That was Alhaji Yunusa Abige for you. You can then imagine my shock and sorrow when the terrible news began to filter that warm and cosy evening of March 26, 2013 that Alhaji Yunusa Abige is dead. The news swept in like a blaze ignited by a rampaging tornado. It hit the heart and soul with force of thunderbolt.
A call from my cousin Yahaya one of the sons broke the news to me. I asked him what has he just said. I told him don’t say that. And almost immediately, I said “inalilahi wainalilahin rajuin”.
I did not even had the fore knowledge that Alhaji Yunusa has just returned from a medical treatment abroad that same afternoon. He was much better health wise compared to the period he was to travel. In my mind, nature was kind to him. He passed on while lying on his bed.
I remembered that day, on March 10, 2013, when we all gathered at the airport to see him off on his way abroad for further medical treatment. He was always saying “Laillaha ilallahu, Muhammadu Rasulullahu Salallahu alaihim wa salam, I praised Allah the most merciful.”
When he was on admission at the hospital before he travelled out, visitors were trooping in and out of his private ward to greet him. In fact, the hospital staff said they had never witnessed such number of visitors coming to see a patient like this before. This just a proof os the kind of personality he was.
Alhaji Yunusa Abige started his working career as a Surveyor with the Northern Nigeria Government in 1962. He lectured briefly at the famous Kaduna Polytechnic for about two years. He transferred his services to the Ministry of Housing and Environment, Survey Division in the old Kwara State in 1973.
He was later seconded for two years to the newly created then Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1980 to set up the Cartography Division. He later transfered his appointment to same in 1982 under Planning, Lands and Survey, a division he headed until his retirement in August, 1995.
In all of these career assignments, Alhaji Abige served diligently, with several encomiums, award and commendation at various times by the highest hierarchy places he served. In recognition of selfless service, Alhaji Abige was honoured with the traditional title of Dan Masanin Koton-Karfe. This was on April 23, 2010 by the late Ohimege IGU Koton Karfe the paramount ruler of the Egbura people in Koton-Karfe.
The late Dan Masani championed the founding of the Koton-Karfe Area Development Union (KADU). He was the founding president. An association he served with his dear heart. Another one is the Egbura National Development Association (ENDA).
He was a member of the FCT Chambers of Commerce and Industries. He also serve on the Board of Koton-Karfe Community Bank.
Another moment of note was on the three days firdau prayers for Alhaji Abige . there was a huge complements and showers of praises in respect of the fallen technorat. The praises were too numerous to be documented here, but they were coming from people from all walks of life who had had one thing or the other to o with Alhaji Abige who availed whoever he came in contact with his milk of human kindness while in public service and private life. Those who benefited from his milk of human kindness came in their hundreds as sympathizers. They came to pay their last respect to a father, uncle, boss, friend, helper, above all a legend.
Those of us who were close to him knew his strong points and his weaknesses was humble to a fault. He hated hurting people and naturally gave to people freely. That reminded me of the discussions we had with him in the mid 90s where he unmindfully said he pray to share his goodwill and fortune with people he come across in life. That has truly come to pass.
With all sense of modesty and respect, the legacies of Alhaji Abige are not limited to his immediate family. He was a father to many. His legacies are going to be celebrated by many people. If I am to eulogies the late Alhaji Abige for the worthy cause he stood for, the space would not be enough. The most important thing is for those he has touched in one way or the other to emulate his sterling qualities which include responsive and purposeful leadership, philanthropy, honesty, respect for both the young and old not minding who you are or where one comes from. He was such a detrabilised person. In fact, one would say the late Dan Masani was only an Ebgura, for he intracted freely with all Nigerians not minding their state of origin and religion, a principle he held tenaciously till his last breathe.
I feel deeply for his widow Hajiya Hauwakulu Yunusa Abige and his children whom he had shown so much love and affection for over the years. I pray Allah to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of their bread winner whom we fondly called Baba.
In life, Africa to be particular, Nigeria as a very strong case study, it is usually the wish of parents that their children be greater than them. It is in my firm believe that I challenge the children of Alhaji Yunusa Abige that your father has left behind a very big shoes. He has written his name on the sand of time, I pray they will be able to match that fit.
Baba you have done your very best in this world. It is possible before some people, that your best may not have been good enough, however, that is left to their conscience. So let us see believe that Baba did his best so that his family and the society will continue to grow from strength to strength. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Abdullahi writes from Abuja.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
