Forty years ago today, one of the greatest men that I know and one that had the greatest impact on my life – my late father died. It was devastating and I thought that was the end of the world for me. I was very young, and my world was no more than my immediate family then and my horizon was limited to my immediate environment. My father had the most impact on my life and the lives of those around him. Not a day goes by that I do not think about him and the things I learnt from him growing up.
He was a man of unwavering principles and integrity. He taught us to always do the right thing, even when it was difficult. That honesty and hard work are the foundations of a good life. Whether it was in his work, his relationships, or his everyday actions, he set an example that I strive to follow to this day.
Though he was not a man of many words, his actions spoke volumes. He was the kind of person who would quietly help a neighbour in need, who would go out of his way to make sure others were taken care of, often putting their needs before his own.
As a father, he was gentle but firm. He had a way of making us feel safe and secure, knowing that no matter what, he would be there for us. His wisdom was what we all depended on, and even now, I find myself asking, “what would Mallam do?” when faced with difficult decisions.
Forty-four years have passed, but his legacy remains. He lives on in the values he instilled in us. He taught us to be strong, to face life’s challenges with courage, and to never lose sight of what is truly important. He left a void that can never be filled, but he also left behind a treasure trove of memories that I hold dear.
As I remember my father today, my heart is filled with a mixture of sadness and gratitude. Sadness because I miss him dearly but gratitude because I had the privilege of being his child. Forty-four years have passed, but the love and respect I have for my father remain as strong as ever. He was and always will be one of the greatest men I have ever known It is my sincere prayer that he is rewarded in the hereafter for the goodness he spread in this world.
In honouring his memory, I strive to live by the principles he held dear, to be a reflection of the values he taught me and to make him proud in any way I can.
May aljannah Firdausi be his final abode.
