A Tribute to an Honourable Gentleman
A TRIBUTE TO AN HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN: ALHAJI (DR) ADAMU TAFAWA BALEWA, THE AJIYAN BAUCHI.
Alhaji Adamu Tafawa Balewa died on Wednesday 10th November, at his residence in Bauchi, Nigeria, at the age of 76.
Some called him Baba Ma’aji, others called him Baba Ajiya, but for me he is a special gift. He looked after me from the age of one till his death. For me, he was everything.
The news of his death came to me with great shock and sadness. It was during Ramadan, and I had promised to call him on Eid. I never dreamt that the last time I would see him would be last year, when I visited him with my son Omar. I had hoped to see him again, but it was not meant to be. I pray that he died peacefully and God willing, he will break his fast in Paradise.
I will always cherish the times I spent growing up with Baba Ajiya, and the way in which he treated me with love, kindness and respect, while making great sacrifices.
Alhaji Adamu Tafawa Balewa to me was more than an uncle. He was a man I looked up to, always dependable, comforting, a trustworthy and true friend, and above all a first class father figure, who I relied on totally. He was a man amongst men whose name spoke volumes. An illustrious son of Nigeria, elder statesman, a man full of humility, generosity, virtue, vision, ideas, spirituality and integrity. A man admired for his wisdom, understanding and principles.
Throughout his life, Baba Ajiya was full of respect and kindness towards others, irrespective of gender or creed.
My deepest sympathy goes to his family.
And May his soul rest in perfect peace and May God Al-mighty grant us all the strength to bear his loss, Ameen.
The days they seem like years
The nights they seem like days
My heart is irreparably broken since your sudden demise, but I shall always remember you.
I don’t know if you are listening to me now
I wrote to you in my early days in London
I shall live up to the spirit of that letter
I see you in my sleep
Your memory is deeply routed in my heart
Your kindness in my dreams
Your integrity, sense of fairness my ambition
You are always in my thoughts
I shall never ever forget you
We shall also join you at an appointed time
My prayers always with you
In my thought and contemplation
In my blissful happiness
In my hour of sadness
In my anguish and deepest sorrow
In my deepest heart
I feel the absence of light
I feel the absence of good and true companionship
Though we are mortal
God is truly everlasting.
Abubakar Sadiq Ajiya
London, United Kingdom
12/11/2004
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