Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris at 60: The Voice That Refused to Be Silent

On Friday, 31 July 2026, Zubair Abdurrauf Idris, WAMAC Executive Director, marks two remarkable milestones. Specifically, Zubair 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. However, for Zubair Abdurrauf Idris, 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. Indeed, his voice travelled across continents, telling Nigeria’s stories to the world while bringing global events closer to home.

Furthermore, Zubair’s 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. Later, the Nigerian broadcaster joined Deutsche Welle (DW) in Cologne, Germany, where he served in the Africa, Middle East and Hausa Service between 1997 and 2002.

At DW, Zubair was more than a news editor. In fact, he was an innovator. The DW Editor introduced Dandalin Matasa, a programme that gave young people a platform to discuss national issues. In addition, he transformed Mutum Da Duniyarsa into a programme that brought environmental protection and climate change into everyday public discussion.

Ultimately, his work reflected a simple belief: broadcasting should not only inform. Rather, it should educate, engage, and inspire.

From Broadcaster to Media Leader

Upon returning 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.

Thereafter, he returned to the Voice of Nigeria, where his experience and leadership earned him progressive promotions until he became Director of Programmes Operations. Throughout his service, he focused on strengthening institutions and mentoring younger broadcasters.

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.

Moreover, Legacy Radio in Suleja has since been fully developed and awaits final operational approval from the National Broadcasting Commission. Clearly, these stations stand as lasting investments in community broadcasting.

How WAMAC Executive Director Zubair Abdurrauf Idris Used Media for Public Good

Zubair’s greatest strength has never been his titles. Instead, 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.

Specifically, 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

Unlike many, he did not simply speak to communities. Rather, he listened to them. In addition, he encouraged dialogue, built trust, and helped ordinary citizens become part of the national conversation.

Standing With His Community

Service 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.

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.

The Legacy of Zubair Abdurrauf Idris

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 Abdur’rauf Idris leaves public service with a reputation built on professionalism, integrity, innovation, and compassion. He helped shape public broadcasting, mentored generations of journalists, and stood firmly with his community during some of its most difficult moments.

Finally, as Zubair joins the ranks of Nigeria’s distinguished sexagenarians, colleagues and friends share one hope: that retirement will not slow him down.