The news of the death of the Commissioner for Finance for Borno State, Alhaji Ahmed Ali Ahmed, came to me like a bolt from the blue—one I least expected. As a Muslim, I am mindful that we come from Allah and to Him we shall return. The death of my good friend and brother further reaffirms my belief in the ephemerality of life. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The example of this world and its inhabitants is that of a traveller who stops to rest under the shade of a tree and then departs, leaving it behind.” In essence, our lifetimes are transient journeys back towards our Creator, from whom we all came.
My friend and brother, Alhaji Ahmed Ali Ahmed, passed away at the age of 42. He was destined for greatness, with everything going for him until the inevitable occurred. As Namaid M. Sabri aptly stated, “Life is like a mirage: we yearn for it amidst our desires, yet it vanishes just as we feel we are about to grasp it, leaving death as the ultimate reality.”
Alhaji Ahmed Ali Ahmed was more than a colleague; he was like a younger brother to me. His love and loyalty made our bond feel as close as if we were born of the same womb. There is a general belief that when someone dies, we speak well of them. Indeed, it is part of the teachings of Islam not to speak ill of the deceased, but anyone who encountered the late Ahmed would attest to his humility, dedication to service, and deep compassion for humanity.
There is a popular adage that the death of a mentee is like the death of one’s own child. In this time, my heart goes out to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, who mentored Alhaji Ahmed Ali Ahmed in his early days within the banking industry and was therefore significantly instrumental in his professional growth, rise, and success.
As Commissioner for Finance, Ahmed never faltered in the discharge of his duties. He carried out his responsibilities with the dedication and accuracy of an efficient machine. His demise has undoubtedly left a huge vacuum in the current administration of Borno State, and as such, I find it difficult but necessary to commiserate with His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who found a dependable ally in my good friend. There is no doubt that his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the honour of working closely with him.
His dedication to his work was mirrored in how he treated his family with the same respect and affection. Despite his demanding schedule, he always made time for his wife, children, and other loved ones, demonstrating that his kindness extended beyond his professional life. He was considerate and supportive to outsiders, even as he embodied those qualities at home.
My friend’s demise is undoubtedly a huge loss for his loved ones, his colleagues, the people of Borno State, and the entire nation. As we come to terms with his painful death, let us remember the values he lived by and the exemplary life he led. His legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for excellence and compassion in all our endeavours.
May Allah grant him eternal peace and provide comfort to his family and all who mourn his passing. And may his memory forever remain in our hearts as a shining light of integrity, dedication, service, loyalty, and duty.
Barrister M.A. Busuguma, Permanent Secretary, Borno State Government House
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