Tofa wasn’t just a friend but companion, confidant – IBB
A former Nigeria’s military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has described the late Bashir Othman Tofa as not just a close friend who shared good and bad times but a companion and confidant that would forever be reckoned with.
IBB made this known at the Second Bashir Othman Tofa Memorial Lecture organised by the Kano Concerned Citizens Initiative (KCCI), in collaboration with Kano Against COVID-19 Initiative (KACOVID), with the theme, “An exemplary life,” held at Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano on Saturday.
In a tribute IBB sent to the event, he said, “Reflecting on a friendship that spanned over five decades, it is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to my dear friend. Our journey together was one defined by shared joys, enduring challenges and a bond that withstood the tests of time.
“Over the 50-plus years we traversed together, he wasn’t just a friend; he was a steadfast companion, a confidant and a source of unwavering support. In moments of triumph, he stood by my side, celebrating victories as if they were his own. Likewise, during times of adversity, his presence brought solace and strength, a testament to the depth of our connection.
“As a family man, he exemplified the values of love, commitment and sacrifice. His devotion to his loved ones set a standard that left a lasting impression on me. Our shared experiences, from the joyous occasions to the more challenging ones, became threads weaving a tapestry of a friendship that transcended mere companionship.
“His profound religious beliefs added a spiritual dimension to our friendship, fostering discussions that went beyond the mundane. Through his example, I witnessed the transformative power of faith, which not only shaped his character but also became a guiding force in our shared experiences.
“Today, as the Kane State Concerned Citizen Initiative organises the second memorial lecture in his honour, I find solace in the fact that his influence lives on. This event becomes a poignant opportunity for me to reminisce about the shared laughter, the deep conversations, and the countless memories that define our enduring friendship.”
Speaking, the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by his deputy, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo said, “The late Bashir Othman Tofa dedicated his resources, time and energy to uplift the less privileged, support educational initiatives and foster economic development. His philanthropic endeavours touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and generosity.”
Also, others who spoke included former Nigeria’s military president, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Sarkin Shanun Kano and representative of the emir, Shehu Mohammed.
Daily Trust on Sunday reports that Alhaji Bashir Tofa was the presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the June 12 1993 election.
He contested against Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who was adjudged the winner of the election, which was annulled by IBB.
Tofa, a politician, business mogul and author, died in the early hours of Monday, January 3, 2022, and was buried at the Hajj Camp Cemetery in Kano metropolis.
Paintathon: BUK student set to break Guiness World record
Collins Chukwuemeka Whitworth, a 400-level student of Civil Engineering in Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has set out to break the Guinness World Record of the most face painted by an individual in 24 hours.
The indigene of Delta State but born and brought up in Kano currently began his journey to break this record at exactly 4pm on Saturday at the Ramat car park, BUK main campus.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Sunday shortly before the commencement of the challenge, he said, “I am a face painter; I do that as part of my hustle. I feel face painting should not just be limited to parties and maybe birthday celebrations. The world needs to know how beautiful colours are.
“One attribute of colour is that it signifies love, peace and unity. If we can paint that out to people today, I feel it is something we should know that there is more to painting than just the colours.
“I will paint flags of different countries on people’s faces. I am targeting at least 720 or more faces in the next 24 hours.
“The last one was 700 and Guinness gave me 705. So I am going for 720 and above. In case there are some points they might want to remove, I will still have a good number to back up my record with.
“I am optimistic and I believe that with God, I can even do more.”