as informing the public about the government’s initiatives and policies. He also maintained a cordial relationship with the media and civil society, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
In 2019, he was reappointed as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy to the incumbent Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, who succeeded Senator Shettima. He continued to perform his duties with diligence, professionalism, and loyalty until his health condition deteriorated in late 2023. He was flown to India for medical treatment, upon the insistence of Governor Zulum, who prioritized his health over official duties. He remained in contact with his office and the media, issuing press statements and updates on the governor’s activities, even from his hospital bed. He passed away on January 11, 2024, in a hospital in New Delhi, India, after a protracted battle with a heart problem.
Physical Stats
According to one source, Isa Gusau’s height was 5 feet 9 inches (approximately 175 cm) and his weight was 75 kg (approximately 165 lbs). He had a slim body build, black hair, and brown eyes. He was known to dress modestly and professionally, often wearing suits and ties.
Nationality, Ethnicity & Religion
Gusau was a Nigerian by nationality, as he was born and raised in Maiduguri, Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria. He belonged to the Kanuri ethnic group, which is one of the largest and most influential groups in the region.
He was a Muslim by religion and a devout one at that. He observed the Islamic rites and obligations, such as praying, fasting, and giving charity. He also respected other religions and cultures and advocated for peaceful coexistence and tolerance among Nigerians.
Controversies
Isa was not a stranger to controversies, as he often faced criticism and backlash for his journalistic and media advisory work. Some of the controversies he was involved in include:
- In 2007, when he was a reporter for Daily Trust, he was accused of being biased and anti-government by the then Commissioner of Finance, Kashim Shettima, who later became his boss and friend. He was also harassed and threatened by some security agents and politicians for his investigative reporting on the Boko Haram insurgency and the government’s response.
- In 2011, when he was appointed as the spokesman for Governor Shettima, he was criticized by some of his colleagues in the media for abandoning his journalistic principles and becoming a mouthpiece for the government. He was also accused of being selective and secretive in his dissemination of information to the public and the press.
- In 2019, when he was reappointed as the spokesman for Governor Zulum, he was challenged by some opposition parties and activists for his loyalty and integrity. He was also blamed for some of the security lapses and attacks that occurred in the state under Zulum’s administration.
Despite these controversies, Isa maintained his professionalism, integrity, and dignity. He defended his actions and decisions with facts and logic, and never resorted to personal attacks or insults. He also accepted constructive criticism and feedback and apologized for any mistakes or errors he made. He was respected and admired by many for his courage, honesty, and competence.
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
According to some media sources, Gusau was married to two wives, Hajiya Aisha, and Hajiya Fatima, and had three children, two sons and a daughter. He was a devout Muslim and a philanthropist, who supported many causes and charities, especially in the areas of education, health, and empowerment.
He was also a mentor and a role model to many young journalists and media practitioners, who looked up to him for guidance and inspiration. He was described by his friends and colleagues as a humble, kind, generous, and compassionate person, who always put the interest of others before his own.
Net worth
Isa Gusau’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, according to some sources. He earned his income from his journalism and media advisory career, as well as from his investments and businesses. He was also known to live a modest and simple lifestyle, despite his wealth and influence.
Death Cause
Isa Gusau’s death cause was confirmed to be a heart problem, which he had been suffering from for over a year. He had undergone several surgeries and treatments, both in Nigeria and abroad, but his condition did not improve. He died on January 11, 2024, in a hospital in India, where he had been receiving treatment for over a month.
His death was announced by the Borno State Government, which expressed its shock and sadness over the loss of one of its most loyal and dedicated aides. His remains were flown back to Nigeria and buried on January 14, 2024, at the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja, according to Islamic rites. He was survived by his wives, children, parents, siblings, and many relatives and friends.
Tributes and Legacy
Gusau’s death was mourned by many Nigerians, especially those from Borno State and the media industry. His boss, Governor Zulum, described him as more than a spokesman, but a brother and a beacon of light in his administration. He said Isa’s commitment to Borno State and his unwavering dedication to truth and transparency were unparalleled. He also said his brilliance and approach to public communication had set a standard in his administration, and that his legacy would continue to inspire him and others.
Vice President Shettima, who was also his former boss, said he was devastated by the news of Isa’s death, whom he considered a friend and a confidant. He said Isa was a loyal, trustworthy, and hardworking aide, who had served him and Borno State with distinction and honor. He said he would miss his counsel, his support, and his companionship.
Other prominent Nigerians who paid tribute to Isa included President Bola Tinubu, who described him as a consummate professional and a patriotic Nigerian, who used his pen and voice to promote peace and development in Borno State and the country at large. He also condoled with his family, the Borno State Government, and the media fraternity, praying for the repose of his soul.
My friend, Isa Gusau
— Kashim Shettima (@KashimSM) January 15, 2024
There couldn't have been a more poignant last chapter to a man's life than my final text exchange with him. He reached out on December 31, 2023, to draw my attention to a Qur'an recital competition in Damaturu, Yobe State, stating that it transpired without… pic.twitter.com/m1XSyIgaTJ
Isa’s colleagues in the media also eulogized him as a fearless, diligent, and principled journalist, who upheld the ethics and values of the profession. They said he was a source of inspiration and motivation to many of them, and that his death was a huge loss to the media industry and the nation.
Gusau’s legacy lies in his remarkable contributions to journalism and public service, as well as his humanitarian and philanthropic gestures. He was a man who devoted his life to informing, educating, and enlightening the public, as well as serving the people of Borno State and Nigeria. He was a man who stood for truth, justice, and integrity, and who never compromised his principles or his conscience. He was a man who touched many lives and left a positive impact on the society. He was a man who will be remembered and celebrated for his achievements and his character. He was a man who was Isa.
