Maikasuwa’s life of selfless service

Without doubt, the positive advancement of the men and women folk of our society could not have been possible without the guiding hand of the exemplary role models whose very words and actions are swiftly emulated by their peers, colleagues, subordinates relatives, children, wards and  dependants.
In fact, in recent times, no personality celebrated as a most exemplary and most committed motivator, inspirer and uniter of community than Hajiya Fatima Maikasuwa, the resolute and compassionate matriarch of the illustrious Maikasuwa family in Keffi, Nasarawa state, a resolute and compassionate family woman, who transited to heavenly glory two years ago on November, 2013.
Hajiya Fatima Maikasuwa was fondly and affectionately called “Mama” by the majority of citizens of Keffi Emirate and beyond, was a most committed motivator, inspirer of community.  As far as religious Mama was concerned, the left hand should not know what the right hand was supreme witness of any man or woman’s assistance to his or her neighbor selfless advice, without third party knowledge and with the minimum of publicity or attention and also without any inkling of humanly reward or compensation formed the lodestone of Mama’s altruistic world view.
And there was no time or materials limit to Mama’s exertions on behalf of her community; at any time ready to oblige, indeed the Maikasuwa sprawling compound was a veritable Mecca for all and sundry and apart from material succor, the most prized artifact nuggets of wisdom and advice which she assiduously dispensed to the impressionable youths and children , even adults who were an indispensable part of her large family, for as they fondly called her Mama, she on her on part also affectingly referred to them as her children deserving of care, attention, protection, advice, counsel and unmitigated guidance.
As Mama gathered her children together to relate midnight tales of the adventures and admirable exploits of the  founders of Keffi Emirate, how they were able to transform a hitherto hinterland into the modern citadel of learning, commerce, technology, crafts, cuisine and hospitality, the central theme of Mama’s discourse always harped on integrity, principles passion for excellence and exemplary performance and as we  fondly recall Mama’s immortal advice and admonition two years past, may Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest in heaven.
 Hajiya Fatima Maikasuwa was undoubtedly of  noble birth and pedigree, distinguished by a long line of   forbears who excelled in  all areas of human endeavor, be it education, commerce, farming and the like; indeed, Mama’s aristocratic antecedents and her pivotal position in  the royal Maikasuwa lineage ensured that the compassionate matriarch continued to exert tremendous role in the Keffi  community and  this was the platform which she utilized to positively  impact on the attitudinal, behavioral moralistic and motivational mindset of the women, youths and children of the community.
Indeed, Mama groomed a whole generation of Keffi society on the noble and timeless virtues of hard work, perseverance, faithfulness, honesty, integrity, compassion, and self-less service to the community and nation at large as she never  believed in eye service or vainglorious actions aimed at gaining spurious or undue popularity.
May her gentle soul rest in peace and may Almighty Allah grant her Aljannat Firdaus, amin.
Gyakyor wrote in from Abuja [email protected]