Here was a man: Remembering Salihijo Ahmad 20 years on

Here was a man who uplifted the face of professionalism in Nigeria. Here was a man who became the people’s consultant in various fields. Here was a man who had this wonderful ability of putting everyone on his toes. Here was a man who recognized greatness and appreciated any good he could find in a […]

Here was a man who uplifted the face of professionalism in Nigeria. Here was a man who became the people’s consultant in various fields. Here was a man who had this wonderful ability of putting everyone on his toes. Here was a man who recognized greatness and appreciated any good he could find in a person. Here was a man who trained so many and encouraged many more to private practice or to other potential fields he felt they could excel in. Here was a man who had the love of all Nigerians at heart. Here was a man who touched the lives of so many people in so many nice ways. Here was a man with exceptional leadership qualities and a good foresight. Here was a man who respected all, irrespective of class, religion or ethnicity.

I could go on and on. And I will. Here was a man so hard-working that his peers called him ‘Duracell’ and others ‘UPS’. He worked four years during the PTF days without taking a leave and without visiting any country outside Nigeria – always delegating others to attend conferences and workshops abroad. Here was a man very humble and never regarded himself as the master. Here was a man with a powerful sense of speech, so much so you could hardly beat him in an argument; he always had his facts tidied up somewhere coupled with quotes from the Quran or Sunnah which can be produced at any time if needed.

Here was a man who was disciplined and consistent on doing things the right way. Here was a man simple in character with the fear of God always at the back of his mind. Here was a man very humorous, caring and understanding. Here was a man very strict and a no nonsense person who dealt several times with defaulters and 419 chaps – always suggesting that the use of ‘koboko/bulala’ should be enforced as a deterrent to mischief-makers.

Here was a man who would never hesitate to correct you when you do wrong. Here was a man who would always point out things you could do to earn reward from God. Here was a man very contented with life who lived his life to the fullest and was very carefree about material things. Here was a man who understood the power of communication and ensured that time and energy were saved by using the phone. He personally bought and installed phone lines for so many (smart phones not available then).

Here was a man who believed ICT is the future. He personally hired a computer teacher to train children in homes of some friends and associates. Here was a man who was so thoughtful and caring to family, friends and the needy. Here was a man who created ‘DeenulHaq’ – a forum whereby different Islamic sects can come together and learn to coexist peacefully. Here was a man who loved responsibility and took it up well. Here was a man very religious and ever grateful to God, who loved to unite family members and stood up as a leader in the family. A mangenerous to a fault, thorough and thorough indeed.

Here was a man who always had a joke to tell, someone anyone would love to meet at least once in a lifetime. This wonderful man died at a time when people loved him most. This wonderful man was a human being and definitely had his lapses. May all those whom he had hurt in his corrective ways or any other way forgive him. May those who felt hurt because they could not get access to him, forgive him; he could not avail himself to all in order for the work to be done. May all those who felt offended in one way or the other during the course of his lifetime forgive him. May Allah forgive him, have mercy on him, and reward him with Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen

Salihijo wrote in from Kaduna.