.Supreme council of Tijaniyya condoles Tinubu over demise of its former leader, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, prays for president’s physical, spiritual health
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with seasoned banker and first Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nebolisa Arah, as he turns 75 today.
Also, the Supreme Council of Tijaniyya worldwide has condoled with President Tinubu over the passing of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the former leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic organisation in Nigeria.
The President, in a release issued yesterday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted Arah’s enduring contributions to the banking sector and his commitment to professionalism.
According to Tinubu, “Mr. Nebolisa Arah laid a foundation of integrity and professionalism not only for Fidelity Bank but for the banking institution generally.
“Arah’s influence on a generation of bankers and finance sector practitioners who are inspired by his exemplary life of integrity, simplicity and contentment is noteworthy.”
The President wished the banking icon more years and a continued life of impact.
Arah became the founding Managing Director of the then Fidelity Union Merchant Bank, which later transformed into Fidelity Bank in 1988, at the young age of 37. He led the bank for 15 years.
After five and a half years in retirement, Arah was called out in 2009 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to help reposition one of the banks just taken over by the regulator. Later, the same month in the same year, he was appointed by the federal government to the Governing Board of the CBN
As Fidelity Bank CEO, he led the bank to champion many philanthropic causes, including support for the Spinal Cord Injuries Association (SCIAN) in Lagos.
Meanwhile, the delegation of the Supreme Council of Tijaniyya from Algeria, Nigeria and Senegal, representing over 400 million members of the organisation worldwide, also included members of the Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Foundation led by Khalifa-Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
The Khalifa of Tijaniyya from Algeria, Sheikh Ali Bin Arabi, delivered the condolence message to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Sheikh Arabi, who acknowledged the relationship as well as social and economic similarities between Nigeria and Algeria, said, “We will continue to pray for the sustenance of the spiritual relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.”
He prayed for “peace and love in Nigeria, physical and spiritual health” of President Tinubu.
Responding, the President thanked the delegation for the condolence visit, saying “We miss our father, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. He was a beloved father and a great leader.”
Tinubu commended the Tijaniyya Movement for its spiritual activities.
“I respect you for what you are doing for Islam across Africa and the whole world. May God continue to guide you.”
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi passed away on November 26, 2025, at 98.