Senator Dr. Ambassador Anthony Majoruban George Manzo is a distinguished Mumuye Elder and a figure first in Nigerian healthcare sector before venturing in to public service which he was literarily draged into due to his outstanding performance and records as a medical doctor of international standing, whose contributions has left an indelible mark on Nigeria.
Born in 1958, he embarked on a journey that has seen him excel in various fields, including medicine, diplomacy, and politics.
His academic credentials as a Medical Practitioner (MBBS), the first in Mumuye land obtaining his MBBS in 1982, and subsequently becoming a consultant surgeon and later a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS)United kingdom, underscores his commitment to health and well-being which led to him being appointed Commissioner of Health, Taraba State, and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital Abuja.
He was also an ambassador of Nigeria to Israel during the second term of the Obasanjo presidency. In January 2005, he was appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to Cyprus. Manzo was elected Senator for the Taraba North senatorial district of Taraba State in 2007. He quickly established 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 Air Force reflects his diverse interests and expertise.
Throughout his tenure, Senator Manzo Majoruban 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. In the peak of terrorism in Nigeria, Dr. manzo and the federal government co-sponsored the current anti-terrorism act in use in Nigeria; as one of his highest personal self-acclaimed achievements as a senator been that terrorism in that hurific state was maiden to Nigeria, and so was a matter of urgent national importance. His foresight during the global credit crisis demonstrated his understanding of economic challenges facing Nigeria; he called for better bank regulation and urged the government to settle debts owed to local contractors.
With him emerging Senator of the Year severally, and how impactful his contributions were on the floor of the senate and in committee assignments as well as oversight functions, Sen. David Mark, as senate president in 2011, appointed him Chief of Staff to the Senate president throughout his service as Senate president, which ended in 2015. The impact of which is still mentioned as a reference for excellence today in the office of the Senate President of Nigeria.
Beyond legislative efforts, Manzo’s experiences as Nigeria’s ambassador to Israel and High Commissioner to Cyprus enriched his perspective on governance. He recognized that strong democratic institutions are vital for national progress—an insight that resonates deeply within contemporary Nigerian politics.
Senator Manzo’s commitment to integrity in governance is evident from his public statements advocating for honesty as a cornerstone of national development. His defence of cross-carpeting among politicians highlights his belief in democratic freedom—a principle that fosters political diversity rather than stifling it.
Not forgetting the mentoring role senator Manzo plays in all his endeavours. Manzo’s protégés are everywhere he has ever had a dealing in, ranging from the days of his practice as a medical doctor(consultant surgeon), diplomacy, legislation, and generally in public service.
As a father in the great MUMUYE Nation, Taraba state, and Nigeria at large, I must express in appreciation Dabong Manzo’s untiring effort in finding opportunities for mumuye sons and daughters locally and internationally in civil service, politics and business which is evident in the distribution of mumuye sons and daughters in the federal civil service, politics, business and the diplomatic world who are doing exploits in various sectors today. Also of note is the enormous federal projects he has and is still attracting to Taraba State even as a private citizen.
These efforts are reflective of his kind, civil, and humane nature. A highly detribalized Nigerian seen in his accommodating Nigerians of diverse backgrounds and religions even as evident in his personal staff and network of friends and associates. I was not surprised when the APC/Tinubu’s committee on identifying and selecting notable Christians from Northern Nigeria to fly the APC presidential ticket with BAT in 2023 found Dr Manzo imminently qualified to be among the few recommended to now president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be his running mate.
Haven received numerous traditional titles as a mark of honour, appreciation, and recognition of his contribution to humanity, just to mention a few in his home state of Taraba *Sardaunan Zing
*Turakin Kwaji
*Dan darman Ibi
*Dan Matsanin Mumuye,
Senator Manzo is generally regarded as a calm, collected, down to earth and a very intelligent man even by his adversaries. In 2023, Senator Majoruban Manzo contested the APC ticket for the governorship primary, where he came second behind Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.
As I reflect on Senator Dr. Ambassador Anthony Majoruban George Manzo’s legacy, I celebrate a leader who has tirelessly worked towards 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 contribution to your immediate mumuye communittee 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 Majoruban Manzo been the second most decorated leader and father in mumuye land after H.E Dabong Jolly Tavoro Nyame the “Dabong yorro”, is a model of admiration and influence in mumuye land and Taraba State. You inspire me and many, a lot, to prioritize human capital development as the pivot of every other development.
I pray for you for 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_ .
