By BALA AUGIE
Late British Rock star Freddie Mercury once said in one of his hit songs that “Time, waits for no one. It waits for nobody”. That song still gives me Goosebumps.
Lightning comes and goes; and it is seen no more. So are great men.
I am writing about Late Senator Adamu Baba Augie, a consummate gentleman, father, grandfather, who left this world for a better place exactly twenty five (25) years ago. His friends called him “Adamu”, but he was referred to as Baba by family members.
Without ingratiating magniloquence, he was the most munificent, compassionate, and perspicaciously sagacious person l had ever seen as he understood that a great leader puts people’s interest above his.
Some referred to him as a politician, but l saw him more as a media figure whose golden baritone voice shaped Nigerian broadcasting as he was the pioneer General Manager of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Sokoto and later became director at NTA.
His baritone’s deep, sonorous voice cut through the dimness of the crowd and kept listeners glued to their radio and television set. Even as an anchorman his sparkling smiles and composure made his guests comfortable.
In one of his interviews with the now defunct Tell Magazine, Adamu Augie revealed that he did not have a passion for broadcasting and that he had wanted to study accounting. But as fate would have it he was having a discussion with his friend when Abba Zoru, a veteran broadcaster, heard his voice and liked it.
Then, Zoru asked if he would follow him to Ghana to open a radio station there. Young Adamu accepted without hesitation, and that was the beginning of the journey of a man whose golden voice reshaped Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape.
Baba had zero tolerance for mendacity as a good name is more praised than outstanding talents. Of course, a good name is worth more than gold, more precious than diamonds. I am filled with joy whenever people say good things about him, even though my mother still misses him.
I recall one day l had broken a lamp light in the living room and Baba noticed I had wanted to lie out of fear. But he placated my trepidation with soothing words that still stick to my heart, “Bala, tell the truth no matter how bad it is” That statement informed my decision to become a journalist as truth is sacrosanct.
Immediately after his death, my favorite Uncle Architect Garba Umaru noticed that I was sick with grief. He looked me in the eye and said, “Bala you are lucky that you had a good father who was well revered.”
Adamu knew the price of greatness is responsibility. Little wonder he was elected into the senate in the 3rd and 4th republic. And he was conferred the highest traditional title in Kebbi State, Wazirin Kebbi.
He bought me my first camera, which I still have till today, a priceless asset that is so precious to me and his best friend Senator Kura Muhammed who had also passed away made sure I finished my University education and even bankrolled by professional examinations. These two men were the epitome of loyalty as they understood that a bond shared in boyhood lasts forever.
The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. If you are planning for one year, grow rice, if you are planning for twenty years, trees, if you are planning for centuries, grow men.
Adamu invested in people as he gave his children the great legacy a parent leaves for their offspring, education. Most of the kids he had trained are an asset to the nation and are now doing well.
Could you believe it, Baba? Your daughter Aisha who was special assistant to the former governor of Kebbi is currently the Director-General at the Centre for Black and African Arts & Civilisation (CBAAC), an agency under the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Art, Culture.
Next is Maryam-whom you nicknamed “Madam Maryam”- is a philanthropist and an inspiring woman with a passion for humanity. She is currently the Executive Director/ Founder of ICF. Also, she is in the forefront of bridging the funding gap for basic education of millions of Nigeria’s out-of- school children. Her ICT has provided access to basic education for about 24.8 percent of the children on its database.
Baby Farida whom you fondly referred to as Farida “Mama Dudu” owns one of the best restaurants in Abuja, and l see her own chain of restaurants as McDonald’s.
Bala as the Editor of MoneyCentral Media, has followed in your footsteps as a Journalist as well as being a Chartered Accountant.
Suleiman is a businessman who is doing well. A resilient man whose courage amid the tempest takes my breath away.
The greatest poet and writer of all time William Shakespeare once wrote that: All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women are merely players;They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.
Adamu Augie had played his part as his magnanimity left an indelible mark in the heart of people.
We will meet you at the cross road and you won’t be lonely!
Bala Augie, first son of the late Senator Adamu Augie is the Editor of MoneyCentral Media Limited.
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