Honourable Peter Tanko Dogara, born on 9th September 1977 in Kagoma, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, is widely recognised as a leader defined by purpose, diligence, and impactful service.
He began his educational journey at LEA Primary School, Kagoma, proceeded to further his studies in Kaduna, and later obtained a degree in Estate Management. He has since built on this foundation through various professional programmes within and outside Nigeria. A devoted family man, he is married with children. His early commitment to leadership and discipline was evident from a young age, rising to the rank of Corporal in the Boys Brigade, Funtua.
In his entrepreneurial life, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pentank Logistics and Properties Ltd, an Abuja-based company with a portfolio exceeding ₦700 million, and serves as Partner and Director at Nuhu & Partners Nigeria Ltd, among other enterprises. His business interests span several states across Nigeria.
Driven by compassion and the desire to serve humanity, Hon. Tanko joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and played a key role in political realignments in Jema’a. Though he contested various elective positions between 2019 and 2023 without initial success, his resilience prevailed. On 19th October 2024, he was elected Executive Chairman of Jema’a Local Government (sworn in on 1st November), where he introduced his Five-Point Development Agenda, which aligned with Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda. It focuses on poverty reduction, security, education, healthcare, and investment/economic advancement.
From his very first day in office, he demonstrated compassionate leadership by clearing hospital bills for indigent patients. He has supported over 1,000 students with JAMB and WAEC registration, reinstated Children’s Day celebrations after nearly 20 years, improved the welfare of teachers by promoting and increasing salaries for over 250 school teachers, and rehabilitated classrooms and model schools. He distributed learning materials and medical supplies, and secured admissions and job placements into institutions such as the Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, and Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria.
Hon. Tanko revitalised the monthly security meetings, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and restored peace in communities such as Pasakori and Asso. His administration undertook step-down and electrification projects in Golkofa, Zankan, and Gada Biyu, commenced the reconstruction of Takau Road from the Police Headquarters junction, and improved the welfare of council staff by tripling the salaries of casual workers and also revived the Chairman’s Cup football competition after 17 years. To promote safer and regulated mining activities, he has established a Mining Help Desk at the council secretariat. The Council Secretariat in itself is currently being renovated, with the Chairman’s office, PA’s Office/Waiting Room and Conference Chamber completed.
At the national level, he served in the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council as Secretary, Contact and Mobilisation Directorate (North West), working alongside leaders such as Rt. Hon. James Faleke, Dr. Simon Lalong and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Chairman Abdullahi Adamu. He also served as Assistant Secretary for Voter Education & ICT (Kaduna Campaign) and was Pioneer Patron of the APC National Youth Vanguard (Zone III), where Senator Uba Sani served as State Patron. He currently sits on the Governing Board of the Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Committed to global best practices, Hon. Tanko attended in the United Kingdom, an Executive Diplomatic Programme on Urban Governance and Digital Transformation at the London TiLcare Institute, UK. He also participated in the COP30 World Climate Conference held in Belém, Brazil, contributing to international conversations on sustainable development and climate policy.
Through the Peter Tanko Foundation, he supports agricultural entrepreneurs, vocational graduates, and youth and Women empowerment programmes. He is a staunch believer in social Justice, harmonious living and accountability, hence the creation and sponsorship of a radio program, “Justice Room” on KSMC Rockside FM.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s words that says, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara continues to exemplify leadership as service, innovation, and impact.
These qualities have earned him numerous recognitions from reputable institutions, groups and organisations across Nigeria, including Gurara TV’s “Most Influential Politician of the Year (2024)”, the Nigeria Local Government Excellence Award (LOGEXA – Merit Award), as well as honours from the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Agency, the Kaduna State Students’ Union (KASSU), and the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) Youth Wing, among many others.
Honourable Peter Tanko Dogara, widely known as “Halinka Jarinka” and associated with the slogan “If You See Something, Say Something”, remains a transformational figure whose leadership continues to foster hope, empower citizens and reposition Jema’a Local Government among the most progressive local administrations in Kaduna State.
