Tribute
A tribute to our beloved father, ‘Malami’ of Rinji
By: Aishatu Muhammad Malami (Ummi).
At 4pm or thereabout on the 19th of May, 2013 equivalent to 9 Rajb. 1434 AH – Islamic calendar was the very first time in life that I lost consciousness, yes I lost myself and didn’t know what I was doing or where I was exactly! It echoed “Ummi, Baban mu ya rasu” (Ummi, our dad is dead/gone) Ya Allah!. I didn’t believe what I heard from my sister Zainab M. Malami as she kept her phone down. We were outside and my phone’s battery had been down all day, for me to call Mummy and confirm the odd and unpleasant news myself. I ran back to my hostel room in the campus to pick up my handbag in attempt to proceed to the Amenity wardroom in ATBUTH, Bauchi instantly. It was a very quiet Sunday evening. I did
On’t know that I woke up others observing their siesta in the hostel as I was shouting “innalillahi wa inna illaihi rajiun“ (We belong to Allah, and to Him we return) at the very top of my voice.
I found myself crying profusely as I was being held and consoled by many ladies outside. I don’t know how or what. We were to travel from Gadau to Bauchi/Rinji at that instant; My first ever longest tears-filled journey excorted by my cousin Rabiu S. Bako.
I can still vividly remember my last contact and moments with ‘Yaya’. We grew up addressing him so, (Yaya mai Minti or Yaya mai Mota). Because he gives out minti (sweets) to closeby Islamiya kids that duly come to our house after closing as Sadaka. I know in my heart he dearly loved me and all of us. He used to be firm and strict but deep down loving and calm most of the times. We were all over him and meant the world to him and vice versa. I tried hard to get used to being okay without him but I still have tears whenever I remembered him loving me exactly as I’m and his overly humanity lived life for others. Until you know his full story, this is not exaggerating at all!
Muhammad Hamzat Malami a.k.a ‘Kaigama/Sakatare’ was born in Rinjin Gaini, Toro local government area of Bauchi state. He attended his primary school in Ribina/Gyamzo after memorizing the Holy Quran first in Rinji’s ‘Makarantan Allo’- Quranic School, and to then Bauchi Teacher’s college (BTC) and later to BUK for a B. Ed and ABU Zaria for a PGD afterwards. He did his NYSC in Rivers state and started his career as a Teacher then later became Toro local government secretary and chairman as well. He held many political positions in Bauchi state government. As he’s aging, he became a Diabetic patient which was managed for ten (10) years from diagnosis. He was on hospital admission for about three(3) months before death.
He was unarguably the greatest philanthropist of his time in Rinji Gaini, Toro LGA of Bauchi state and even beyond. He distributes items especially foodstuff and money to many relatives and unrelated families. This is something forever attributed to his name even if we do not state or tell anyone. He was so down to earth that he eats together with all calibre and category of people and friends irrespective of age, clan, religion, region or tribe that always come to him. As diabetes sets in the later years, he was still considering people that were already used to eating with him. He then later had his separate tray of selected foods as advised by doctors for his insulin management and they too got theirs with our normal household meals. How Considerate!
First thing that came to my mind after his demise was ‘yanzu shikenan mun zama abin tausayi?’ amma Allah Bai barmu haka nan ba, Allah SWT Ya tausaya mana ( Now, is it over because we become all alone, piteous?, but God never left us all alone) Surely, God is with us over the years and continuously in sha Allahu.
It’s exactly 10 years now but his achievements, legacies and tributes are still in all of us and even in many others. We bound to spend our lives living his history through keeping our bonds with each other tight, his families’ and friends’ ties on too, various Sadaqah jariyah and daily prayer over his departed soul. His love, care and respect for his Mother when she was alive is worth emulating by all of us. Indeed, the plain truth about our role model!
I have for long been trying to write purely and straight from my heart on our father’s attributes and his life lived for, but I haven’t been able to put them down that right to date. Maybe someday I can. For now, in my thoughts I’m proudly living his dream on me as it has been instilled in me right from my teenage years that he wanted me to be on the western education lane and I shall continue to live to that passionately in the cause of my religion and serving Allah SWT through it In Sha Allahu. There’s this ‘certain prayer’ he always says to me whenever we had a conversation about me then. Our eldest, Alhaji Hamza M. Malami (Kaigaman Bauchi the second) is backing up this dream as I know we’ve been on this trail and usually referred to my aligned dreams to our father’s dream then. We’re all very proud being from his lineage and truly enjoying the prestige that comes with his genes and name. And he will have been proud of us all if he was here.
On his Islamic religiuos way of life, our father was a steadfast worshipper, and always pray in congregation. My mother; Mummy told me his nickname during his school days was ‘Kwana Sallah’ meaning someone that spends the nights praying. He had a library in his parlor of many Islamic books collections and others. He enjoys reading the Holy Quran and should you be in his presence during one of those moments, you definitely should be ready to be asked many questions or given a book to read there and then or to take it with you. I still have his borrowed Holy Quran with me which we both agreed then it was borrowed not given. Meanwhile, I didn’t get to give it back but now holds and reads it dearly till my days too with the knowledge of my siblings to let me keep it. We had a family tradition of going to his side every morning for greetings, prayers and discussions then. Everyone is expected to have his/her tasbih (rosary) active and to give the total counts of each individual previous day’s given supplications for summation. Ya Allah. May Allah SWT forgive our dear Father.
Our father was a great leader per excellence and definition, he played his role in honesty and integrity and with the fear of God Almighty across many positions and political posts he held. He was one time the secretary and another time the chairman of Toro LGA, Commissioner of Bauchi state pension board, Chairman of the Bauchi state Hospitals Management Board, Chairman Bauchi state Internal Revenue Service amongst others. He tried his best to be fair and just to all under him even at the cost of his displeasure. His focus had always been in helping others to stand on their own through empowerments and working appointments. Muhammad Hamzat Malami is our true role model who taught us how to be respectful, humble, honest, prayerful, kind, endure and determined in the cause of our life journeys.
He left behind more than twenty (20) children and many grandchildren; We lost our brother DVM Abdulrahim M. Malami five(5) months (October, 2013) after our father’s demise by accident, Our father ‘Yaya’ also left behind many adopted children and four lovely wives; We lost one of our mothers Baba last year (March, 2022) after an illness too. I prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive them, have mercy on their souls and grant them Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah SWT give us the fortitude to continue to bear these irreplaceable losses. And may we live longer in peace, unity, love, wealth, health and happiness with our mothers and each other.
One of the things I will remember and ever thankful for during our trying moment and his ailing time (sickbay) was the visitations paid by his relatives, friends, government officials and classmates (Bauchi Teacher’s College, Class of 72) before his death at the hospital like Senator Alhaji Danjuma Goje, the former Gombe state governor and many numerous to mention.
Rest on dearest Mai Martaba Babanmu; Kaigaman Bauchi the First, Sardaunan Toro the first, Garkuwan Rinjin Gaini, Zannan Ribina, Jarman Jarawa, Dan malikin Tilden Fulani, Magayakin Wunti (Gumau), Magajin Garin Zakshi. These were his traditional titles given on the basis of his vast and selfless community services and also the wonderful relationships to/with others. Yet, he till the end uses his name plainly. How Humble!
Some things I came to understand from early life that he likes includes; classy and shiny shoes, designer perfumes, well embroidered babban Riga, short plain white rawani on Borno caps and he used to carry himself with charisma! He also likes to have long meaningful conversations with anyone present and to ask questions. By and large, He was a ‘perfect generous gentleman’ who was very kindhearted and humane. Our father’s good reputation preceded him in life and in transition. May peace be with you wherever you are, Mai Saje! Amin Ya Rabb.
Aishatu can be reached;
aishatumalamim@yahoo.com
A former Governor of Borno State Senator Modu Sheriff on Sunday evening described late Cairo Ojuogboh as the most unique and dependable among all his friend.
Sheriff who Spoke at an evening of Tribute to celebrate the life and legacies of Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh.
Ojuogboh, a former member of the House of Representatives slumbed and died on Feb. 8, while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa.
Sheriff, the Chairman of the Organising Committee said: ”Im still shocked that Ojuogboh is no more. If there was a perfect gentleman I met in the course of my life is Ojuogboh.
“He called me, ‘my chairman, I am going to watch the football match. I told him I was already in my sitting room after clearing every where to avoid distraction, so that I can watch Nigeria semi final against South Africa.
“Nearly one and half hours later I got a call that Dr. Ojuogboh is dead. I told the person, he must be crazy, I just spoke to Cairo now, he gave me the rundown of his itinerary for the day, what he did, where he went and he retired for the football match
“If there is a perfect gentleman, I have met in the course of my life, one person that you can trust, this is a gent that you can rely on is Dr. Cairo. If I am in Abuja, the first person that I will see and the last person is Cairo
“This is a gentleman that I met in the course of my political career and he gave me the insight of the other side of Nigeria
“I have met a lot of people from all works of life, all my life in Lagos before I went back to Borno in 1992, in the senate and on and on, in the constitutional conference, I have met all kinds of people from all works of life but I have never met a human being that make me feel so free to talk with like Cairo.
“If the circumstances we met would have been the parameter he would not have been my friend in life. “The first day we discussed frankly was in the House of former Governor of Delta State Seriake Dickson in Bayelsa and that was my first time in Bayelsa.
“We had a disagreement and I don’t carry anybody on my mind to bed with anger. If I have anything against you I will tell you there and then and I will forget about it. I told him, he apppologused to me and from that day we became the best of friends.
“I know he has left a lot of children, young and old but I want to assure all of you that I will be there for you anytime you call upon me. He is one person that I will not forget, he is one person that I will remember all the time.
“Honestly and sincerely because I am a Muslim and the Holy Koran says Allah gives you life and Allah takes, you have no right to question. Otherwise one would have question why, but one would have offended God.
“He was one person I will not forget; he was one person I will remember all the time. He lived a good life worth emulating.”
On the circumstance that led to the death of Ojuogboh, Sheriff said that it showed that the deceased was a true Nigerian, a nationalist.
Sheriff called on leaders to be more patriotic saying that patriotism is what would keep the country together.
“We have to believe in and be proud of our country,” he said.
Chairman of the Occasion, a former Gov.of Akwa-Ibom, Victor Attah, prayed God to comfort the family of the deceased.
He said: “God that provided you this husband, father and uncle, will continue to provide for you. God will comfort you; God will give you the strength to bear the loss.”
Elderstateman and Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Edwin Clark, who spoke virtually, said that he had known Ojuogboh for a long time and was like a son to him.
“He was very dedicated and faithful. Ojuogboh was very dear to me. Ojuogboh played a leading role during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
“We have lost a fantastic young man. We pray God to accept him and pray God to take care of the family he left behind.”
Also speaking, a former senator, Sen. Dino Melaye described the deceased as detribalised, very civil, principled and sociable.
“His relationship cut across political divide because Ojuogboh was one of the very few APC people that will have something to do and I will attend.
Similarly, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) said the deceased was a friend of all across party divide, a man for all and a very sociable and amiable person.
“To the family of our departed brother, you have every reason to be proud because he made good impact in the lives of many people.”
On his part, Sen. Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) said that Ojuogboh was a very loyal man and faithful to friendship.
“He did his best within his short sojourn on earth. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Also speaking, Justice Mabel Segun-Bello, a Judge of the Federal High Court, while giving a charge on legacy said that the late Ojuogboh was an accomplished person and was truly legacy conscious.
She said that legacy was a footprint that an individual leaves on earth after he or she is gone.
“At a point, he was involved in reconciliation and harmonisation activities. That is one of the legacies he left behind.
“Let his legacy be a prompter unto us to leave better legacy, legacies that will impact people of now and years to come.”
For Ojuogboh’s wife, Ruth, she said “I’m still in disbelief this is even happening and I struggle to find the words for the depth of loss that I feel.
“I find solace in the words of Ecclesiastes chapter three verses one and two…it reminds us that there is a time for everything. A time to be born and a time to die.”
She said: “My beloved husband lived a life marked by love, strength and unwavering faith. He was indeed a warrior who faced life challenges with courage and resilience.
“Though we mourn his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he now rests in eternal peace.”
The late Ojuogboh was born on Sept. 8, 1959 in Agbor, Delta. Through out his illustrious career, Ojuogboh served in various political capacities, including Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) further underscored his commitment to his principles and the advancement of his ideals.
Ojuogboh also played pivotal roles in the National Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives.
***Tasks govt on Omala LG killings
Associates, friends and family have showered glowing tributes on the late former Minister of state for Health and President of the Nigeria Institutes of Architects, Chief Arc. Gabriel Yakubu Aduku who died recently in Atlanta.
The tributes poured in during the Igala USA Memorial Service of songs and US community farewell held in Atlanta USA on Saturday April 6th.
A statement signed and issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Igala Association, USA, Dr. Raphael Agbali described Chief Aduku’s lifetime of devotion to faith, humanity, and quality through many accomplishments over his 80 years earthly sojourn as worthwhile
The statement indicated that the gathering of professionals, leaders, and associates from all over the US, took to the podium to eulogise the late icon on his legacy of service to the nation, profession and the Igala kingdom.
Dr. Agbali quoted the officiating minister Pastor Dr. Johnson Adefila to have described the late Statesman as demonstrating heavenly virtues that would inspire generations to come.
President of the Igala Association USA, Ms. Teresa Edoja paid tributes to Chief Aduku as the great unifier and builder, whose signature advice was always “Build! Do not destroy”.
Also, President of Igala in the United Kingdom, Rowland Ataguba in a virtual tribute, said Chief Aduku’s great strides will be sustained though the great patron of equity, whose remains arrive in Nigeria for internment on April 20, will be missed.
The Association also used the occasion to decry the recent killings of scores of Nigerian citizens of Igala descent in Agojeju Odo in Omala local government of Kogi State by suspected herdsmen
The statement called on the federal government to bring swift justice against the perpetrators and their sponsors, secure lives and properties and immediately remove the menacing terrorists from the Bagana Abejukolo area of Igala kingdom.
The statement indicated that it is ironic that the attacks were the forms of injustice Chief Aduku strove to prevent through his public service.
The association pledged to continue working for justice and peaceful co existence, as preached by the departed statesman, using her global reach to expose trouble spots and those who enable terror.
***describes him as Frontline politician and consummate professional
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed sadness over the demise of the frontline politician and immediate past chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum Arc. Gabriel Yakubu Aduku who died in the early hours of Monday.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, described the late Arc. Aduku as a frontline politician and a respected community leader who contributed immensely to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria.
Ododo noted that Arc. Aduku, one time Minister of State for Health, was an uncommon politician whose intellectual abilities and political acumen impacted the political landscape of Kogi State and Nigeria positively.
He described the death of the renowned Architect as a great loss to the people of Kogi State who, he said, have been deprived of the wisdom and guidance of a man whose vast experience in different spheres of life would remain a point of reference for the younger generation.
The governor said that the late Amana Ogohi 1 of Atta-Igala was also the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects until his death.
Ododo also described him as a consummate professional whose experience inspired many Kogites and Nigerians across generations, the statement added.
The Governor commiserated with the family of the late Octogenarian and the people of the state for the irreparable loss and prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late politician.
Chief Aduku was born on Thursday 3rd February 1944 in Anyigba, Dekina LGA of Kogi State to the family of Aduku Aguye Aga of the Ameh Ohiga clan and died at the age of 80 in the United States of America.
Architect (Chief) Gabriel Yakubu Aduku held the Igala title of Amana Ogohi 1 conferred on him by the Atta of Igala Kingdom.
He was a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was credited for the designing of the party’s logo in 1998. (Ends)
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