We watch boxing because of dad
– Salihu Dasuki Nakande
Daily Trust: How would you describe your father? Salihu Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande: He is a man of few words but of great wisdom. He is a peace loving and caring man. DT: How much influence did your father have on your career?
Salihu: So much. I think he even chose the academic career for me. I could remember the morning I returned from the UK after my masters to show him my degree certificate and discuss my plans for the future, he said to me, ‘my friend you are going back to UK after a month for your PhD’. At that time, I was so tired of reading and I didn’t want to end up as a university lecturer. He told me being a lecturer was one of the best jobs ever, but at that time I didn’t believe him though I couldn’t question him so I went back.
However, that was one of the best decisions he made for me. I finished my PhD at the age of 24 and I ended up with the best career path, which is lecturing.
DT: What habits and behaviour of your father did you inherit?
Salihu: I am a carbon copy of my dad. We talk, eat, and look the same. In fact, we think alike.
DT: What easily upsets him? Salihu: Laziness and lies. DT: How does he relax? Salihu: He loves boxing a lot and documentaries about Mohammed Ali, I guess that is his favourite sports personality. He also reads a lot of human development theories. DT: What is his favourite food? Salihu: Tuwon Alkama and Amala with Ewedu.
DT: What are the two things he likes very much? Salihu: They are boxing and politics. DT: What good things did you learn from him?
Salihu: Generosity. My dad is very generous and I guess I learnt that from him.
DT: When did you realize that your father was a famous politician?
Salihu: My grandfather was a politician, hence I wasn’t surprise my dad went into politics. It is in the blood. He is always in Jos; every week he is on his way to Jos. He loves being around his people, so we are used to it.
Sometimes politics take away that quality family time but like I said we are used to it and we always give him the full family support when he runs for office or decides to run. However, I look forward to his retirement. He needs a lot of rest now.
DT: What fun memories do you remember sharing with your father?
Salihu: He is a loving father. When we were little he used to take us out a lot in Lagos. I remember our family outings in Bar Beach, and those days we went to watch football matches at the National Stadium during the 1999 World Cup, as well as boxing matches. He introduced us to boxing, everyone in my family watches boxing. He used to manage a boxer called Teju then in Lagos. He is a cool dad.
DT: How does your father relate with his children?
Salihu: He relates well with us as both a father and a friend. I speak with him almost every day likewise my siblings. I can’t go a day without calling him or seeking some advice. We talk either on the phone, sometimes through SMS and sometimes I can decide to just tweet him. He is always on twitter.
I remember our family outings in Bar Beach, and those days we went to watch football matches at the National Stadium during the 1999 World Cup, as well as boxing matches. He introduced us to boxing, everyone in my family watches boxing
DT: What’s his frequent advice to his children?
Salihu: ‘All fingers are not the same’, that was what he told me last week when he scolded and advised me. He always told us to be humble and not look at what people have but rather be contented. And I believe that has played a very significant role in my life and that of my siblings. My dad is a very humble man. DT: Is your dad friendly to his children?
Salihu: Yes a lot, especially with his grand kids. He likes carrying them, playing with them and bringing himself down to their level. They love him very much.
DT: What characters and habits does your father possess that people outside don’t know about? Salihu: He likes ‘old school’ jams. He sings them whenever we travel but I pretend not to hear him. He has an awesome voice.