WAKE UP: Alhaji Kola Animasaun 3 years after

By BASHIR ADEFAKA

Yesterday Monday 30th May 2022 marked the third year that we, particularly I, have been nursing the wounds of missing daddy, who is great journalism leader, teacher and contributor of opportunities without conditions attached, Alhaji Kola Muslim Animasaun. He died on Thursday May 30, 2019 equivalent to Ramadan 27, 1440AH.

I just continue to live with feeling that daddy is still with us and that is the reason my tears appear unstoppable because, if somebody is not dead and is with me, what makes it impossible for me to have the usual almost daily touch during which his fatherly guidance is also received, with him? This is the problem.

But, three years after, I have just started to realise that there is nothing I can do because, no evidence to back the feeling that anyone can live in this transient world forever.  So, I have accepted my fate that daddy is gone forever until we meet in Al-Jannah Firdaus inshallah. Our tears will continue to roll, however, but we will not destroy our faith in Allah because, for everything there is a reason. If Prophet Muhammad (peace of Allah be upon him) died although at the first happening sounding difficult for his Sahaba (r.a.) to believe, who again will live forever? Prophet Nuhu (peace be upon him), who lived for 1,000 years still died. What about the first man, Adam, that is our father? What about the father of faith, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)?

We will, however, not stop to ask Allah to please make your abode in the grave blissfully expanded with all the sweetness that is promised in His Holy Book and by His Holy Prophet of Islam pbuh and make you to have a sleep of peace until the trumpet for resurrection is blown.

On May 31, 2019 President Muhammadu Buhari had expressed the belief that Alhaji Kola Animasaun will be long remembered and honoured for his rich and elucidating write-ups in the ”Voice of Reason” column he left behind; the many literary works he authored as well as the array of media professionals he trained and mentored on the ethics of the noble pen profession.

As a distinguished member of the Fourth Estate of the Realm who was largely recognised and admired by colleagues as a consummate professional, the President paid tribute to the late veteran’s contributions to the development of journalism in the country.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed Animasaun and comfort his family and all who mourned.

With this condolence by President Buhari, I will round off here by saying, Dad, continue to rest in peace, ‘a father in a million’!

Jaanata waarira, jaanata waarira, wajazahun bimosobahun-un, jaanata waarira 2x

*WAKE UP is opinion article column of Lagos Journalist, publisher and media and publicity consultant, Prince Bashir Adefaka. Reach him via his email: omope72@gmail.com