Mahmud Zayyad: Tribute to a true brother

This week, I lost an integral member of my family, the only son of the late, great national treasure, Dr. Hamza Zayyad and Hajiya Maimuna Zayyad, Malam Mahmud Zayyad. My cousin had battled with diabetes for years. In that time, the family had seen this beloved member fight a ferocious fight against an even more ferocious ailment. He won some aspects of that battle but eventually, late Mahmud faded, right before his family’s eyes, until diabetes stole him and he finally lost the battle. Diabetes doesn’t just claim one victim; it claims many of those who surround a sufferer. As I write this tribute about my brother, my heart is absolutely shattered and I know all those who knew, loved and cared for Mahmud are devastated.
His death hits the core of his immediate family, his extended family and for everybody who was associated, in one way or another, with him. Those of us who knew Mahmud, knew of his huge heart and his ability to love anything and everything around him. He just loved who and what he loved so much; loved without limit and was able to go to any length for the things and people he loved. He was a good man who always wanted to help and bring value to those around him and he cared so much for his family and for those he didn’t even know.
During my brief stint in politics, Mahmud did his best to make it easy for his sister. He knew what I faced and gave me the kind of support that I never asked or expected from him. I have come to learn that he often did that for others, whether they were related to him or not. Those who knew him, knew about his passion. We know of his devotion to the Almighty Allah.
Those who may not have known Mahmud but knew his father, Late Dr. Hamza Zayyad would have had a snippet of the humility, obedience, innovation and hard work that he inherited from his father. For those who didn’t know my brother, I want to tell you who he was; what he stood for and the amazing achievements he made during the course of his life. With pride, I would like to tell the world who he was.
Mahmud Zayyad was born in the early sixties in the United Kingdom and attended both primary and secondary schools in Kaduna State. He then proceeded to Katsina Polytechnic, now Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, and obtained a National Diploma in Business Administration. He later was admitted into the prestigious Millionaires College of Business Administration in Miami, Florida for advance studies in Business Management.
Upon his return from the United States in the Eighties, Mahmud started an automobile design and improvement company called Hitech. His company was a reflection of his professional passion, and it primarily specialized in design for automobile companies and individuals. The company did so well that it went ahead to provide services for some sections of the Nigerian government, the Police Force and Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), among others.
Had Mahmud been a man stuck on material and worldly possessions, he could have made billions during his lifetime. Rather, he was a simple man who was humble. He was content, and found the most basic necessities of life to be of pleasant pursuit. To him, simplicity represented wealth.
During the course of his profession, Mahmud was able to successfully improve on already manufactured Japanese, European and American vehicles. He was quintessentially, a ‘Maestro of Automobiles’ and an authority as far as vehicle improvement and customisation was concerned. He had a lot of natural talent and a lot of drive in his field. He had the Midas touch with automobiles and often it would take just a glance at a car for Mahmud to know what was wrong with it. He needed only a few minutes listening to an engine to know what it needed. He was a genius in his field.
Those close to him will surely remember his professionalism. He will also be remembered for coming first during the only well-organized car race at Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna. He was so proud of his heritage. And it was a heritage to be proud of. He was the great grandson of the late famous Waziri Zayyana, whose reign as Waziri in Katsina State witnessed Islamic revival and adherence in the Katsina emirate. He was the first child and only son of the late Wazirin Katsina, Dr. Hamza Zayyad, of blessed memory.
The passing of Mahmud Zayyad is one where I have truly lost a brother. I speak about what I knew and saw of him. He was humble, obedient, innovative, hardworking, committed, kind, gentle, determined, strong, brave, compassionate and determined. I shall suffer with the thought that he is no longer with us, as I am sure his family and friends will.
Mahmud was a replica of Dr. Hamza Zayyad, in terms of hard work and commitment to a cause. And Dr. Hamza Zayyad was a very rare breed in Nigeria.
I offer my heartfelt prayers and condolence to all of late Mahmud’s family. Due to what his death represents, my condolence further goes to His Eminence, the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir, Dr. Sani Lugga Wazirin Katsina, all our relatives and people in Rafindadi, and the populace of Katsina.
Mahmud had an extremely large, close-knit group of friends, especially in Kaduna. He will be sorely missed by them. My thoughts and prayers are with them, also. He is survived by his mother, Hajiya Maimuna Zayyad, a wife, and five incredibly beautiful children.
Oh, Allah, my dear brother Mahmud Zayyad is under Your care and protection so protect him from the trial of the grave and torment of the Fire. Indeed You are faithful and truthful. Forgive and have mercy upon him, surely You are The Oft-Forgiving, The Most-Merciful. Oh Allah, forgive and have mercy upon him. Excuse him and pardon him, and make honourable his reception. Expand his entry and cleanse him with water, snow and ice, and purify him of sin as a white robe is purified of filth. Admit him into the Garden; protect him from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the fire. Oh Allah, Your servant Mahmud Zayyad is in need of Your mercy and You are without need of his punishment. If he was righteous, then increase his reward and if he was wicked, then overlook his sins.
Musawa, a columnist, wrote from Kaduna.