Malam Idris M.K. Ahmed is the son of Alhaji M.K. Ahmed MFR, the Sarkin Yakin Lokoja, a former Administrative Secretary of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and founder of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Association of Nigeria, who worked closely with Malam Aminu Kano.
DT: How would you describe your father?
Idris: My father is a very accommodating man; he does not discriminate between his sons, daughters and others. We grew up with people we thought to be our brothers only to realise later in life that we were not related in anyway. Our home has been a home to many people because my father accommodates them all.
It was later in life we started to notice the differences in our names and other things, even at that we still see each other as brothers and sisters because what bonded us together says so.
He is that type of person that considers public worries as his, he has committed most of his time serving the public in one way or the other.
DT: What is it that you always cherish about him?
Idris: What I cherish most about him is his simplicity with life. His achievement in life have never made him proud; he is always living that simple life he is known for despite being so pronounced within and outside Nigeria.
Another aspect is the way he devote his time writing books on Islamic pilgrimage and olden day politics.
DT: What makes him angry?
Idris: He hates injustice of whatever sort, he can never keep quiet wherever he sees injustice being meted to an individual irrespective of whether he knows him or not. He is always in the habit of telling us not to get involved in unjust acts.
DT: What does it feel like being his son?
Idris: To be honest, I feel lucky to have a father who has devoted all his life time doing what his nation will continue to benefit from. I know I will not be mistaken if I speak at this point for all his children that we are grateful to Allah for being his children.
This is someone who has been close to many influential personalities and who holds national honour and traditional title and yet he lives a very modest and simple life, he relates with every one of us as his friends.
DT: What usually makes him happy?
Idris: He is always happy when the right thing is done rightly. As I mentioned earlier, he detests injustice and so when justice is done, that will definitely make his day.
DT: What is his favourite food?
Idris: He likes traditional food especially Eba and Semo with any traditional soup. He also eats fruits a lot, especially oranges.
DT: What do you think he would have excelled in beside what he does?
Idris: He would have been a very good teacher because after his resignation from civil service, he dedicated his time writing books on issues that will educate the general public, especially on Hajj.
He recently told us that he is currently writing another book beside the one that was recently launched.
DT: How does he relax?
Idris: He spends his leisure time in his study, reading and making notes. Those are his best moments of the day. He usually retires to his study after entertaining visitors.
