Former Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar (rtd) has been appointed Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idanawa by the Kano Emirate Council.
Air Marshal Umar (rtd) served as CAS from September 8, 2010 to October 4, 2012.
The installation ceremony is slated to hold on June 26, 2026.
In a letter dated April 22, 2026 and signed by Senior Councillor and Matawallen Kano, Aliyu Ibrahim Ahmad, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, said that by the appointment, Air Marshal Umar will have the platform to continue to the development of the Emirate and the general good of Kano State.
The full letter reads: “I am pleased to inform you that His Royal Highness, Sarkin Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, PhD, CON has approved your appointment to the office of Sarkin Fulanin Ja’idanawa with effect from 22nd April 2026.
“While congratulating you on your well deserved appointment, His Highness and Kano Emirate Council hope you will use your wealth of experience to continue to contribute towards the development of Kano Emirate in particular and the State in general.
“May Allah SWT continue to guide us on the right path, Amen.”
Air Marshal Umar (Rtd) was born on June 20th, 1955, in Dambazau, Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Kano State into the family of Alhaji Umaru Babura, the Sarkin Fulani Ja’idnawa of Kano. Umaru Babura’s parents, Umaru Abdulaziz and Salamatu Muhammad Dikko, were cousins and direct descendants of Mallam Inusa Dabo, the leader of Dambazawa Fulani clan.
Air Marshal Umar started his school at Victory College, Ma’adi, in Cairo, Egypt in 1963 following the grant of scholarship slots by President Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi I, which Muhammad Dikko Umar benefited from.
After completing his primary education in 1969, the young Muhammad Dikko Umar returned to Nigeria to continue his secondary school education at Sheik Sabbah College Kaduna, later renamed Sardauna Memorial College.
In 1976, the young Muhammad Dikko Umar enlisted into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as a member of the Short Service Course 12 Special Pilot Enlistment Exercise to begin the process of a distinguished military career.
On completion of his basic military and pilot training in Kaduna and the United Kingdom, he was posted Benin in 1980 to begin his flying career. He returned to Kaduna in 1982 to serve as a Flying Instructor and later rated a Qualified Flying Instructor. In December 1983, he received his posting to the Presidential Air Fleet where he not only spent 16 years out of his 23 years of flying career but unarguably where he distinguished himself as a pilot and professional of repute.
From 1983 to 2000, when he served at the Presidential Air Fleet, he flew all the Presidents and Heads of State including their deputies. He had the singular privilege of flying Mr Kofi Anan, the 7th Secretary General of the United Nations as well as Mr Sepp Blatter, the President of FIFA.
Air Marshal Muhammad Dikko Umar (Rtd) held many positions in the Nigerian Air Force during his distinguished career. By the special grace of the Almighty Allah, these successes were crowned with his appointment as the 17th Chief of the Air Staff on the 8th September 2010.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Star (DFS) and the National honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR for his meritorious service to the nation.
Air Marshal Muhammad Dikko Umar (Rtd) is married to Hajiya Aisha Uwani Umar from the family of late Alhaji Muhammad Bello Bature (Garkuwan Wazirin Sokoto) and Hajiya Aishatu Muhammad Bature. They were married on the 24th March 1989. The marriage is blessed with five lovely children: two boys, Faisal and Farouk; three girls, Salma, Aisha and Maryam.
