By Adamu Muhammed Usman
Professor Haruna Wakili was snatched from us by the cold hands of death on the chilling morning of Saturday June 20, 2020. Prof Wakili was among the many professors (about 10 of them) who died within May/June but he died of complications from cancer at the National Hospital, Abuja after his return from India.
We recall the memory of his great life everyday since Prof passed on. My last moment with him was the last night before he was flown abroad ( India) for medical treatment in his hotel room in Jabi, Abuja where three of us, including Prof, his son, Ahmad and I discussed for hours. I’m always emotional when I recall those moments and the things we discussed.
In the last five years (2015) since we left office, (he was commissioner of education and I was an SA), anytime Prof had a trip to Abuja, he would call me from Kano to notify me that I should pick him from the airport or to meet him at his lodge.
Whether the trip to Abuja was for a workshop or seminar, or whatever programme, he would go to Annur mosque at Wuse 2, for prayers and would later pay visits to friends, associates, former colleagues and relatives.
I have to recognize, appreciate and thank my brother Isah Dan-Sidi Kafin Hausa for his sacrifice and commitment towards me and Prof, because sometimes, if am not in town (Abuja) or I am busy or maybe my boss, Dr Sule Lamido was in town (Abuja), I would call Isah to appeal and intimate him to represent me to attend to Prof for hours or days he would spend in Abuja and Isah never disappointed for once despite the nature of his work. Thank you Isah. I’m proud of you; may God reward you.
One thing that I can’t forget about Prof. is his kindness. Before I was appointed as ex-governor Sule Lamido’s Special Adviser on Media, Prof Haruna Wakili was the person directed to collect my CV.
Prof Wakili left us with so many lessons about life and death. Just be good; now after Prof’s death, everyone speaks well of how he impacted them. The number and caliber of people who attended his funeral prayer at Emir of Hadejia’s palace, included the former Jigawa state governor, Dr Sule Lamido were in Hadejia for condolence. Prof was a rare gem; a special gift and blessing to all.
We appreciate the opportunity of sharing good time with him. We treasure the example of his character. Prof, your numerous legacies of selflessness, compassion, patriotism, diligence, commitment, courage, hard work, patience and purposeful leadership inspire us to push ahead with life’s challenges.
May the light and perpetual (Rahma) continue to shine upon you and may your soul continue to rest in perfect peace. May Aljannah Firdaus be your final abode. We will at God’s will and time meet again to part no more.
Rest on Prof.
Adamu writes from Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa state. amu3333@yahoo