Five books in tribute Squadron Leader Sule Lawal (Rtd)

1) Once an Eagle by Anton Myver is considered one of the finest novels ever written about what it means to spend a career in the military and how the military relates to the civilian world. A beautiful book about the career and personal life of a talented often selfless career soldier from the 1916 […]

1) Once an Eagle by Anton Myver is considered one of the finest novels ever written about what it means to spend a career in the military and how the military relates to the civilian world. A beautiful book about the career and personal life of a talented often selfless career soldier from the 1916 perishing expedition. This book is recommended in celebration of the life of my uncle, a dashing Air force officer who loved his job and was always admired in his full Air Force regalia. His love of his job is, apparent in uniformed pictures that dot Uncle Sule Lawal’s residence in Kaduna.

2) Honor by Frank Henserson Stewart. This book written by a very distinguished scholar now retired thinks deeply about honour. An expert in the ancient Near East, he read ancient texts and legal documents. It is about the fact that honour is an entitlement to respect about what honour codes do, which is to say how you get to be entitled to respect. Although there are many areas where the author wants to give up on honour. It is a lovely piece of scholarly work I would like to dedicate to a gentleman and a member of the Nigerian Armed Forces who completely respected people’s honour, Rtd Squadron Leader Sule Lawal, my Uncle, father to my cousins, friend to all. On his street, in Kaduna, the children loved to chant his pet name Baba Soja as he walked by and when his body was being taken to be buried, they chanted after him, “Baba Soja! Baba Soja!”. Adieu Sule Lawal, a man of honour.
 

3) My late mum, Mrs. Josephine Awawu loved her brother Uncle Sule Lawal very much. In honour of them both I recommend Charlie and Lola by Lauren Child, a beautiful book for young persons about the love between brother and sister. Stories about the everyday life of small kids in the context of a very warm and amusing relationship. Very apt. There were several hilarious stories about their adventures when they were growing up. I admired their relationship and they carried this into old age and passed it on to their children. God rest them both Amen.

4) Book of Quotations produced by Geddes and Grosset is my go to book when I just need to hear other people’s voices, quotes and thoughts. Be it on love or on death, parting and sorrow to which a whole chapter is dedicated. I miss Uncle Sule Lawal already but I am comforted by the words “Better a thousand times to die with glory than live without honour”. The quote of Louis VI, 1078-1137, King of France. Uncle Sule served his country and loved his family. He was an honourable man.
 

5) The Glorious Quran: Uncle Sule Lawal was a devout Muslim. We ask God to forgive him his sins and grant him paradise Amen.