𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙖 𝘿𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙖: 𝘼 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙣’𝙨 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚

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𝘽𝙮 𝘼𝙗𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙢 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙖

It was exactly a week ago, on Sunday, when I last visited my friend and colleague, Haruna Dauda Biu, at his home to deliver a message. Just four days prior to that Sunday, we had spent considerable time together, reminiscing about our past, our work in the news, and some of the amusing things we did as young men.

At one point, seated in the wheelchair that had become his reality for over a year and a few months, he broke down in tears. “Abdulkareem,” he called out in a frail, shaky voice, “do you realize I’ve been confined to this wheelchair for over a year now?” His two wives, Halima and Khaltum, who were present as we reflected on life and the importance of gratitude, nodded in acknowledgment. Haruna began to sob, and we all offered him the most comforting words we could muster. He nodded in agreement with our soothing words as our friendly conversation continued.

Though physically diminished – frail, weak, and incapacitated – his mind remained remarkably sharp. He vividly recalled events from over 20 years ago that characterized our youthful escapades as journalists, and we all shared laughter.

However, he did not conceal his disappointment with his former employers, the VOA Hausa Service, particularly the abrupt way they seemed to forget him and offered no support throughout his battle with health issues that initially led to a partial stroke and eventually permanent disability.

Haruna was a passionate and seasoned journalist who brought professional excellence to his three-decade-long reporting career. Our paths crossed in 2001 when I was deployed to Maiduguri as a cub reporter. His charm, friendliness, and kindness forged a strong bond between us, and I soon became a family friend. He introduced me to his siblings, friends, and everyone dear to him. When I served as the chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, he held various positions in my executive, including financial secretary and treasurer. He was a pillar of support. Even when we had disagreements, he was always the first to apologize, often lightening the mood with his humor. He later succeeded me as the chairman,
Correspondents’ Chapel. He loved journalism. No wonder two of his sons – Yakubu and Ahmed – are currently students of Mass Communication at the Borno State University.

Haruna’s greatest attribute, perhaps also his vulnerability, was his kind heart. He was deeply emotional and exceptionally generous. His home was always open, welcoming all to enter and partake in whatever was available – a tradition he maintained even on his sickbed. He consistently fed dozens of Almajiri children at his 1000 Housing Estate residence, even tending to them when they were ill. When questioned about his extraordinary kindness towards these children, whom he even knew and recognized by name, he would simply say, “What else can one do? Turn a blind eye to them? They call me father.”

Though confined to his wheelchair, Haruna remained in charge of his household and never ceased to express his gratitude to those who supported him, especially the members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, and most importantly, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum. The Governor not only provided numerous instances of financial assistance but also sponsored his medical trip to Egypt last year.

The last time I saw him, I left a man physically unwell but with an incredibly strong spirit. My parting words with him that night of Sunday May 11th were, “Malam Haruna, I’m leaving you under Allah’s blessings. May He grant you better health and restore you to your feet.” He replied, “Amen. Thank you, Emeritus, until we see again, regards to your family and I wish you a safe journey.”

I was returning from a trip to Jos when it happened. After alighting from the vehicle at Borno Express at about 4:30pm , I received a call from his uncle, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu. “My father” (thats how he usually calls me as he shares the same name with my son Yusuf), he began, “how are you?” I replied that I was fine. Then, in a cold tone, he delivered the devastating news: “We have lost Haruna Dauda Biu.” A chill ran through me despite the blazing Maiduguri heat.
I had hoped to see him again after my trip. Death has once again delivered a shocking blow.
Rest in peace, Malam Haruna. You were a good man.