Retirement is a milestone that carries deep meaning, especially within the public service. For every civil servant, reaching the statutory r...
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Retirement is a milestone that carries deep meaning, especially within the public service. For every civil servant, reaching the statutory retirement age of sixty years or completing thirty-five years in service is not merely a legal conclusion to a career, it is a profound achievement, often earned through decades of perseverance, sacrifice and quiet endurance. In a system where many encounter unforeseen challenges and where some tragically pass on while still in active service, retiring peacefully becomes a moment worthy of gratitude, reflection and celebration. It is, therefore, with immense joy and pride that we celebrate the retirement and 60th birthday of Alhaji Abdu Lawan Nasidi, a man whose hands have touched countless lives and whose legacy of service extends far beyond official duty.
To us as a family, Alhaji Abdu Lawan Nasidi is not just a retiree, marking the end of a professional journey. He is a shining star, a pillar of hope, resilience, compassion and unwavering commitment to family and community. His life story is one of quiet strength, consistent generosity and purposeful living. In many ways, he stands as a living reflection of our late father, Alhaji Lawan Nasidi, whose values of integrity, kindness and service to humanity continue to echo through him.
Born on 3rd February, 1966, in Potiskum, Yobe State, Alhaji Abdu Lawan Nasidi’s early life was rooted in discipline, humility and strong moral upbringing. He began his educational journey at Central Primary School, Potiskum, and proceeded to Fika Government Secondary School, Potiskum, where he laid a solid foundation for his future academic and professional pursuits. His quest for knowledge and self-development took him to several reputable institutions across the country, including Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri; Federal Polytechnic, Bida; the Nigerian College of Accountancy, Kwall; and later the University of Lagos. This diverse academic exposure not only sharpened his intellect but also broadened his worldview, preparing him for the responsibilities that lay ahead.
His formative years were spent under the complete care and guidance of his parents until the painful loss of our father in 1985. That moment marked a turning point in his life. Still young himself, he was suddenly thrust into a position of responsibility, compelled to combine personal ambition with the burden of supporting and guiding his younger siblings. The struggle that followed was not one of complaint or despair, but of determination and silent sacrifice. He worked tirelessly to build himself while ensuring that the younger ones were not left behind. In doing so, he became not only an elder brother but a surrogate father, mentor and protector.
Alhaji Abdu Lawan Nasidi is known for living a simple life, adorned with quiet confidence and an ever-open heart. His arms have always been wide enough to embrace both family and otherwise alike. He has consistently served as a role model, offering guidance, encouragement and support to those around him. Speaking personally, as the last child of the family who lost a father at a very tender age, I grew up under the tutelage of my elder brothers, who assumed paternal responsibilities with remarkable dedication. To me, Alhaji Abdu is far more than a brother. He embodied a fatherly presence throughout my academic journey, standing firmly behind me with moral encouragement and financial support. Even after I became gainfully employed, his concern, advice and assistance never waned, a clear evidence of a love that is unconditional and enduring.
Professionally, his career journey began in Lagos, with a brief interlude in Abuja, before returning to Lagos, where he spent the greater part of his over three decades in service with the Nigeria Maritime Authority which later transformed into Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Over the years, he passed through various positions, each one earned through diligence, competence and trustworthiness. His dedication to duty and ethical conduct distinguished him among his co-climbers and earned him the confidence of superiors and subordinates alike.
In the course of his service, Alhaji traversed numerous states across Nigeria on official assignments, gaining firsthand experience of the country’s diversity and challenges. His professional exposure also extended beyond national borders, as he visited several foreign countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, São Tomé and PrÃncipe, and Rwanda, among others. These experiences enriched his knowledge, broadened his perspective and enhanced his contributions to his workplace and society at large.
Yet, remarkable as his professional achievements are, it is perhaps his humanitarian spirit that defines him most profoundly. For decades, his acts of kindness have followed a consistent and deeply rooted pattern. At the beginning of every Ramadan, he distributes foodstuffs to family members and members of the wider community. Throughout the holy month, he sponsors the feeding of fasting Muslims at the family house, ensuring that no one is turned away hungry. Midway through Ramadan, he extends further support by paying stipends to the less-privileged individuals, easing their burdens and restoring dignity to their lives.
During Eid al-Kabir, his generosity takes off yet another form, as he distributes sacrificial rams or provides resources for their purchase to those who cannot afford them. At family events like weddings, naming ceremonies or other times of needs, he is almost invariably the highest donor, giving freely and joyfully. Beyond these visible gestures are countless acts of quiet charity including settling hospital bills for those unable to pay, offering assistance without publicity and extending help where it is least expected. These unseen deeds, known only to his Creator and maybe a few beneficiaries, are perhaps the truest measure of his character. Indeed, he stands as a hero among the righteous.
Education has remained a central focus of his benevolence. He treats educational requests with utmost seriousness and never hesitates to respond to anyone who reaches out to him. Within the family, he has sponsored many individuals through the completion of their educational pursuits, while several others are still receiving his support as I write this piece. He has also assisted some in securing permanent and pensionable appointments and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of others.
Despite residing in Lagos, over 1,500 kilometers away from home, he has never allowed distance to dilute his commitment to cultural values and moral upbringing. Living in what could be described as a “strange land,” he remained deeply conscious of instilling the ethics, discipline and traditions of the typical Hausa community in his children. In fact, his commitment in this regard often surpasses that of those living much closer to home. The result is evident; well-brought-up, disciplined and morally sound children who are a source of pride and fulfillment to the entire family.
At the core of Alhaji’s life are enduring personal values of honesty, integrity, compassion, humility, and leadership. These qualities are not accidental; they are a continuation of the legacy of our late father, who was known as a champion and pillar of support to all around him. In Alhaji Abdu, those values have not only been preserved but amplified, touching lives across generations.
As he bows out of active service, his colleagues will undoubtedly miss a gentleman to the core, one whose face was often adorned with a smile regardless of circumstance. His subordinates will miss a mentor who guided without intimidation and corrected with wisdom. The wider family, however, welcomes him home with joy, eager to benefit even more from his wisdom, leadership and experience as he assumes greater roles as a family elder and community leader.
As we mark this significant milestone of his 60th birthday and retirement from service, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. We pray for a long life, continued good health, peace, happiness and fulfillment as he enters this new chapter. May the years ahead be filled with reward for his sacrifices, joy in his family and the satisfaction of a life well lived. Indeed, the hands of Alhaji Abdu Lawan Nasidi have touched many lives and their impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Yusuf Lawan Nasidi writes from Hausawa Asibiti Ward, Potiskum Yobe State. He can be reached via nasidi30@gmail.com.
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