Our friendship, forged in the crucible of the School of Basic Studies of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, was a unique bond that transcended the typical student camaraderie. We were both teenagers and graduates of our secondary schools, where we emerged as local champions and gained admission into the famous school, SBS. Gaining admission into ABU, the most admired university through its famous gateway, SBS, was the lofty dream of every form five (final year) student who intellectually constituted the top 5% of their class. The SBS summer term was a harvest of brilliant students from various secondary schools nationwide whose names were listed in the national newspapers as successful candidates after the entrance examination. Fresh from secondary school, the breeze of academic freedom on the university campus blew as we schemed to find our feet and cope with the cutthroat demands of SBS, prevailing freedom, and social upheavals familiar to teenagers. It was a mixed grill of hardness and joy. Somehow, Hassan and I discovered much in common; we were good in math and Physics, addicted to reading novels- James Hardly Chase, local newspapers – New Nigeria, Daily Times, International Magazines – Newsweek, Readers Digest, and writing. We were in the same class – Group G (Physics, Math, and Chemistry)—and were amazed by the gossip writing on the Blackboard codenamed “Maigani.” Maigani was a daily gizmo scooped by an unknown person at the corner of the Blackboard, reporting scandals among us to make jest. Soon, Hassan invited me to their home, a boy’s quarters attached to their family house in GRA Zaria. The place became a mecca where we spent our weekends with three daily meals, fun, and relaxation guaranteed. It was a joint for the boys, us from SBS, and the team of Hussaini, Hassan’s twin brother from Kaduna Polytechnic.
The discourse ranged from the latest music, novels, books, and fashion, which we excitedly deliberated to enjoy the weekend. The scene continued until IJMB fever and fear of repeating the SBS class dissuaded us from the weekend blitz. No matter the free meals, banter, and relaxation, the partying ended due to the overloaded SBS academic program: weekly 6-hour and 5-hour chemistry and physics practicals and intensive lectures and assignments.
The benevolence of Gimba’s family was a significant part of our lives. Reminiscently, I am still in awe of the Gimba family’s selfless efforts in providing us with dish after dish of a variety of meals. Hassan was always at his best when heralding us to his house for the kingly treatments. What a magnanimous family that derives joy in attending the friends of their twins. Their generosity and warmth left an indelible mark on me. May Allah forgive the shortcomings of family heads:– Alhaji Gimba Ahmed parted this world some years ago, while Hajia Hafsat passed on early this year.
Our paths diverged in university, with me studying Agricultural Engineering and Hassan at Samaru College of Agriculture, following his father’s footsteps, who established a flourishing maize farm for UAC when he was a top-ranking officer in Zaria. Providentially, Hassan became a successful journalist, publisher, and employer of labor. His journey from a college of agriculture to a successful career in journalism is a testament to his resilience and determination, and I couldn’t be prouder of his achievements.
We relinked about twenty years ago when I joined the services of ABU Zaria in 1998. Around 2007, I received a message from Hassan through one of his personnel, which relaunched our second connectivity as adults with vast life experiences in different places: Hassan is a seasoned journalist and the editor of Leadership Friday, while I work as an academic in the university system.
As the Leadership Newspaper editor, Hassan increased the paper’s readership and adverts. He knew my passion ab initio as an ardent reader of current affairs and a writer. He approached me to pay for a space and write a column called “NAERLS Forum,” where we packaged agricultural extension information for farmers. After a year of subscription, NAERLS could not continue with the payment and created a column called “Breakthrough with Prof. MK Othman.” That was how Hassan made me achieve my lifelong ambition of being a practising journalist without formal training. It was like squeezing water out of stone. Thanks to Hassan’s dogged coaching, I have written over 300 articles from 2014 to date on various topical issues in the resting Column, “Breakthrough with Prof. MK Othman,” and the current Column, “Deep Thought.”
Who is Hassan Gimba?
From adolescence to adulthood, Hassan has been a confident builder who is dependable, optimistic, kindhearted, and innovative. His central vocation is serving people, especially the downtrodden, at the bottom of the ladder. He is a modern-day godfather who derives joy in empowering the youths. Visit his Neptune Prime office in Abuja and see the bright faces of young men and women working as interns, season journalists, and administrators with much hope for a better tomorrow despite the ongoing hardship in the country. I wonder how Hassan managed to pay their monthly salaries, considering their number and the dwindling incomes of the newspaper business.
This year, 2024, marks 42 years of fruitful friendship that links our families, children, and parents with mutual benefits, respect, and adoration. Coincidentally, Hassan accomplished three community development events, including the wedding of his son, Bar. Suleiman Hassan Gimba. Hassan not only invited me to grace the occasion but also sent a vehicle to Zaria from Potiskum to convey it to me. At Bar Suleiman Hassan Gimba’s wedding solemnization in Potiskum, I played the role of the groom’s Wakili. I sought Rukaiya’s marriage on behalf of the groom, which her Waliyi, Alhaji Muhammadu Potiskum, granted with prescribed conditions in line with Islamic rites. On the same day, 31st August 2024, the representative of the Emir of Fika commissioned Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School, which was built by Hassan, located at VIO Street, Unguwar Jaji, Potiskum. Speaking to journalists, Hassan said the commissioned nursery, a primary and secondary school named after his late mother, is a project that will benefit the community. The school has a borehole, while the classes are modern with light, fans, toilets, and teaching equipment, including computers and textbooks, among many other teaching facilities.
In the same vein, Dr Gimba presented a certificate of attendance to some students who took three months of training in tailoring and plumbing at Abubakar Monja Lifeline Foundation for Late Journalists’ Families, which he founded to cater to the families of journalists who have passed away.
After that, we proceeded to the ongoing construction of the Lami Fatima Babare Cancer Clinic in Unguwar Jaji, Potiskum Town. The clinic was built to serve the community. It is equipped to address ailments such as stomach aches, headaches, heartburn, women’s labor, and many other health challenges. It is like a primary healthcare system that complements the efforts of the Yobe state government in the health and education sectors.
While wishing Bar Suleiman Gimba and his bride a happy and blissful family, I am grateful to the Almighty for gracing the occasion in fulfilling my promise to Mama Hajia Hafsat when we discussed the marriage last year without knowing that she would not live to witness it. May Allah reward her for all she did to us 42 years ago, amen. May our friendship continue to blossom, amen.
