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.
IN MEMORY OF ALHAJI KOLA ANIMASAUN: From Right: Former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Former Chairman Editorial Board of Vanguard Newspapers, Alhaji Kola Animasaun, Imam Daud, Sabo Muslim Community, Shagamu, and other cleric at the 8th Day Fidau of Veteran Journalist and Former City Editor Nigerian Tribune, Alhaji Safi Awofeso, held at St. Paul Primary School, Ijoku Shagamu, Ogun State, a year before his death on May 30, 2022.
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)?
Late Alhaji Kola Animasaun, middle, Prince Bashir Adefaka, his godson, and other Muslim faithful, at Eid Praying Ground, Union Road, Dopemu, during an Eid-ul-Fitri celebration in Lagos, Nigeria.
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.
Afenifere Chieftain Chief Ayo Adebanjo exchanging pleasantries with Former Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers, Alhaji Kola Animasaun, while Senator Gbenga Kaka looks with keen interest, at the 8th Day Fidau of Veteran Journalist and Former City Editor Nigerian Tribune, Alhaji Safi Awofeso, held at St. Paul Primary School, Ijoku Shagamu, Ogun State, a year before his death on May 30, 2022.
From Left: Division Police Officer (DPO), Dopemu Divisional Police Headquarters, Mrs Mary Ayim (CSP) standing,, Dallatun Agege and Spokesman, Arewa Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Kabir Ali Dinar, former Chairman Editorial Board of Vanguard Newspapers and newly inaugurated Chairman, Eminent Persons Forum Agege Area, Lagos, Alhaji Kola Animasaun, Olu of Agege Kingdom, Oba Oyedeji Kamila Isiba, Area Commander, Area ‘G’ Command, Lagos, Mr. Lanre Ogunlowo (Assistant Commissioner of Police) and Magajin Agege, Lagos, Alhaji Ali Zango, during the inauguration of EPF in Agege Area in 2018.
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.
Former Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, condoling the widow of late Alhaji Kola Animasaun on Friday May 31, 2019.
Alhaji Animasaun House, an inter-house sports endowment of late Alhaji Kola Animasaun at Anwar-ul-Islam Primary School, Oniwaya, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos State in 2021.
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
