BY ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, AUGUST 26, 2024 | 10:8PM
Although I never had the privilege of meeting the late Ahmed Ali Ahmed, his sudden passing on Monday morning left me in shock and filled with grief.
Just two weeks ago, I had sent a letter to his office inviting him to attend the public launch of our new media outlet, scheduled for August 31st. Unfortunately, the person who delivered the letter was unable to meet him in person and left it with his secretary.
Yesterday, my colleague asked if the commissioner had received the letter, and I expressed my doubts.
I had planned to confirm with one of his associates today, but fate had other plans.
In a poignant twist, just minutes before hearing the news of his demise, I spoke with Dr. Usman Busuguma, a close associate of the commissioner, to confirm whether he had received the letter. Dr. Busuguma assured me that even if he hadn't received it, he would persuade him to attend the launch.
Few minutes after our conversation, I was shocked to see the news of the commissioner's demise on my screen. The news hit me hard, and I couldn't believe that the person we were just discussing was no more.
As I reflected on our brief interaction, I was struck by the outpouring of tributes from those who knew him. Everyone I spoke to described him as "shi mutumin kirki ne" - a kind and good person.
May Allah forgive and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, Ameen. My condolences to his family, the Borno State Government, and the people of the state.
May his legacy live on through the countless lives he touched.
Abdulkadir M Lawan, Editor-in-Chief of Lake Chad Times Newspaper.
Note: Lake Chad Times, formerly TwentyOne, the site is on the process of migration.