It's a year since you took your last breath Daddy.  It has been a difficult year without you. 

I remember you for your characteristic smile, your jokes, your love for people, your humility, your down-to-earth lifestyle, your fortitude, your honesty and your counsel full of wisdom. 

I miss you Daddy! 

Your last years were particularly difficult for you. Knowing who you are and how you had built your life, those last days were not anything you designed or desired but through them I saw in your eyes the courage to live out those troubling times.  There were moments of recall that occasionally flashed through for you and I was glad I experienced some of them because you came through profoundly in your characteristic wisdom. 

If by chance God allows us to have an opportunity to choose our parents - I'll choose you over and again. 

Thank you giving of yourself to the world. I love you Daddy! 

Tribute

"Big Daddy", I have fond memories of our times together  - our jokes, laughter and discussions on the issues of life, among so many other things!

You were a pillar and a "shed" to so many! You provided, helped, encouraged and sheltered a great number!

However, as the Scripture says,  there's a time for everything..."a time to be born and a time to die...". Your time came to départ, and you did! I, and so many others, miss you indeed!!! Good bye, Big Daddy! We look forward to seeing you again!

Adieu, Big Daddy! 

Big Daddy (which is what we fondly call you), you are a rear gem indeed, who would forever be missed.

Your love and acceptance of people especially kids is second to none. You had a pet name you called Daniella which was "girl among girls" & for me it was "Pam-pam" - even though I think it was Osogbo that gave that one. Growing up as kids, you always came down to our level and played with us and there was never a dull moment around you. "Alheri" - which is how we fondly referred to the family house was home to lots of people, too numerous to mention (most times having over thirty persons living at any given time), who were always well fed and taken care of, who now have families of their own.

You personified responsibility and hard work, which you exemplified even till the latter part of your years. From a distance you had an intimidating persona, but whenever anyone got close, discovered that you were kind, welcoming and accommodating to everyone. You hated laziness and even though your methods may have looked harsh at the time, your heart was in the right place and you raised people who today are not entitled, hardworking and resilient.

Believe me there is still a lot more to say about you but one thing I'll never forget, is that you always encouraged anyone who cared to listen, to at the very least own his/her "personal house" and invest in real estate. You had once told me that "when you're older try and get properties" (In Hausa) - its an advice I would hold very close to my heart. I must also add that you spoke the Hausa language more fluently than a lot of people from the north (myself included) - the intonation and even deep proverbs were always interesting to listen to.

In conclusion, you have left a legacy that would continue to live on and cannot be erased from the sands of time.

Love and Miss you Big Daddy. - Sam MBAYA.

You would have turned 88 years today Daddy! Happy posthumous birthday! 

Someone recently called my attention to your love for country music and I remember that the songs of Don Williams, Dolly Parton, Skeeter Davies, Jim Reeves and Kenny Rogers were songs we grew up listening to. You played them in your car and played them at home at all times. 

Today I remember that part of you that connected to the philosophies of some of those songs. The love for family, hard work, hope, service, giving a helping hand etc.  You lived some of those ideals as seen in the way you held your family and related with people around you. 

Continue to rest till we meet to part no more at Jesus' feet.

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your great father. Be consoled by the fact that he lived a lovely life.  By his disciplinary strength and liberality He bequeathed on his family  the love, energy , skills, will and capabilities to Wade through life.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

I remember a lesson in accountability my Dad taught us growing up.  He used to give us 50 kobo to be shared by 3 of us including my late aunt, Aunty Margaret Mbaya. Each of us was to take 15 kobo for our transport fares to school.

There was usually a 5 kobo left after we had each received our 15 kobo. Naturally you'd think the 5 kobo was free or floating money 🤑 until the next day arrived. The person in whose possession the 5 kobo had remained will get his or her balance of 10 kobo. 

That 5 kobo change became so dreaded no one wanted to hold it for fear of spending it in school and getting the balance the next school day.  God help you if it was a Monday morning and for whatever reason you were running late already. 

God bless you Daddy.  Everything with you was an object lesson. Thank you for instilling those disciplnes that at the time were unpleasant.

Tribute to My Father

Daddy, your life was a book of wisdom written not with ink but with actions.  Every chapter told of sacrifice, patience, and a heart that beat for others.  You taught me that true greatness lies not in titles or riches, but in the quiet strength of character, in humility, and in honest work.

I watched you turn challenges into stepping stones.  Where others saw closed doors, you found opportunities.  You lived by faith, and your motto — “The Lord is good to all; and no time is late” — was not just mere words, but a creed you lived by and a testimony of your life.

As a son, I drew strength from your courage, wisdom from your words, and inspiration from your example.  You showed me that a man’s worth is measured by the lives he uplifts and the legacy he leaves behind.

Daddy, you were a father not just to me and my siblings, but to many who looked up to you for guidance.  Your generosity had no bounds — whether it was in training an apprentice, mentoring the young, or providing for the needs of those without.  You gave of yourself freely, never seeking praise, but always giving glory to God.

Now that you are gone, I feel the weight of your absence. Your laughter no longer fills the room, your counsel is no longer a voice I can hear, yet your spirit lives on — in my heart, in the lessons you taught, and in the values you instilled in me.

I am proud to call you my father.  I am grateful for the honour of walking in your footsteps. Though I mourn, I also rejoice, knowing you lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy that time cannot erase.

Rest well, Daddy.

Your race is run, your crown is won.  Until we meet again, I remain your grateful son.