The rains had just begun to visit our beloved land when my brother Ali Musa came into this world some sixty harvests ago. Now, as he marks his sixtieth birthday on this earth, the same rains return to bless his new journey. Such is the way of Allah, who brings all things full circle in His most perfect wisdom.
Yesterday, on the 19th day of May in the year 2025, two historic events coincided like twin stars in the night sky – my dear friend Alhaji Ali Musa celebrated his sixtieth birthday and simultaneously took his final bow from the civil service. For one decade and a half, he served diligently at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, that same SMEDAN where I too once laboured before Allah blessed me with my current position as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.
Let me tell you about Ali as I know him. Not as others might see him from afar, but as one who has shared the late evening walks along the streets of Gimbiya in Area 11 of Abuja, where our SMEDAN office formerly stands. Many nights we remained at our desks long after others had departed, the fluorescent lights of government service buzzing above our heads.
And afterward, walking together, we would unburden our hearts about the mysteries of this life, social impacts and how a man might improve himself in the eyes of Allah and his fellow men.
Ali Musa possesses the calm temperament of still waters that run deep. Never have I seen him succumb to anger or harsh words, even when circumstances might justify such reactions. He moves through this world with ease. And as for his work ethic – Wallahi, I have rarely encountered its equal! Where others might seek shortcuts, Ali follows the path of thoroughness and integrity.
Before joining our paths at SMEDAN, Ali had already distinguished himself in two honourable professions. Initially, he served the nation at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, planting seeds of progress in our agricultural sector. Later, he cultivated financial wisdom as an accomplished banker with Unity Bank.
The year 2011 marked his arrival at SMEDAN as Chief Accountant. Through dedication and exemplary service, he rose to become Deputy Director and Head of Procurement before his retirement yesterday. Fifteen years of faithful service.
Whenever he comes to his country home in Katsina, Ali never fails to reach out with the familiar greeting: “Kaula, have you truly tasted the famous hospitality of our state?” And then, with the subtle twinkle that his serious demeanour occasionally permits, he would jest of offering me a second wife courtesy of Katsina’s generous tradition!
“May my beloved Mairo never hear such talk,” I always respond, and we share the hearty laughter of old friends.
As the sun sets on his civil service career, I pray that the dawn of his retirement brings him joy, fulfillment, and the sweet fruits of his decades of labour. May Allah grant him good health to enjoy these coming years with the same dignity and grace that have marked his professional life.
Though this testimonial comes a day after your birthday, my brother, know that it carries the full weight of my respect and affection. Happy sixtieth birthday, Alhaji Ali Musa. May your retirement be as peaceful and productive as the man you have proven yourself to be.
Your friend and brother in service,
- Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State governor
