Many Nigerians, including prominent figures from across Nigeria, converged on the Yola residence of the late Professor Jibril Aminu on Sunday to observe the third-day prayers in honour of the revered statesman and academic icon.
The event, marked by heartfelt tributes and fervent supplications, underscored the enduring legacy left by the professor, who passed away last week at 85.
The massive turnout saw the late professor's compound filled with attendees spilling onto the streets of Yola.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Among those in attendance were Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bathiya Wesley, former Governor Bala James Nggilari, and numerous members of the state cabinet.
The academic community was strongly represented by notable figures such as Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, who described Professor Aminu as a "beacon of hope and progress" whose vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria would endure.
"We are here not only to mourn but to celebrate a life well lived, a life dedicated to the service of humanity," Professor Pate stated, urging citizens to emulate Aminu's commitment to unity and development.
Traditional leaders, including the Ptil of Madagali, Dr Aliyu Danburam, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, were also present.
Dr Hong echoed similar sentiments, noting that Professor Aminu's contributions to Adamawa and Nigeria were "immeasurable."
He emphasised that Aminu's "legacy is a guiding light for us in the legislature and beyond," highlighting his pivotal role in shaping governance and education in the state.
Both Dr Danburam and Dr Hong, who shared personal connections with the late professor, spoke of his humility and dedication to community welfare, further underscoring the broad impact of Aminu's work across various spheres of national life.
Professor Jibril Aminu, a scholar, diplomat, and former senator, was widely celebrated for his pivotal role in fostering unity and driving transformative initiatives across Nigeria.
His extensive career spanned education, healthcare, and public service, leaving an indelible mark on Adamawa and the nation at large.
Speakers at the prayer gathering repeatedly highlighted Professor Aminu's contributions as a former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), where he played a crucial role in shaping the country's tertiary education landscape.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
His two terms as a senator for Adamawa Central, coupled with his key roles in Nigeria's diplomatic circles, further cemented his reputation as a versatile and dedicated public servant.
The third-day prayers, a significant Islamic rite, included solemn recitations from the Qur'an and earnest supplications for the peaceful repose of Professor Aminu's soul.
Relatedly, a retired army colonel, Bello Fadile, has described late Justice Mohammed Uwais as his father in the judiciary, who was committed to Justice.
In a statement on Sunday, Fadile noted that Justice Uwais saved him during his detention in 1995 over a phantom coup plot allegation by braving the situation with the military regime.
Fadile, who is the first military-trained lawyer with a PhD in International Law in Nigeria, noted that late Justice Uwais's legacy serves as a shining example, noting his humility and integrity.
Col. Fadile (rtd) said he received the news of Uwais' passing aged 89, with shock and sadness, while recalling his comment that 'a corrupt judge is more harmful to society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street.'
Part of the statement read: "At the ripe age of 89, he left us in this sinful world as Allah SWT willed. We accept the verdict as the appeal lies nowhere. To us, the immediate families, we pray to Allah SWT to give us the fortitude to carry on relying on the principles he lived by and left for us, which are: humility, impartiality, humanity, love, detribalised, uprightness, and fear of Almighty Allah SWT."
