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Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu: As UMTH mourns the community medicine man

Published

1 year ago

October 4, 2023

News Net Global

Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu: As UMTH mourns the community medicine man

By: James Bwala

It was indeed a glorious exit for the Borno elder, statesman, teacher, father, and grandfather, the late Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu. Born in 1930, he lived a life worthy of emulation in the service of the state and the nation. He bows out at 93, a rare age target for today’s world. For us at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, it was a sad exit but a glorious one for a library of knowledge. He was simply the community medicine man, and we would all miss his smile and simplicity of life. However, he left behind lessons for us to learn from and take a step forward to change our views about life.

The management and staff of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) led by Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, the CMD, paid an official condolence visit to the family residence of Prof. Umaru Shehu, who passed away on the 2nd day of October 2023 in Maiduguri. Few to mention who joined the train with the CMD are Chairman Medical Advisory Committee C-MAC Prof. Ibrahim Sanusi, Mr. Idriss Omar, Director of Administration, and others. The CMD, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, sympathized with the family, prayed for the repose of the soul of Prof. Umaru Shehu, and further wished him Aljannah Fidausii.

The Northern Governors Forum also expressed their sorrow over the passing of Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, the first Professor of Community Medicine in Northern Nigeria, together with the UMTH over this significant loss. In a message of condolence, Gombe State Governor and Forum Chairman Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya praised the late Umaru Shehu as a true luminary and erudite scholar whose passing left a significant gap in Nigeria’s knowledge and leadership.

In the words of Governor Yahaya, “The loss of Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu has created a profound void, not only for his family, Borno State, and the University of Maiduguri, but indeed, the entire northern region, Nigeria, and the global academic community.” He observed that Shehu was more than simply a name; he was also a font of information, a lighthouse of wisdom, and a personification of devotion to his people and country.

Professor Umaru Shehu, he continued, “has left an indelible mark on society through his illustrious career in several universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and the University of Maiduguri, as well as his role as a co-founder of the Borno Elders Forum and the Kanem Borno Historical and Cultural Foundation.

“Professor Shehu’s efforts as the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science and his illustrious role as Professor Emeritus of Community Health at the University of Maiduguri have in fact enriched the country’s intellectual heritage. His international renown as the British Medical Journal’s Editor-in-Chief was evidence of his extraordinary qualities. He said

Muhammadu Buhari, a former president of Nigeria, joins the UMTH, the University of Maiduguri, and the country in expressing their condolences for the loss of the illustrious physician who served as chairman of the board of the Nigerian Institute of Virology up until his passing.

Muhammadu Buhari offered a rich homage to the late Professor in a message of sorrow to the family of the deceased, the administration and people of Borno State, and the entire country, noting that he embodied the best spirit of people.

“Through his many years of medical practice, he saved the lives of so many people. He played a pivotal role in shaping many of the progressive policies in the health sector of the country. May Allah bless his soul,” the former president said.

Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, CFR, a leading figure in Nigerian education and one of the first medical pioneers from Northern Nigeria, passed away. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also expressed astonishment and great sorrow over this. Emeritus Professor Shehu’s passing was reportedly a major blow to the nation, according to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity). Tinubu said that Shehu’s passing marked the end of an illustrious career dedicated to serving Nigeria, Nigerians, and humanity in general.

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“Emeritus Professor Shehu was a giant among that illustrious age of indigenous pioneers in our nation, and the biography of his life is replete with pioneering achievements in the fields of medicine, education, and humanitarian aid.

“The eminent Professor of Medicine has consistently rendered meritorious service to Nigeria and given all Nigerians a sense of pride via his immeasurable contributions and cutting-edge methods for managing global health and medical education.” The President expressed gratitude for having him as a patriotic son and a deserving international representative in his fields of endeavor.

The VP, Sen. Kashim Shettima, along with the Deputy Governor of Borno State, H.E. Hon.Umar Usman Kadafur, and Shehu of Borno, were among the thousands of sympathizers that attended the funeral rite of the late Prof. of Community Medicine, Emeritus Umaru Shehu. The VP says words cannot describe the personality of Professor Umaru Shehu.

“We have lost an icon in the field of medicine. We have lost a father, not only to Borno State but to Nigeria as a whole. He was a man of many mountains and an epitome of courage. We shall miss him in so many ways, but death is also a way of life, and we must all answer the call when it calls. Professor Umaru Shehu has lived a fulfilled life. We pray to Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him firdaus.” The vice president said

Lending his voice to the crowd of voices wishing to say a word, the CMD of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, said a big tree in the world of medical sciences has fallen. According to him, the late Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu was not just a name but a root that so many trees feed on as far as medical sciences are concerned. “He was my father, my teacher, and my courage. To the UMTH family, we have lost the father of community medicine.”

Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu: As UMTH mourns the community medicine man

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Lagbaja: The nation has lost a strategic commander, General Buratai.

Published

2 months ago

November 7, 2024

News Net Global

Late Army Chief, Lt General Lagbaja

Lagbaja: The nation has lost a strategic commander, General Buratai.

By Dr. James Bwala

The recent passing of Lagbaja, the late Chief of Army Staff and a prominent figure in our nation, has left a void in the hearts of many. His contributions to the security of our society were immeasurable, and his loss is truly a blow to our nation. The late General Lagbaja was not just a soldier; he was a revolutionary thinker, a strategic commander who used his platform to advocate for social change, justice, and equality. His leadership in the Nigerian Army was not just routine for top officers within such ranks; he was a confident emulator of strategic leadership and was a tool for active leadership and promoter of morals for soldiers; thus, he was described by the former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin Republic, Lieutenant General (Amb) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, (Rtd) CFR.

According to him, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was a true embodiment of discipline and dedication, stressing that his passing leaves a void in the Nigerian Army and the nation at large. While he mourns the late COAS, the former Chief, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said during his time as COAS, he found him worthy of command, where he was appointed Commander 9 Brigade in Ikeja and later Commander 2 Brigade in Uyo. ‘The 2 Brigade that I also commanded. Upon his promotion to the rank of Major General, I posted him to Army Headquarters as the Director of Campaign Plan in 2020. The nation has lost a strategic commander.’ He added.

According to him, General Lagbaja’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army into the formidable institution it is today. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the nation he served with great zeal and commitment.

“Late General Laggbaja was not just a mere army commander; he was a strategic and visionary leader whose loss has left a significant void in our nation’s defense forces. As his former commander, General Buratai feels compelled to highlight the immense impact that his passing has had on our military and national security.

“Lt. General Laggbaja was not just a soldier; he was a brilliant tactician who had a keen understanding of modern warfare and the ever-evolving threats facing our nation. His strategic thinking and leadership were instrumental in shaping the defense capabilities of our armed forces and ensuring that they were prepared to face any challenge that came their way.

“His loss is not just a personal tragedy for his family and colleagues but also a profound loss for our nation as a whole. We have lost a visionary leader who was dedicated to securing our borders, protecting our citizens, and upholding the values of our nation.

“In the wake of Lt. General Laggbaja’s passing, it is crucial that we reflect on the immense contribution that he made to our nation’s defense forces and honor his legacy by continuing to uphold the values that he held dear. We must ensure that his vision and leadership are not forgotten and that we strive to build on the foundations that he laid down for us.

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“I urge my fellow citizens to pay tribute to Lt. General Laggbaja by supporting our armed forces, honoring the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis, and advocating for policies that strengthen our national security. Let us not forget the profound impact that he had on our nation, and let us strive to continue his legacy of service and dedication.

“The loss of Lt. General Laggbaja is a stark reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make every day to protect our nation. Let us remember his legacy, honor his service, and ensure that his vision for a strong and secure nation lives on. The nation has truly lost a strategic army commander, but his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

“In this difficult time, I pray that General Lagbaja’s family, friends, and colleagues find solace in the memories of his remarkable life and service. May his dedication to Nigeria inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, General Lagbaja’s beloved wife, Mrs. Mariyah Abiodun Lagbaja, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the entire Nigerian Army. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest,” General Buratai stated.

Lagbaja: The nation has lost a strategic commander, General Buratai.

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KAKA SHEHU LAWAN: The Kid Silk On The Marble

Published

3 months ago

October 4, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

KAKA SHEHU LAWAN: The Kid Silk On The Marble

By: Inuwa Bwala

His mesmeric rise to stardom has not only been fast, but it has also been historic and record-breaking.
Except for those who have been conversant with his brilliance since his school days, many people thought it was too fast in coming: talking about Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, SAN: one of Nigerias newest silk.

As for me and for those who have keenly followed through his school days, his professional calling, and his political manouvres, Kaka Shehu Lawan’s conferment as a Senior Advicate of Nigeria, was the fulfillment of a long awaited and well-deserved recognition.
I recall, that, with a near prophetic precise, way back in 2011: when I took particular notice of him amongst the team of lawyers, working to aquit the then Governor elect in Borno state: now the Vice President, Kashim Shettima of wrong doing, in a post election litigation, I have always called him a SAN.
And having worked with him as members of the Borno State Executive Council, I always referred to him as the doyen of cabinet.

His exceptional dedication, unwavering passion, and unrelenting pursuit of academic excellence, work, and justice may have earned him this outstanding elevation into the elite class of the bar.

Reading through his rather intimidating CV, from my corner of the hall, where a civic reception was held for him, I have come to additionally know, that, his remarkable journey started since his school days, when he displayed brillance and candour amongst his peers.
At the civic reception organized in his honor, anyone previledged to attend could attest to the young Silk’s acceptance and connections.

I could not hide my feelings and passed yet another message to him at the occasion, but that is a topic for another day.
But, that the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zanna, who rarely play such roles accepted to be the chairman of the occasion, and for Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, to abandon state functions, just to be there, speak volumes about the personality and relevance of Kaka Shehu Lawan.

And counting from my corner, I could see that it was a roll call of who is who in the political arena in Borno. It was also a galaxy of the high echelon of the legal profession, led by no other than the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
It was a parade of distinguished senators of the Federal Republic, a line up of members of the House of Representatives and Houses of Assembly and indeed the business community.

Those who spoke on the occasion attested to the fact that Kaka Shehu, even as a young lawyer, is an inspiration to many older ones, including members of the bench.
Of course, his commitment to upholding the law, advocating for justice, and serving his state and Nigeria truly remain a watershed in the anals of history.

I admire his courage, even at the point when we had disagreements with the state, and he was about to send me to jail for no fault of his. Given his unwavering integrity, exceptional advocacy skills,
compassionate approach to legal and political matters, his innovative approach to legal solutions, and, of course, his leadership and mentorship qualities, no man could help but admire him.

The many tasks he has been entrusted to handle, further make his qualities inconcealable, and certainly, this recognition serves as a testament to the positive impact he has made in the lives of people, his colleagues, and the legal community.
I join a million others in celebrating his accomplishments even as I look forward to his continued success.
Kaka Shehu Lawan is indeed an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and a shining example of excellence in the legal profession.
Congratulations to him and the people of Borno state.

KAKA SHEHU LAWAN: The Kid Silk On The Marble

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Hajiya Ya’ana Gambo Mustapha Umar El-kanemi was laid to rest in Maiduguri

Published

6 months ago

July 2, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Hajiya Ya’ana Gambo Mustapha Umar El-kanemi was laid to rest in Maiduguri

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Governor of Borno State,H.E Hon Umar Usman Kadafur led the entire Borno State Cabinet members to the funeral prayers of wife to late Shehu of Borno H.R.H Mustapha Umar El-kanemi who died yesterday after a protracted illness.

The funeral prayers took place at Mairari Shehu’s palace,Maiduguri.

The funeral was performed by the Imam Idaini of Borno Imam Shettima Mamman Shettima Sale.

The acting Governor was accompanied by the APC State Chairman Hon.Bello Ayuba,Secretary to state government Hon.Bukar Tijjani,Acting Head of Service,Hon.Commissioners,deputy chief of staff,Special Advisers,Senior Special Assistant,Special Assistants,permanent secretaries.

Others are Senator Bakaka Bashir Garbai,Alhaji Abubakar Umara Zulum,District heads,traditional title holders,Politicians among Others.

The acting Governor and his entourage prayed for the reposed soul of the deceased for almighty Allah to grant her jannah,amin.

Hajiya Ya’ana Gambo Mustapha Umar El-kanemi was laid to rest in Maiduguri