Ambassador Ahmed Magaji: Tribute to my brother and mentor

Ranka de de, it was extremely difficult for me to really come to terms with what Tajuu your very able Personal Assistant sent to me in a voice message in the early hours of Tuesday 15^th October: “Good morning Oga sir. How are doing, how family sir? So sorry sir for the very very unfortunate and sad news sir. The Ambassador has passed on sir. This night sir (Monday night). Ambassador has passed sir. So sorry for this news. We can’t do nothing; we can’t do nothing sir……. Ambassador has gone sir.”

In every person’s life, there comes a time when they encounter someone who leaves an indelible mark on their path. Someone who selflessly imparts wisdom, provides guidance and becomes an unwavering source of support and inspiration. And this happened in 2018 in the events to the run up of the 2019 Presidential Election when I first met Ambassador Ahmed Magaji.

We are told when we meet such people, to hold onto them for life. Yet what do we do when they are taken from us? We can’t question the Almighty! We go on without them, our worlds a little dimmer, but our lives enriched.

There are not enough words in the world to even begin to write a tribute for Amb Magaji, but no one deserves it more. It’s a journey into the expansive breadth and depth of a classical man of the world: urbane, cultured, witty, deeply intelligent and yet with an uncanny ability to mix with every segment of the population.

It is a journey into the overwhelming influence of a man who always seemed to know the right people to contact, and always able to communicate complex official and human matters in a language and style easy to understand and accept. These are obviously qualities that made Ambassador Magaji indispensable to the powerful and leaders for whom he became a veritable asset, a protege, even a son.

His gift of innovative thinking, visionary spirit, and the unwavering patience required to successfully lead a meaningful change-begins –with-me initiative is not common in our clime these days especially now that people strive to survive no matter how.

The loss of such a man is bound to be tangible and real to those that knew him well. We will miss his exemplary and infectious life of love, laughter, and an irrepressible belief and faith in seeing the best in everything, even in bad situations.

Ambassador Magaji’s influence extended far beyond his official calling. More than that, he was an extremist in genuine patriotism. His vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria resonated in every initiative he undertook, and his understated legacy will inspire future generations to embrace the values of service, integrity, and excellence.

An astute bridge builder, Ambassador Magaji’s network and friendships cut across the country in a remarkable manner that showed in his dressing, wit and wise quips. You needed to know him very well to be able to rightly place his nativity as his dressing most times points people to tribes very far from his.

He was humility personified in spirit and in truth. Despite being a prominent Nigerian by all definitions and standards, he preferred to maintain a low profile everywhere and at all times, even in public functions.

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Ambassador Magaji’s intelligence stunned me, and although he believed in me, I partly felt like I was an imposter in his shadow of brilliance.

He was not just a mentor to me; he was a big brother and a true friend. His unwavering support and genuine care for my well-being touched my heart deeply. His wisdom and guidance will forever remain etched in my mind, reminding me to strive for excellence and be the best in everything I do.

A man in whom there is no guile whatsoever, unassuming and simplicity personified, a rare quality to find these days among the people who sees themselves as haven arrived especially in the political sector. It will take serious convincing to accept that the man dedicated over three decades to the Nigerian Foreign Service as a thorough-bred professional, leaving an indelible mark on our nation’s international standing.

Before I met Ambassador Magaji, I never truly understood what a mentor was. Although I had been offered help or guidance in the past, no one matched the heights of his kindness in simplicity. Having taken me under his wing, I grew beyond what I ever believed I could.

His unwavering support and encouragement shaped not only my carrier as a political communication and media analyst but also my outlook on life- giving me a positive perspective that in turn drove my ambition not just for myself but also to do him proud always.

The loss is there –tangible and real within me and definitely most of his acquaintances – but he truly exemplified life, love, laughter, and an irrepressible belief and faith in seeing the best in everything, even in bad situations.

Ranka de de, as I fondly called you, I am telling you that one of the greatest gifts you bestowed upon me is your unwavering belief in my abilities. Thank you for being my guide, my teacher, and my inspiration. Thank you for the wisdom, the encouragement, and the countless memories. I will carry your memory in my heart forever and strive to honour you in all I do.

Ranka de de, the ripples you cast into the universe will never cease, and your kindness lives on in us who are still here. Your love and your legacy will live on in us.  We will miss your jokes and out-of-the-world stories that normally threw people around you into uncontrollable laughter.

Fare thee well my brother! Fare thee well my Oga! Fare thee well my Mentor!