Senator Anthony Manzo: A Legacy of Excellence in Healthcare, Diplomacy, and Public Service
Senator Dr. Ambassador Anthony Majoruban George Manzo is a distinguished Mumuye Elder and a prominent figure in Nigeria's healthcare sector, before venturing into public service, which he was literally dragged into due to his outstanding performance and reputation as a medical doctor of international standing. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Nigeria.
Born in 1958, he embarked on a journey that saw him excel in various fields, including medicine, diplomacy, and politics.
His academic credentials as a Medical Practitioner (MBBS), being the first from Mumuye land to obtain his MBBS in 1982, and subsequently becoming a consultant surgeon and later a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in the United Kingdom, underscore his commitment to health and well-being. This dedication led to his appointment as Commissioner for Health in Taraba State and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital in Abuja.
Manzo was also appointed Nigeria's Ambassador to Israel during the second term of the Obasanjo presidency. In January 2005, he was appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to Cyprus. He was elected Senator for the Taraba North senatorial district of Taraba State in 2007, quickly establishing himself as a proactive legislator dedicated to addressing critical issues affecting his constituents and Nigeria at large.
His involvement in committees such as Police Affairs, Information and Media, Health, Foreign Affairs, and the Air Force reflects his diverse interests and expertise.
Throughout his tenure, Senator Manzo sponsored numerous bills aimed at improving healthcare access and governance in Nigeria. Notably, he advocated for amendments to the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission Act and emphasized mental health initiatives through the amendment of the Psychiatric Hospital Management Board Act. Amid the peak of terrorism in Nigeria, Dr. Manzo, in collaboration with the federal government, co-sponsored the current anti-terrorism act. This remains one of his most personally acclaimed achievements, addressing the urgent national issue of terrorism. His foresight during the global financial crisis demonstrated his understanding of the economic challenges facing Nigeria, as he called for better bank regulation and urged the government to settle debts owed to local contractors.
Senator Manzo's impact was evident in his frequent recognition as Senator of the Year. His contributions to the floor of the Senate, committee assignments, and oversight functions were notable. In 2011, Senate President David Mark appointed him Chief of Staff to the Senate President throughout Mark's tenure, which ended in 2015. This role remains a reference point for excellence in the office of the Senate President.
Beyond his legislative efforts, Manzo's experience as Nigeria's Ambassador to Israel and High Commissioner to Cyprus broadened his perspective on governance. He recognized that strong democratic institutions are crucial for national progress, a principle that resonates in contemporary Nigerian politics.
Senator Manzo's commitment to integrity in governance is reflected in his public statements advocating for honesty as a cornerstone of national development. His defense of political cross-carpeting highlights his belief in democratic freedom, fostering political diversity rather than stifling it.
Senator Manzo also plays a mentoring role in all his endeavors. His protégés are spread across every field he has engaged in—whether during his time as a medical doctor (consultant surgeon), diplomat, legislator, or public servant.
As a father figure to the great Mumuye Nation, Taraba State, and Nigeria at large, I must express my appreciation for DabongManzo's tireless efforts in creating opportunities for Mumuyesons and daughters, both locally and internationally. This is evident in the distribution of Mumuye individuals in the federal civil service, politics, business, and diplomacy, where they are making significant strides. His efforts continue to attract federal projects to Taraba State, even as a private citizen.
These efforts reflect his kind, civil, and humane nature. He is a highly detribalized Nigerian, as shown in his ability to accommodate Nigerians from diverse backgrounds and religions, as evidenced in his personal staff and network of friends and associates. It was no surprise when the APC/Tinubu committee, tasked with identifying notable Christians from Northern Nigeria to represent the party in the 2023 presidential election, found Dr. Manzo eminently qualified to be among the few recommended to then-presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a potential running mate.
Having received numerous traditional titles as a mark of honor and recognition for his contributions to humanity, some of the titles he holds in his home state of Taraba include:
Senator Manzo is widely regarded as a calm, collected, down-to-earth, and very intelligent man, even by his adversaries. In 2023, he contested the APC governorship primary, where he came second behind Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.
As I reflect on Senator Dr. Ambassador Anthony MajorubanGeorge Manzo's legacy, I celebrate a leader who has tirelessly worked toward enhancing healthcare systems, promoting democratic values, and advocating for the welfare of Nigerians. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of leaders committed to public service.
Your Excellency, Sir, I thought of your great personality and contributions to the Mumuye community, where I am from, and feel you deserve to be celebrated. I am giving you your flowers while you are still very much alive. Senator Anthony MajorubanManzo, the second most decorated leader and father in Mumuyeland after H.E. Dabong Jolly Tavoro Nyame, the "DabongYorro," is a model of admiration and influence in Mumuye land and Taraba State. You inspire me and many others to prioritize human capital development as the foundation for every other kind of progress.
I pray for your good health, sound mind, and strength all the days of your life.
I AM PROUD OF YOU, SIR, AND MAY YOU LIVE LONG TO SEE THE MUMUYE NATION, TARABA STATE, AND NIGERIA OF YOUR DREAMS BECOME A REALITY.
By DCN Lokoyere Geoffrey Lawrence writes from Abuja
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