Iwoke up this morning to receive terrible and shocking news. My benefactor and mentor Alhaji Sulaiman Bage our former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who hugely shaped my view on life, work, and many other things, has passed away. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un! I’ve never met someone as equally impressive, smart and grounded as the former SSG.
It is not that common at this stage of our careers to have person who shape our intellect, interest, and life in general. But my mentor did that squarely. A consummate civil servant had gone. He served both Bauchi and Gombe State diligently and with distinction.
While I was appointed as Special Assistant on Sport to the former Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo OON (Talban Gombe) and later the first Executive Chairman of Gombe State Sport Commission, I soon began to learn from his views and perspectives and his wealth of knowledge. That will always be fundamental in my understanding of the public service.
I believed that all humans, when such people cross their paths, never take people like my mentor for granted. I certainly never did, and never will.
You carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.
Thank you for being there, for showing me, and numerous others, the path.
Thank you for always caring and giving it all you have.
Thank you for not running when I needed your help.
Thank you for always staying by my side and for giving me the courage and the pride to do things I’ve never done before. To fashion out innovative ways of solving issues and challenges.
Thank you for giving me something to hold on to for; your legacy will live on forever. Thank you for always loving me and adoring my talents and skills.
Thank you for always being there, for all of the sad times and the thrills.
Thank you for always telling me what’s wrong and what’s right, and thank you for helping me on the path to life.
The former SSG was the wealth of knowledge and support that I have been seeking. It saddens me to come to terms with the reality of his death. RIP my mentor and father.
Jazakallahu khairan my Mentor.
May Allah subhanahu wataala grant him the highest peak of Jannah and forgive his sins. My sincere condolence to the bereaved family. May the Almighty Allah give you the fortitude to bear this great loss. Take my heart and pray to Al Hayyu Al Qayyum. He will place him comfort and light on the grave.
Our destiny is decided and sealed when we came on this earth, and we all will return to the ground one day. May Allah (SWT) forgive our brother’s sin and grant him a place in Jannah.
Lallai muma muna nan tafe babu fashi.
Yarma is the immediate past Gombe State Commissioner of Youths, he writes from Gombe
