By: Solomon Chung
In Nigeria’s political landscape, which is often dominated by a cacophony of rhetoric and influence within the power corridors over results, one man is poised to make a difference by rewriting the narrative — not with lofty promises, but with a legacy of service to humanity already carved in steel, sweat, and service.
At the age of 50, with a genuinely humble background, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari, popularly known as Amba, a self-made billionaire, philanthropist, and youth empowerment advocate, is already setting the political tone and tempo in the governorship race of Kwara State. However, both political observers, the good people of Kwara, and anyone who cares to know understand that the oxygen or fuel that gets this compassionate and experienced politician going is simply the craving to contribute to the development of Kwara State. He wants to carry on from where others stopped.
He wants to contribute to that historic trajectory, especially the one most recently anchored by Governor Abdulrasak Abdulrahman. Suffice it to say that Amba’s bold aspiration and desire to lead Kwara are driven by a vision steeped in humility, excellence, and inclusive growth.
From Humble Beginnings to Billionaire Boardrooms
Born into modest means and growing up across different metropolitan cities in Nigeria, from the heartbeat of Jos (the mining hub) to Maiduguri, Ilorin (home), Calabar, and many other cities, all in a bid to unravel what destiny has in store for him. This humble beginning and journey to success are a testament to resilience, enterprise, and hard-earned triumph. Raised by parents who instilled in him the values of integrity and hard work, he began his early life schooling, hawking, learning skills, and engaging in little micro-mining entrepreneurship to support his family — an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to economic empowerment and social justice (The young owl has seen many nights; thus, survival skills are ingrained.)
Through grit and an unyielding desire for excellence, he rose through the ranks of Nigeria’s fiercely competitive business environment, eventually founding Kursi Investment, a conglomerate that today employs thousands across sectors such as mining, construction, energy, real estate, agriculture, and many others. As a young man, he never allowed his privileged standing to distance him from his roots, his community, his background, and his relationships. Instead, it became a tool for transformation, bonding, and genuine empowerment.
The Man with the Master Plan
Unlike many who wait for public office to begin public service, Yahaya Seriki has been a champion of the people long before making his political intentions known. His foundation has provided scholarships to hundreds of students, built health centers in underserved communities, and empowered countless widows and artisans with skills and startup capital. Also, the Corporate Social Responsibility undertaken by Kursi Investment in affected communities is worthy of note.
In his own words: “I have been there. I know exactly how it feels. I understand clearly what it means to lack… True leadership begins with compassion. If you have never felt the pain of the people, you have no business leading them.” To me, this is not charity; it is nation-building.
Youth Empowerment as a Governance Blueprint
At the core of his governorship ambition is one non-negotiable pillar: youth empowerment. In a state where the majority of the population is under 35, Yahaya Seriki recognizes that no development strategy is complete without investing in the future of the young ones.
Through his youth entrepreneurship and empowerment initiative, he has trained and empowered many young people in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and vocational trades. His empowerment program has helped young innovators access funding and mentorship, igniting a new wave of local entrepreneurship.
“I know them very well. They are capable and just need support. “Give our youth the tools, and they will build the state,” he often says.
A Statesman in Sportswear
Beyond boardrooms, political arenas, and community halls, Yahaya Seriki is also an avid sports enthusiast. He enthusiastically sponsors local football tournaments, supports grassroots athletes, and is a proud fan and pillar of Kwara United Football Club. He is not only a functional supporter of sports; he indeed plays active table tennis (almost at a professional level). He often beats me in our many contests. Ditto for his abilities and skills in football.
Because of his entrepreneurial mindset, he sees sports not just as recreation but as an economic engine and social unifier. Under his governorship, sports development would take center stage, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and keeping youth constructively engaged. World-class partnerships with football clubs in Europe will be established to facilitate the operation of world-class football academies and the automatic absorption of local talents for professional engagements in other continents.
Governance Rooted in Measurable and Tangible Results
There is no denying that while many individuals enter politics for prestige, Ambassador Yahaya Seriki comes with a high mental acuity and is equipped with the mindset of a private sector CEO — data-driven, mentally alert, result-oriented, and solution-focused. He envisions a government that operates like a well-run, well-oiled company: efficient, transparent, and accountable to its stakeholders — in this scenario, the people of Kwara.
There are numerous areas of focus, but to mention a few, he is going to prioritize security, revamp the agricultural value chain for food security and export, and fix infrastructure with private sector partnerships, which will receive great attention. He will also give priority to innovation zones and SME hubs, which were kick-started by the present Governor. Education shall be galvanized with modern tools and a curriculum that fits into needs assessment and 21st-century global standards. Again, the civil service, which is the engine room of governance, shall be taken care of appropriately, along with many other areas of governance.
Amba strongly believes that together as a people, the vision and goals are both bold and attainable—because they come from someone who has turned vision into verifiable, realistic impact all his life.
A New Dawn for Kwara State
As the political season gains momentum, Yahaya Seriki (Amba) is not just offering himself as a candidate; he is presenting himself as a movement — one powered by hope, built on performance, and anchored in the belief that leadership is not about titles, but about sacrifice and transformation.
He often reminds his supporters: “The son of a commoner can become governor — not to prove a point, but to plant a future.”
As 2027 approaches, Kwara State stands at a crossroads — and in Yahaya Seriki (Amba), many see not just a politician, but a proven builder ready to govern with heart, hands, and head.
Sai Amba!!!