As DOBA Class ‘84 buries a trio of old boys

 

Sometime in 1979 a crop of upcoming generation were admitted into GSS Gwammaja I, Kano state, having successfully passed their respective State Common Entrance Examinations and subsequent interviews; signalling a life-time relationship irrespective of what the future holds for them, be it in the public or private sector; or amongst the crème of business class as one lives to witness.
Among these notable young Nigerians, one recalls at the erstwhile alma-mater; now renamed GSS Dala; our class comprises hidden talents in the fields of Arts and Sciences with equally a number of skilled professionals as destiny holds and unfolds.
In spite of the object behind this tribute aimed not to deviate, a significant number of us were rather unfamiliar with class-naming policy simply tagged Forms 1A1, 1A2, 1A3 or 1B1, 1B2 etc as such classifications of classes is quite rare in public schools.
In addition to the new vista opened in our emerging future and social status; however, fascinated by an uncommon architectural masterpiece of classes as eyes cynosure obtainable only in modern universities nowadays!
Our set harboured amongst other notable fresh students such as Auwalu Sani Yakasai, Kayode Adebisi, Sulaiman Ayagi Muhammad, Bashir Uba Mandawari, Abdulmumeen Othman Bichi, and lately Salisu Umar Diso.
Other famous members of Form 1A1 are Auwalu Auwalu Darma, Salisu Mohd Agaie, Lawal Sani Kofar Wambai, Abdulrazak Abdulqadir, Sani Salele, Nuhu Gudaji Kazaure, Musa Muhammad Aikawa, Francis Okpotu, Aminu Shehu; and of course, our able Class Captain, Abdulhadi Isa Ahmed Maiturare.
Though the list remains unsaturated as the author lacks capacity to single-handedly recall in addition to economy of space.
Posterity proved that the foregoing comrades have pursued individual God-chosen courses at polytechnics, universities with a few concentrating to promoting family businesses in tacit justification of Kano’s sobriquet of being ‘Centre of Commerce.’
Allahu Akbar! Of the above-named members of 1979 intakes subsequently graduated and tagged “DOBA Class ’84” as the acronym of GSS Dala Old Boys’ Association suffered in series loss of its members with Salisu Umar Diso taking the first slot. In a few months thereafter, the leadership and members of DOBA Class ’84 were further engulfed with yet another calamity of losing additional member blessed with attributes of good governance, due diligence in all his public and private dealings as well as an equally a copy-cat or potential aide to Nigeria’s current president in terms of patriotism but for death that Abdulmumeen Othman Bichi (of Kofar Nassarawa) met his destined time on this planet.
While members of ‘DOBA Class ’84 were taking solace in God over their classmates’ death, another hard-to-belief shocker reared its head! And snatched the gentle soul of our beloved and easy going fellow, Alhaji Bashir Uba Mandawari. May their gentle souls continue to enjoy the bosom of Almighty while the ‘light of Aljannatul Firdausi lightens their graves till the blow of the last trumpet!’
The demise of Salisu Diso, Engr. Abdul (as being called subsequently), and that of Alhaji Bashir Uba in a couple of months interval have left a vacuum that will hardly be filled not only by their immediate families but amongst the ranks and file of DOBA Class ‘84! Their individual contribution not limited to funding the association and moral support is such a niche carved only by optimists and forward-looking patriots having been nurtured, mentored and finally groomed by a crème of hardworking teachers in conjunction with parents. Former School Principals and faculties like Mallam Sani Ma’aji, Kabiru Mazadu Fagge, Mallam Ali Dangora, Mrs. Clarkson, Mrs. Akinyele and our beloved Anakallah, Mallam Hussaini Madabo, deserved uncommon encomiums for the academic feat attained and moral training accorded us while on the verge of differentiating the East and West!
Of all the members of Class 1A1 of 1979, one feels humble and confident that the author of this tribute stands capable of making unmistakable reference to all my fellow deceased classmates whose sense of good relationship crossed beyond classroom – extending same to our individual parents, biological brothers and off-springs! Thus, this relationship was further emboldened through unfettered access to one another’s family be it during naming/wedding ceremony or obituaries as the case may warrant!
Any occasion that demands the presence of guests or sympathizers the likes of late Salisu Diso, Engr. Abdul and Bashir Uba Mandawari is as sure as the rise of sun from the east!
Our initial departed brother cum classmate, Salisu Umar Diso, would be remembered for his simplicity! His peace-loving posture leaves no one in doubt of this attribute. Over the years he was preoccupied with his official duties, family and neighbourhood relationship in furtherance of one of the Islamic codes which demands, amongst others, sharing the joy and pains of calamity through personal presence, contribution, where applicable and/or endowed with the means, and consoling victims of God’s trial.
While struggling to accommodate the shock associated with the death of Salisu Diso, then Allah in His infinite mercy and trial took the life of Engr. Abdulmumeen Othman Bichi sometimes in April, 2018.
Engr. Bichi was an upright brother and business and political associate driven by awareness garnered over the years, especially during the good days of Late Governor Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi.
His prowess in oration and mastery of the Queen’s language endeared him to most of us through the popular CTV ‘67 program called ‘Lale Kati’ and Zamani Riga of Radio Kano. Bichi pursues and practices orderliness as well as trust in all his dealings.
This submission to the will of Allah (SWT) has brought us to yet another shocker of Alhaji Bashir Uba Mandawari’s death on May 14, 2018 in Kano metropolis.
Oh Allah, accept the return of your above-named 3 servants into your Jannatul Firdaus while accord their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss with philosophical calmness – in addition, take care of their survivors till maturity and beyond, ameen.

Ayagi writes from 1501, Layin Bashir Dan Musa

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