Alhaji Alaraba: Eulogising a philantropist

On Friday November 2, 2018, Alhaji Baba Ahmadu Alaraba passed on at his residence in Anguwar Korama, Potiskum, after a protracted illness. Fondly called Baba and also respectfully referred to by many as Malam, he was indeed a caring and loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to a lot of personalities who interacted with […]

On Friday November 2, 2018, Alhaji Baba Ahmadu Alaraba passed on at his residence in Anguwar Korama, Potiskum, after a protracted illness.

Fondly called Baba and also respectfully referred to by many as Malam, he was indeed a caring and loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend to a lot of personalities who interacted with him either privately or officially.

Baba died around 2am on the fateful day surrounded by his loved ones and his funeral prayer was observed after Jumu’at prayers, witnessed by a large crowd of mourners from all walks of life.

Their eminences and royal highnesses – Mai of Tikau, Mai Fune and Mai Pataskum, the Speaker and some members of the Yobe State House of Assembly, as well as revered Islamic scholars and distinguished personalities were in attendance. Sheikh Abubakar Adam, Chief Preacher of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Damaturu led the Janazah prayers for the repose of the soul of our dear father and grandfather.

It was initially not my intention to write this tribute to my late in-law, a great friend to my late father. However, I was spiritually motivated by the overwhelming significance of the prophetic tradition reported by Abu Huraira that says, “you (living human beings on earth) are Allah’s witnesses on earth.”

Deducing from the meaning of this hadith, Islamic scholars agree that it is highly commendable to eulogize the qualities of a deceased person because doing so contributes to the success of the deceased in the hereafter.

Baba was kindhearted, loving and caring. He was a philanthropist, peace maker and upright judge.

He was a source of inspiration to many; touched many lives positively, mediated when there were disputes, gave shelter to the homeless, and was hospitable to everybody that came to him.

Baba was humble, straightforward, and never corrupt. This was a testimony by those who worked with him or under his supervision. His uprightness and credibility earned him respect everywhere.

Despite his health challenges, he remained steadfast in his religious obligations.

Baba was adequately learned in both religious and western education. He was an astute public servant, seasoned technocrat and one-time chairman of Potiskum Local Government Council. He held many positions at various levels before he retired as Director Local Government Administration in the Yobe State Local Government Service Commission. Until his death, he held the traditional title of Kaigaman Tikau.

He was aged 87, married with 37 children as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

May Allah have mercy on Baba; grant him eternal bliss, and also give the family the fortitude to bear the loss of a dear father, Amen.

M. G. Bawa sent this tribute from Potiskum