I always say on this platform that every announcement of death is a stark warning and reminder for we, the living.
The only true appraisal we receive is the one delivered after our Death.
For our departed colleague Aminu, if the rainbow coloured crowd that thronged the Shehu Shagari Masjid in Area One, Abuja and the Gudu Cemetery is a yardstick to measure how well he lived, Proclaim by Allah that he lived very very well. We only pray that the goodness of his life here transcends into the hereafter.
I have read the late staff described widely as humble, True- He was humble to a fault. He greets even his distant surbordinates without any airs but rather a sense of deference.
But Mr. Aminu was much more than just humility. He was a GOOD MAN, A KIND HEARTED FELLOW, A COMPASSIONATE COLLEAGUE and a FANTASTIC HUMAN BEING who upheld the dignity of anyone that came across his path- However Lowly or Highly Placed.
He was the quintissential ” MUTUMIN KIRKI” adored in Hausa Culture or the archetypal ” ZAGURUU” character who is cherished by his native Nupe communities.
Calm, Gentle, Commited and responsive towards his customers. This was vintage Aminu.
As his body was lowered into the bowels of the earth by his son and others, not few (this writer inclusive) struggled to hold back the tears….there lay Aminu M. Usman, lifeless shrouded in plain white simple apparel, NEVER to be seen or heard again.
A cursory look around the graveyard drives home the impact of the deceased on the lives of his fellow men and colleagues…. Retired Directors, Retired Drivers, Serving Directors, Serving Clerks, every strata of our staff community was represented….at another time, it would have been a place filled with hugs and back clapping amongst long lost friends but not now, not here. The moment is too solemn for any sort of nostalgic reunions.
Aminu was a true man of the people. He was not detribalised but UNTRIBALIZED I saw christians on their way to service detoured to the mosque and graveyard…I saw the Bank’s sporting family bemoaning the huge loss they have sufferd. I saw misty eyes all over and those striving not to be.
The post interment sermon by the imaam was soul stirring. He dwelt on the vanity of life and need to accumulate more good for a day like this awaits everyone of us.
While alive, he didn’t make it into the executive cadre- In death, he received an affectionate farewell befitting a benevolent Royal. His goodness has earned his love!
I bear witness that in my 12/13 years of relationship with our departed brother, first as an applicant/ interviewee and in recent days as a JCC lead, it had been a unidirectional transmission of affection and support from him to me.
Finally, it was Comrade Achille Kenneth who told me two profound things as we filed out of the cemetery this morning: First, he said it can only be imagined the amount of grief that would be felt by the youths of the deceased’s hometown for whom he was a benefactor. Secondly, Achille Said to me that “kindness is a sweet fragrance that attracts without advertisement”
May Allah have mercy on the soul of Aminu and our other departed colleagues. May their families left behind be under Allah’s watch.
May we imbibe the lessons of kindness and generosity that defined his life and may we blessed with a beautiful ending.
Ameeeeeeen!!!
Credit: CBN WHATSAPP PLATFORM
