Elder statesman, Ahmed Joda, grew up as a herder and died as one,a proud one, yesterday aged 91.
In between, he had served Nigeria meritoriously as a civil servant, first in the old Northern Region, and later at the federal level ,rising to the position of permanent secretary.
He belonged to the class of the highly influential group known in the Aguiyi-Ironsi and Yakubu Gowon regimes as Super PermSecs, which also had in its ranks the late Allison Akene Ayida, Chief Philip Asiodu and Alhaji Musa Daggash.
Joda died in Yola, capital of his home state, Adamawa.
News of his death was confirmed by a family friend, Fenny Fwa, a prince of the Mbula Kingdom in Adamawa State.
Fwa described the deceased as a detribalized Nigerian who had the ability to “sooth the nerves of a nation in perpetual conflict.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo among other eminent Nigerians have lauded the deceased’s virtues, describing him as a hero for Nigerians.
President Buhari in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, highlighted Joda’s “monumental contributions to Nigeria’s unity and progress, from birth of the nation until his death, saying that “his lofty ideals will continue to motivate millions across the nation.”
“We will not forget his sacrifices,” he added.
He also noted that the late Super Permanent Secretary “distinguished himself as a remarkable scholar, journalist, intellectual, public servant and farmer.”
President Buhari called Joda “a hero for all Nigerians” who, even in death, “will continue to inspire every generation to move forward with love, brotherhood and harmony.”
He prayed to Allah to accept his good deeds and grant fortitude to those he left behind in his family, Adamawa Emirate Council and entire people of the state to bear the loss.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a bosom friend of Joda, mourned him as a man who played critical roles to ensure that Nigeria did not break into pieces.
They were friends for 60 years.
Obasanjo described Joda’s death as heart-breaking.
He recalled how the deceased, as a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information during the civil war, saved the unity of Nigeria.
Obasanjo had previously spoken of how well Joda ensured his safety and cared well for him when he was serving a jail term in Jos during the Abacha years.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State described the late Ahmed Joda as an epitome of discipline and integrity.
Fintiri, in a condolence message last night, said he received the news of the death of the elder statesman with shock and sadness, but urged the bereaved family to be consoled by the exemplary life the man lived.
“He left a legacy of selfless service to the community,” the governor said.
Fintiri said Ahmed Joda loved his people and the country, adding, “the administrator, journalist and politician would be sorely missed, having contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria, Adamawa and his immediate community.”
