Adieu, Habibu Sani Talban Babura

Allahu Akbar! This Tuesday, September 4, a day before the world marked World Spinal Cord Injury Day September 5, our most beloved sufferer of spinal cord injury and senior colleague here at Bayero University, Kano, Habibu Sani, Talban Babura, wheelchair ridden for 36 years, passed away. And how apt these past few weeks this Column […]

Allahu Akbar! This Tuesday, September 4, a day before the world marked World Spinal Cord Injury Day September 5, our most beloved sufferer of spinal cord injury and senior colleague here at Bayero University, Kano, Habibu Sani, Talban Babura, wheelchair ridden for 36 years, passed away. And how apt these past few weeks this Column has been celebrating The Persevering who have kept faith in Allah.

Though in Islam ‘celebrating’ the dead is strange, Habibu is one person that all should remember and emulate. I invited some of his friends and associates to email in a few words of Tribute (and I apologise to those whose contributions couldn’t make it in, and to the hundreds I could not remember to inform).
Prof. Auwalu Hamisu Yadudu: On September 25, 1982, while driving his then newly-wedded wife, Magajiya, home, Mallam Habibu or Talba, had what appeared to be a minor car accident at Kabuga, Kano. Alas! Habibu suffered a spinal cord injury while the wife, now deceased, escaped unscathed and the other occupant, Prof Ibrahim Ahmad Aliyu (current Director Institute of Admin, ABU Zaria, Kongo Campus) had a fractured thigh. As Allah willed it, Talba died September 4, 2018, three weeks to the 36th anniversary of the accident. He lived those 36 years a quadriplegic; confined to a wheelchair; albeit strong in character, spirit, mind, intellect and body. He continued to teach at BUK, retiring only in December 2017. His very popular weekly Freedom Radio Kano programme, Aiki da Hankali, was the delight of listeners and lovers of Hausa all over the world.
Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, Chief Judge Katsina State: I first met Habibu as an instructor at Muslim Students’ Society (MSS) Islamic Vacation Course at Al Hudahuda College, Zaria, in 1975. We developed close brotherly relationship. When I was admitted into Prelim studies at then Bayero University College in 1977, he continued mentoring me in both studies and the MSS, which was second to my studies. He was not only a role model but was a source of encouragement and inspiration. He was among those that influenced me to pursue law and obliged me with unhindered access to his office to do my reading and assignments. After my final LLB exams, I stayed in his house from where I processed my admission to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. He followed my progress at all times and kept encouraging me not to relent. Despite his condition, he always had the concern to call to find out how I was doing. He was exceptionally good.
Prof. Fatima Batul Mukhtar, VC Federal University, Dutse: This is my 8th attempt to write a few words about Baba Habibu (as we, old and young in the family, addressed him). I first met him on his hospital bed after that accident in 1982 – as husband to my friend’s senior sister. Three years later, my then new husband, Muzzammil Hanga, Habibu’s close friend, reintroduced us. Habibu was warm and receptive and from that day I became his sister. He was a crowd puller and his house became a hub for relatives, friends, neighbours and students. He hardly forgot a face or a name. He had listening ears and resolved disputes and solved problems. He was Fulani to the core (as in persevering and patient) and would not allow people see through his suffering. When Muzzammil and I visited him about a week before his death, Habibu said “Ba na so a ga ina da raki”, and I said “Baba Habibu, who would ever say that to you after these 36 years!” His level of endurance and “tawakkali” were unparalleled!
Prof. Ibrahim Na’iya Sada, ABU Zaria: 50 years ago, I met a friend and a brother; a confidante and a support in every kind of situation; an embodiment of patience and perseverance; a man with strong and unshakable faith in Allah; a man with an insatiable passion for sacrifice for and nurturing of others, for generosity and extraordinary devotion to rendering selfless service to all and sundry. Throughout his 36-year trial, nobody ever heard Talban Babura utter a word of complaint or self-pity.
Prof. Muhammad Salisu Shehu: Only Allah knows ‘Gawar Fari’ (who would die first) – Bako, Habibu’s brother and carer, healthy and full of life, died before Habibu! And service to humanity is in the heart and the mind, not only in the body; from his wheelchair, Habibu was a counsellor and guide and mentor for multitudes! Brother Muzzammil told us Niger Republic awarded Habibu its highest honour because he had, over the years, helped 113 of its citizens get admission into BUK – apart from the hundreds of Nigerians he did that for as well.
Prof. Umar Danjuma Maiwada: For almost 40 years, Habibu brought joy and sweetness to those in BUK, especially the Islamiyya students. We honour his memory by celebrating his wonderful life in this unique Tribute. Words are so hard to speak in times of grief.
Barr. Saeed M. Koki: Habibu used to be teased as ‘a bag of contradictions’ – a Fulani man teaching Hausa with a Kanuri traditional title (Talba)! Which one are you really, they used to ask him? Throughout his trying period, Habibu never lost hope, was ever cheerful and refused to succumb to depression by keeping a very large circle of friends. Lessons to learn: Paraplegics should remain hopeful, move around and maintain social contacts; Friends should keep them regular company; Healthcare for paraplegics needs an overhaul. May Allah mark his scoresheet A+.
Prof. Mohammed Musa Borodo: Habibu achieved in his wheelchair what many able-bodied people could not achieve in life. His physical disability, through the special mercy of Allah, seemed to have provided him with all the zeal, energy and doggedness to continue throughout the 36 years. He showered philanthropy on the needy, tutelage and guidance to students. His concerns about the need to reverse our societal ills were exemplary.
Shaikh Turaki Aliyu Misau: He was a friend and a teacher; a man of integrity and impeccable character; an erudite and versatile scholar; a philanthropist and a calm personality. He was an inspiration. Out of so many, one of the most amazing things about Talba was that, whenever you met him, he would impress on you that no challenge is unsurmountable.
Dr. Fatimah Hassan: What struck me whenever I saw him with another illness or complication was that he always looked happy, at peace with his condition and well in control of himself, his life and all those around him despite his situation. He achieved this demeanour with ease and grace.
Prof. Junaidu Naaliya: I came to BUK as a student in 1982, after his accident, so I never saw Habibu walk. But as far as I know, he never complained or requested favours. He lived a simple life of service to humanity.
Prof. Nu’uman M. Habib: Talban Babura will remain a reference point for his faith, courage and determination. He had accepted the fate that befell him but refused to resign to fate. He was like a candle, illuminating his environment. He was a constant presence at social events – public lectures, weddings and funerals. His own funeral, last Tuesday, at BUK Eid Ground, was a befitting tribute to a man of the people.
May Allah forgive Habibu Sani Babura and us all.
And Happy Islamic New Year 1440 (starting perhaps Tuesday).