As The Boss Bows Out Of The Oval Office -By Ahmad Yahaya Abu-Abiy

Dr. A.M. Musa, MD, FMC, Nguru, (2014-2022)

Today is ushered in with mixed feelings of two; we couldn’t hold back our tears on one hand because someone we cherished the most had left. Someone who has spent some precious part of his last 16 years serving humanity. On the other hand, he has left well accomplished with his head and shoulders above when everyone wished he could stay back even for a little while longer. He is indeed the architect of what we see as the modern Federal Medical Centre, Nguru.   

In either case, whatever has a beginning, must have an end. As he moved forward in his life continued pursuit, we wish him all the best in what life can offer him.   My journey with him began some 5 years ago some times around February 2018 to be precise.    

I was seriously panicked when I got the posting letter that I was posted to the Office of the Medical Director. Of course yes, you can’t blame a freshly recruited Admin Officer whose first posting was to handle one of the most challenging schedules of being a Personal Assistant to the 001. Panics must set in at this stage you know! On arrival, who I met was contrary to my frightening thoughts.     

His first impressions when we first met, however, were nerve-calming; he was so accommodating and very specific to the terms of my duties. Deep inside me, I’ve said “I have found a platform where I can learn my Administrative job firsthand, rise & shine.” 

Dr. Abubakar is so down-to-earth, he is classy & bossy, jovial, friendly, and entertaining. Never a vindictive, but hardly forgets. In terms of the hospital affairs he steers, he has his ears to the ground though he hardly goes around. He is simply too good at his job. He is all in one. Moments and situations determine what he will be at those given moments and situations.   

Some of the legacies he has instilled in me that will forever change my personality include:  

•Taking my job seriously and remaining focused and dedicative. He never rests until all jobs are done. He constantly embarks on official traveling a lot, and whenever he’s back in town, he never for once rests at home until all the heaps on his table are cleared, not even a paper would be left untreated.   

• To be fast, smart, and absorb pressure. I’ve never seen such an intelligent, smart, and fast personality as he is. He will give you one task, and before you will be done, more will follow, and suddenly the bell will ring demanding their results. So, to work with him, one must fasten his seat belt, adjust his acceleration, and match up with his speed.   

• To be generous and kind. His generosity knows no bound. Wallahi there are countless people out there whom he has helped in one way or the other that he barely or hardly knows. Many can attest to this fact.   I could vividly remember, on 29th March 2019, he aborted his 5-day trip in Abuja, came down to Jos, and attended my wedding. Not only that, he served as my Al-wakeel in the wedding proceeding, aside from other financial support and what have you he has rendered to me.    

I remain eternally grateful for what you have done for me, Sir. I’m in short of words to go on describing who you are to me. So long as I keep breathing, I will Insha Allah never cease to pray for you.   

It is hard to say goodbye! When the reality of your departure came staring straight into our faces today, emotions got high and we couldn’t hold back our tears. However, the positive transformation you have brought to the Centre from where it was before, to where it is today, the good testimonies of your staff & people around you that you have touched & uplifted, and the good testimonies of the entire hospital community gave us some sort of relief.   

Sir, as you take a bow out of the Centre’s oval office, I pray to Allah the most high to continue to uplift you to higher places of higher responsibility no limit. May he equally grant your successor the knowledge, wisdom, strength, ability, and resilience to follow and even supersede your footsteps in steering the affairs of this great Centre in goodness. Amin.

Very truly yours,  

Ahmad Yahaya Abu-Abiy