By Haruna Gimba Yaya
In February 2012, just four months after I finished the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ebonyi State. I was in my room around 10:00am when my phone rang, it was my uncle, the late Danjuma Ladan. He asked me if I can work in Maiduguri, the year 2012 was the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, so I asked him what the nature of the job is. He replied that it is in journalism as a reporter with Daily Trust Newspaper. I gladly accepted and he sent me a phone number and asked me to call Hamza Idris, who was then appointed as Head of Maiduguri Bureau office of Media Trust Limited.
After a brief pleasantry he asked me to send him my credentials via his email, which I did immediately. After two months, to be precise in April 2012, Hamza Idris called to tell me that I was offered a job but as a stringer, and I will work under his tutelage in the Maiduguri office.
I accepted the offer, because I studied Mass Communication in Bayero University, Kano and Daily Trust’s style of journalism played a significant role in igniting my passion to become a journalist, so working with them is like a dream come true.
And I still recall our first meeting in May 2012 in Maiduguri, when I resumed duty at the Maiduguri Bureau Office. I still remembered his first words when we met, “Are you Haruna Gimba?” A question that surprised the then Manager, Malam Hassan Karofi, who brought me to the Media Trust Guest House at Pompomari Federal Lowcost, he asked him “So, you never met him before?” But Hamza only smiled.
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For the four months I worked in Maiduguri, Hamza Idris paid for my dinner whenever he was in town.
However, something happened that almost cut short my career at Daily Trust. In September, just four months after starting my career, circumstances forced me to resign from the job, but after sending my resignation letter to him, seeing the potential in me, Hamza convinced the management to transfer me to Kano instead of accepting my resignation.
Luckily for me the management obliged and transferred me to Kano Regional Office in October 2012 where I worked for the next four years. I worked under the best hands in Daily Trust, they further helped to sharpen my skills in modern day journalism. That culminated with my transfer to my home state, Gombe, in 2016 as a State Correspondent, on the recommendation of my superiors in Abuja.
Hamza Idris always stood for hard work and integrity, for instance in May 2020, I applied for the position of Bureau Chief of Kano Regional Office, Hamza Idris was among the panellists during the interview, but he asked me the toughest questions during the session, to the surprise of the co-panellist, who told him that his questions were tough (knowing my relationship with him). His response was, he wants me to get the position on merit not because of my relationship with him.
Although I was successful at the interview, I was posted to the Sokoto State Bureau Office not Kano Regional Office, therefore I resigned after just a week on the job, (this is a story for another day).
Why am I saying all these? It is my humble way of congratulating a mentor on his promotion to the next level as Deputy Editor-In-Chief by the board of Media Trust Group, publishers of Daily Trust Newspaper, Weekend Trust and Aminiya.
Sir, your elevation to the exalted position of Deputy Editor-In-Chief of Daily Trust Newspaper is a testament to your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment. I am honoured to work under your guidance.
As you embark on this new chapter, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the incredible impact you’ve had on my life and career. Your guidance, support, and unwavering belief in me have been a constant source of inspiration.
I am beneficiary of your kind heartedness and humility, you helped me secure a job without ever meeting, knowing me or any member of my family. At a time when people have to pay or know someone before they could secure a job.
You are among the few people that believe in my capacity more than I do myself, you always pushed me to achieve the best.
Despite your busy schedules, you always have the time to listen to me and offer valuable advice. Your door is always open, and your willingness to share your expertise and experience helped shape me into the professional I am today.
Since your appointment as General Editor of Daily Trust Newspaper titles in 2019, your leadership and vision have transformed our organisation, and your legacy will continue to inspire generations. Your selflessness, empathy, and kindness have created a ripple effect, touching countless lives.
As a sort of reward for his selfless service, he clinched the prestigious Editor of the year award by the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) in 2022.
Sir, thank you for being a shining example of integrity and compassion, for encouraging me to push beyond my limits, for providing a safe space for growth and learning as well as leading the newsroom with humility and commitment.
You are an exceptional leader and mentor; this is wish you a continued growth and accomplishment in your new role
Please keep shining your light, and know that it will continue to illuminate paths for others.
Haruna Gimba Yaya is a freelance journalist and Daily Trust Correspondent in Gombe State.
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