EXIT OF AN ICON: Ganye Bids Farewell to Hon. Chief David Bate Saraso (Zannan Ganye), A Patriot, Cultural Custodian and Statesman

The ancient town of Ganye and indeed Adamawa State stood still on Friday, June 19, 2026, as family members, traditional rulers, political associates, military officers, friends and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to one of the most respected sons of the land, Honourable Chief David Bate Saraso (Zannan Ganye), who passed away at the age of 90.
Born in 1936, the late elder statesman belonged to a generation of visionary leaders whose lives were devoted to service, sacrifice and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of their people. His death marks the end of an era and the departure of one of the few surviving bridges between Nigeria’s regional political system and the modern democratic dispensation.
Long before Abuja became Nigeria’s capital city, when Lagos served as the seat of the Federal Government and the country operated under the regional system, Hon. Chief David Bate Saraso rose to national prominence after he was elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, where he proudly represented the people of Ganye and Adamawa. At a time when politics was defined by principles, honour and service to the people, he distinguished himself as a voice for his constituents and an advocate for national unity and development.
Beyond politics, the late Zannan Ganye occupied a revered position in the traditional institution of the Ganye Chiefdom. As a title holder under the Gangwari of Ganye, he served faithfully as one of the respected Chamba elders and custodians of the traditions, values and identity of his people. His wisdom, counsel and commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Chamba nation earned him admiration far beyond the borders of Ganye.
Those who knew him describe him as a man of uncommon humility, integrity and discipline. He believed strongly in education, hard work and service to humanity. These values were reflected in the lives of his children and grandchildren, whom he nurtured with love and exemplary leadership.
Among his accomplished children is Major General Mayirenso David Saraso, a distinguished officer of the Nigerian Army and the current Director of Operations, whose military career stands as a testament to the solid foundation laid by his father. Through his children and descendants, the ideals and legacy of Hon. Chief David Bate Saraso will continue to inspire future generations.
His life was not measured by wealth or titles alone, but by the impact he made on people, the wisdom he imparted, and the institutions he helped strengthen. He belonged to that rare generation of leaders whose words carried weight and whose actions reflected honour and responsibility.
As the curtains close on a remarkable earthly journey, Ganye mourns not merely the loss of a traditional title holder, but the passing of a historian, a nationalist, a father, a grandfather, a mentor and a symbol of selfless service.
Though death has silenced his voice, his memories remain engraved in the hearts of those he touched, and his contributions to the political history and cultural heritage of Adamawa and Nigeria will endure for generations.
Indeed, legends never truly die; they live on in the values they leave behind and in the generations they inspire.
May the gentle soul of Honourable Chief David Bate Saraso (Zannan Ganye) rest in perfect peace.