How ex-Kaduna deputy governor died, wife opens up

As late ex-Deputy Governor of Kaduna state, Barnabas Bala Bantex was laid to rest at his country home, Randiyam, in Kaura Local Government on Saturday, his wife Mrs Ladi Bala has explained that her husband died fulfilled.
Architect Barnabas Yusuf Bala Bantex, who was the Deputy to Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai during his first term in office between May 2015 and May 2019, died on Sunday 11th July, 2021 at the age of 64 after battling with a disease. 
Speaking at the burial of the former Kaura local government chairman and former member of Federal House of Representatives (Kaura Federal Constituency), Mrs Bala said, despite the pains Bantex went through during the sickness before his demise, her husband died as a peaceful and happy man.


The burial service which took place at the Manchok township Square on Saturday, witnessed large turnout from well wishers, family and friends including the Kaduna state Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, his Deputy, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, as well as the Deputy Governors of Plateau and Nasarawa states among others.
The General Secretary of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Yunusa Mmadu, in his sermon admonished the people to take a cue from the good legacies the former Deputy Governor left behind.


Speaking on the topic, “one minute after you die”, which he took from the holy book of Luke chapter 16 verse 19 to 31, Rev. Mmadu noted that bereavement is a time for one to reflect on his/her life and make amends on his/her bad ways because death brings an end to all that one has.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai, in his tribute at the burial, described late Bantex as a dependable, honest and loyal friend who believed in the potentials of the state and its people. The Governor who was emotional after enumerating some of the achievements they recorded with late Bantex, however, prayed God to rest his soul.


Also speaking, the deceased’s eldest son, Mr. Banta Bala, thanked all who came to pay their last respect to their late father, and appealed to Nigerians to always speak good of the living, instead of only realizing how good a person was after he or she must have died. 
Various tributes were paid by Nigerians from all walks of life, lots of testimonies were given on the life and times of Late Barnabas Yusuf Bala Bantex from the church, family, friends, traditional leaders and the political class among others.