Our man in Coventry: Dr. Abdullahi Shehu, MBE

Dr. Abdullahi Shehu, Consultant Neurologist based in Coventry, England, was last month awarded the Membership of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Originally from Kano, Dr. Shehu moved to the UK in 1986 and became a Consultant Neurologist in 1996. Back in 2014, Dr. Shehu had received the Coventry City Merit Award and later Deputy Lord Lieutenant, West Midlands, England.

Apart from his impressive professional callings, Dr. Shehu’s community work (for which he was recognised by the Queen), included being Chairman of Muslim Doctors and Dentists Association (UK); Chairman Health and Medical Committee of Muslim Council of Britain (MCB); co-founder and Chairman Coventry Muslim Forum (which also won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017); Chairman Board of Trustees Nigeria Muslim Forum, UK (NMFUK); Trustee, Africa HealthCare Development Trust (AHDT) UK (a health charity that undertakes charitable activities in Nigeria); and Trustee, Medical Life Science Fund for Warwick University, UK.

To celebrate this extremely humble, exceedingly gentle but efficiently professional person, I asked some of his friends and associates, especially the Hausa-speaking Diaspora in the UK, to each contribute a few words so that our Hausa-Fulani-Kanuri-Arewa Muslim Community at home and abroad would know we have people to be proud of:

Dr. Falalu Dahiru Danwata, Preston, Lancashire; Although we share the same medical profession, I first knew him as a Muslim Brother through the NMFUK, offering support for newly arrived students. He is truly humble and provides excellent leadership to younger colleagues. I see this honour as an achievement that we need to celebrate collectively and to capitalise in utilising it towards exploring opportunities to lobby towards the advancement of our Nigerian Diaspora Community.

Sulaiman Ibrahim Katsina, BBC Hausa, London: I am proud that a Hausa Nigerian is helping Nigerians and his host community in various aspects of their religious and temporal lives. I say to my kids: look up to him and work hard with loyalty to Islam and Hausa culture. I say to Hausa-speaking people: You have something to celebrate. I say to Nigeria: You have in Dr. Shehu someone who encapsulates good image and resourcefulness that can be harnessed.

A Contributor: This honour bestowed is a befitting recognition of Abdullahi’s selfless and dedicated service to the many varied communities that he continues to serve admirably in a variety of capacities.

Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Hassan Gombe, Chairman Management Committee, AHDT, Manchester: It’s an honour and a privilege to know Abdullahi. In addition to his general excellence, his humility is what is striking to those who know him very well. I hope he will accept this as another test from Allah and to pray that he passes it with distinction.

Alhaji Garba Sani, Sarkin Hausawa, London: This award is for us all. He is one example worth emulating by all. He set a record, the first of its kind in the history of Northerners in the UK. As we celebrate his achievements today, we also urge him to groom others to experience it too. May the Almighty guide and support him in all his undertakings.

A Contributor: His commitment to the service of humanity is very inspiring. His award of MBE is well-deserved, and I pray the Almighty to guide and increase him in Iman and knowledge.

Dr. Ado Yusuf, Secretary, Africa Healthcare Development Trust (AHDT) UK: Congratulations on behalf of myself and AHDT on this well-deserved award. His hard work and dedication to duty have been exemplary and has earned him many appointments, including being one of the AHDT Trustees.

Dr. Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, University of Manchester: We go back a long way and the relationship goes beyond just good friends. I can confidently say that Dr Abdullahi is patient, humble and has a pleasant personality. I have always known him to be professionally competent with keen and sincere desire to help. He has always done this by going over and above the call of duty. He engages in all community activities and functions selflessly.

Dr. Muhammad Salisu Adaya, Special Assistant to President Buhari on Development Policy: This is a well-deserved and well-earned accolade for his commitment and selfless dedication to community service. Congratulations Sir! Keep up the good work!

Dr. (Engr). Sanusi Mohammed, African Iron and Steel Association (AISA), Abuja: This is a fantastic recognition for his commitment and dedication in service to humanity. May Allah, in His infinite Mercy, accept the recognition. He has made us proud!

Dr. Abubakar Zubairu, Manchester: Congratulations for this well-deserved honour.

Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, Doncaster: Dr. Shehu is an exemplary figure and a source of inspiration for all of us. We are very proud of him and his numerous achievements.

Dr. Aminu Mamman, University of Manchester: This is undoubtedly an honour bestowed on him and for all the institutions that contributed to his capacity to serve humanity. May I also add that this is also Her Majesty’s recognition of the contribution of Diasporas from Nigeria.

Dr Musa Aliyu, Coventry University: Dr. Shehu stands out as very level-headed person. On one occasion, I was asked to help place a junior doctor visiting the UK in cardiology clinical attachment within a very limited time. I brainstormed but hit a brick wall. I thought of Dr Shehu but at first hesitated as our familiarity was minimal. I finally beat my procrastination and sent him a text late in the night, hoping he would see it in the morning. Surprisingly, he immediately texted back with full instructions. For that singular action, his status rose to high heavens.

Dr. Arabo Ibrahim Bayo, Doha, Qatar: He has demonstrated to all of us that service to humanity is universal. He has challenged all humanity to understand where our responsibility lies. His has cut across ethnicity and religion. He is a great ambassador for us Muslims and Nigerians.

Dr. Danladi Sadiq Abubakar, Wales: It is very highly inspiring to hear that Dr Abdullahi Shehu is the recipient of an MBE. This great achievement should act as an impetus to all of us to emulate our brother Dr Shehu Abdullahi MBE.

Dr. Dahiru Garkuwa, Newcastle: I felicitate with Dr Abdullahi Shehu over his well-deserved award. He has made us proud and is an inspiration for us all.  His passion for charitable work knows no bounds and I pray that he would continue to channel his energy in the service of humanity. No doubt knighthood will be the next accolade, in sha Allah. Rise, Sir Abdullahi!