Memories of Atika Balal: Farewell to a friend

Atika may come off as a snob to some, as our colleague Stella Iyaji rightly wrote in an earlier tribute, written beautifully. But that impression was usually for those who did not know her well enough. Because beneath Atika’s hard exterior, was a gentle, loving and sometimes child-like personality. I often offered that the real Atika is hidden, only to be revealed by an act of kindness or humour. When that happened, I’d say “Now there is the real Atika.”
I remember the first time I met her, I had gone to Abuja to attend an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa Service and while waiting at the reception, a young lady walked in and spoke directly to the receptionist. I didn’t pay much attention as I was handling my nerves before the interview. But as she spoke, she got my full attention. I consoled myself thinking that based on her rich diction, her soft intonation and excellent command of the English language, there was no way this lady’s knowledge of Hausa language could be better than mine.
Atika sat beside me at the interview, after saying a soft hello which I replied. She then searched her bag for her phone, so I tried my best to mind my business. Before long she was on the phone talking about a story and my interest was piqued. As soon as she was through, I asked her where she worked and she said “Daily Trust”. I became more interested and I told her that I had written exams and attended an interview with the newspaper and she told me not to worry that I would get the job.
Atika went as far as being nice to me and gave me pointers before I went in for my interview. So, the the very first time I walked into Media Trust as an employee, it was Atika I asked for. And that continued: When I needed directions on where to say my prayers in the office, it was Atika I turned to. She gave me valuable suggestions on what assignments to try and how to write stories for the Home Front pages.
Atika was also remarkably down-to-earth. And how could I ever forget her practical jokes and pranks? She would return from her beat, murmur a greeting to everyone and focus on her work. When she was through, the mischief would then start. He’d prank us into going on fool’s errands only to laugh at us afterwards. She was, quite simply, fun to be around.
The last time I spoke to Atika was sometime in February when a mutual friend of ours and former colleague Tashikalmah Hallah travelled to Katsina State for a work-related function. During our usual telephone conversation, I asked him to check up on Atika and he told me he had beaten me to it, as he’d already done that. He then called me while at her house the next day, so we chatted for a while and she sounded very happy. She then asked of my sister and her kids and urged me to remain safe in Jos. I never knew that would be the last time I would hear her voice.
Atika’s death is a great loss to those who have had the opportunity of knowing her and I feel privileged to be among the lucky few. As we continue to mourn this huge loss of a friend, sister, wife, daughter and granddaughter, I pray to Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her Aljannat Firdaus. Goodbye, my dear friend.