Today marks exactly nine days since my dear friend, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Maizare, Secretary of the Kano State Sports Commission, returned to his Creator, Allah (SWT).
His death is undoubtedly a great loss, not only to his immediate family but also to the many people whose lives he touched, inspired and influenced in different ways.
Beyond his immediate family, I can confidently say that I am among those deeply affected by his passing. Our relationship spanned nearly four decades, during which our friendship grew into a bond so strong that we became brothers and members of each other’s families.
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His absence has left a deep void in my life. Even nine days after his departure, I still struggle to accept the reality that he is no longer with us.
The pain of losing him is difficult to bear and even harder to express in words. No matter how hard I try to describe the emptiness his death has created in my life, words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my grief.
It is painful to realise that someone who had been part of my life for nearly four decades is no longer here to share conversations, exchange ideas, offer advice or enjoy the familiar moments that made our friendship special.
The thought that I can no longer pick up the phone to seek his opinion or visit him for our usual discussions is particularly heartbreaking.
Moments we once took for granted have now become precious memories. Losing him means losing not just a friend but also a brother, confidant and dependable companion whose presence enriched many aspects of my life.
Dr. Maizare’s contribution to my career in sports journalism can never be quantified. He was always willing to answer my questions and respond to my inquiries whenever I approached him or called for clarification on sports-related matters.
I consider him one of the brains behind the success of many of my writings since 1994, when my Sports Eye column debuted in The Triumph newspaper following the departure of my friend and mentor, Sani Muhammad Zaria, to New Nigeria Newspapers.
From the time the column began until his death, I regularly consulted Dr. Maizare on one sports-related issue or another.
He remained a dependable source of information, knowledge and guidance. Whenever I needed clarification on sporting matters, I knew I could count on him.
He never grew tired of my questions or hesitated to share his knowledge whenever I needed his input.
His willingness to explain issues and provide useful information contributed immensely to my efforts to produce informed and credible sports reports and commentaries.
His support, however, extended beyond sports journalism. He also offered valuable suggestions and guidance during the preparation of my Master’s degree thesis in Information Technology.
Despite his busy schedule, he was always willing to share his knowledge, offer useful advice and help me think through issues whenever I sought his opinion.
His contributions gave me additional insight and encouragement during my academic journey.
This demonstrated not only the depth of his knowledge but also his willingness to assist others beyond his immediate professional responsibilities.
I will forever remain grateful for his invaluable contributions to my journalistic and academic pursuits.
His influence on my career and personal development is a legacy I will continue to acknowledge and cherish.
Our friendship began in late 1987 when I joined the services of Triumph Publishing Company as a lithographer.
Around the same period, my friend and mentor, Sani Muhammad Zaria, introduced me to sports journalism.
At the time, the late Dr. Maizare was among the few young and energetic indigenes of Kano State involved in football refereeing.
A few years later, he developed a keen interest in sports journalism and began contributing to the sports desk from outside the newsroom.
Driven by his passion for sports reporting, he took the pain to review several national dailies and compile an annual sports diary at the end of each year. He continued this practice until the newspaper was hacked down in 2012.
His passion for journalism also inspired him to publish a Hausa-language sports magazine popularly known as Kwallon Kafa. After publishing each edition, he went the extra mile to distribute it across almost all the northern states and a few other states in Nigeria.
Our friendship grew stronger when we were appointed officials of the newly established Federation of Youth Soccer Clubs (FEYSOC), Kano State branch.
He initially served as Assistant Secretary, while I was appointed the association’s Public Relations Officer. He was later appointed Secretary.
Our shared responsibilities and common interest in sports brought us closer. We were united by a common desire to contribute to sports development, particularly at the grassroots level.
In the course of working together, our professional relationship developed into a lasting personal bond that extended beyond our careers and into our families.
Looking back, I realise that our friendship was built on much more than a shared interest in sports. It rested on mutual respect, trust, understanding and companionship.
These values sustained our relationship over the years and made our bond one that I will always treasure.
Dr. Maizare was someone I visited whenever I had the opportunity, particularly on Saturday mornings when he was usually free.
Those visits provided us with valuable time to interact, exchange views, discuss sports and share thoughts on issues affecting our lives and careers.
Our conversations were not limited to professional matters. We also discussed personal experiences, shared concerns and exchanged ideas about life.
These moments strengthened the friendship we had built over the years and reinforced the brotherly bond between us.
Those few conversations and private moments we shared have now become treasured memories.
They are moments I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life, until the day I too answer the call of my Creator and join him in the great beyond.
As I reflect on our years of friendship, I am reminded that some relationships go beyond ordinary human connections.
They become part of one’s life story, shaping one’s experiences, career and understanding of friendship. My relationship with Dr. Maizare was one such bond.
Nine days after his passing, the pain remains deep, but so do the memories of the years we shared.
Although death has separated us physically, it cannot erase the friendship, lessons and experiences that defined our relationship.
His place in my life cannot easily be filled, and his absence will continue to be felt in many ways. I will deeply miss our conversations, his valuable advice and his unwavering support whenever I needed him.
Although death has taken him away, the memories of our nearly four decades of friendship will remain with me for the rest of my life.
Dr. Maizare was not merely a friend. He was a brother whose support, companionship and goodwill enriched my life in many ways.
I will continue to remember him with gratitude for the years we shared and for the positive impact he made on my personal, professional and academic journey.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and reward him for the good he did during his lifetime.
May Allah also grant his immediate family, friends, colleagues and all those mourning him the strength, patience and comfort to bear this painful loss.
Dr. Maizare, you may be gone, but your memory will remain alive in my heart. I will forever cherish our friendship and the years we shared until we meet again, by the will of Allah (SWT).
Ameen.
