Cantoment, family residence of Late Makama of Lokoja,Rtd Rear Admiral Ibrahim Drisu,Sunday , practically stood still as eminent Indigenes of Lokoja, Retired and serving military officers, captain of industries,Judges, retired foreign diplomats and Politicians from various political parties among others thronged the venue of the 7th day Fidau prayers of late Drisu who passed away last Monday.
The Chief Imam of Lokoja, Sheikh Aminu Sha’aban,who led other Muslim clerics at the well attended event , preached on the need for men to make humility their watch word as exemplified by the late Makama of Lokoja,Ibrahim Drisu.
Sha’aban said the principal lesson to learn from the life of Makama was the fact that he lived a life of God consciousness adding that only such a life could ensure a prosperous future of those of us he left behind.
The chief imam, who eulogieses the deceased added further that the time has come for muslim leaders and followers to readdress themselves regarding their intention as to what they do as Muslims adding that without God consciousness, the leaders would not be able to lead with wisdom and understanding of the needs of the people.
Khalifa Arif Yabagi,in his remarks urged Nigerian leaders to make the fear of God the basis for their leadership, stressing that without inculcating the fear of God , the effor6t to build a society devoid of Islamic norms would remain a mirage.
Giving an insight into his closeness to the late Rtd Rear Admiral Ibrahim Drisu,brother to the deceased, Rtd Wing Commodore Sarki Ibrahim, described Makama as not only a pillar of the family but the community at large. He said the late Makama left a vacuum that is inreplaceable
“The late Makama of Lokoja,as our senior brother is well known, respected and admired leader who is committed to defend the fundamental rights of all people,Lokoja,our community,the nation and Kogi state would surely missed him” he said.
In his tribute, Alhaji Zakari Abubakar Ola, described late Makama as ”a good father, passionate and compassionate”, adding “he has left a very good legacy for everyone. I take solace in the fact that he impacted in all those that came across during glorious years on earth, especially our community and the nation at large”Zakari said
Others who paid tributes included: Alhaji Bala Haruna, State Chairman of Jama’atul Nasarul-Islam, Ambassador Usman Bello, Daman Of Lokoja, Sulaiman Baba, Dokaji of Lokoja, Engineer Kilani Hassan, Rtd Col. Ndamadu Ndalugi, former Speaker of the Kogi state House of Assembly, RT Hon Umar Ahmed Imam and many others.
The huge turn of at the prayers includes; Justice Audu Aboki,justice of supreme Court, representative of HRH the Maigari of Lokoja, traditional title holders,retired and serving Naval and military officers, Yahaya Isah Liberty.
Others are:Member representing Lokoja 1 constituency,Hon. Isah Tanimu Umar,Abugi Umar Eggan, Hakimmis of five wards among others.
Highlights of the event included the reciting of the whole Koran by Islamic scholars.
Photos from Makama’s 7th day Fidau Prayer.