By Our Correspondent

The medical and academic communities across Nigeria are in mourning following the passing of Professor Garba Danjuma Kalayi, a distinguished surgeon, medical educator, and pioneer Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University (GSU). He died earlier today, Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe, at the age of 74.

A Janazah (funeral) prayer has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, In shaa Allah.

A Life of Excellence and Dedication

Born on February 13, 1951, in Difa, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Prof. Kalayi’s journey of excellence began early. He attended Junior Primary School, Difa (1958–1961), followed by Senior Primary School, Gombe (1962–1964). His secondary education took him to Government College, Keffi (1965–1969) and Government Secondary School, Yola (1970–1971).

He proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained his MB.BS in 1977, followed by advanced training at the University of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons in the United Kingdom from 1982 to 1985.

He became a Fellow of the Medical College of Surgeons (FMCS) in 1989 and was inducted into the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) in 1990.

Career and Contributions

Professor Kalayi began his medical career as a House Officer at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria in 1977 and steadily rose through the ranks. He served in various roles including:

Senior Lecturer in Surgery

Consultant Surgeon

Ag. Head, Department of Anaesthesia, ABUTH

Executive Registrar and Senior Registrar, Department of Surgery

Member, Medical Advisory Committee, ABUTH

His national service took him to Yaba College of Technology, Lagos (1978–1979). In academia, he was known for co-authoring critical research publications, including Wilms Tumour in Zaria (Nigerian Journal of Surgery, 1996) and Urethroplasty in Zaria (East African Medical Journal, 1998).

Prof. Kalayi’s crowning achievement came when he was appointed the pioneer Provost of the College of Medical Sciences at Gombe State University, where he laid the academic and institutional foundation that continues to guide the faculty to this day.

Service and Legacy

He was a committed member of professional and Islamic medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Surgical Research Society, and the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (where he served on the Shura Committee from 1989). From 1990–1997, he was Welfare Secretary of the MDCAN, Zaria Branch.

For his service to community and state, he was conferred with the traditional title “Danmasanin Difa” in the year 2000.

Personal Life

Prof. Kalayi was married to Maryam on December 21, 1981, and is survived by three sons and two daughters. He was known for his love of reading, football, hockey, and watching television.

Outpouring of Tributes

From students and colleagues to government officials and traditional rulers, tributes have continued to pour in, praising his humility, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to knowledge and service. Many recall his firm but fatherly approach to mentorship, and his influence spans generations of doctors and surgeons trained under his guidance.

Final Farewell

The government of Gombe State, management of Gombe State University, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and several medical associations have expressed deep condolences to his family and the people of Yamaltu-Deba and Gombe at large.

May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal peace, and admit him into Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

For further tributes or inquiries, the family can be reached via Alhaji Abubakar Difa, P.O. Box 99, Gombe.

By Our Correspondent

Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.), who passed away at the age of 82. The late president, a towering figure in Nigeria’s political and military history, died peacefully at his residence in Daura, Katsina State, after a brief illness, family sources confirmed.

The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of condolences from across the country and around the world, with leaders, diplomats, and citizens reflecting on the life and legacy of a man who shaped Nigeria’s history in both military and civilian roles.

A Life of Service to the Nation

Born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Buhari rose to prominence as a disciplined and austere military officer. He served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985 following a military coup that ousted the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari.

Though his military regime was short-lived, it was defined by a fierce anti-corruption campaign and a tough stance on indiscipline, earning him both praise and criticism.

Three decades later, Buhari made a historic political comeback. In 2015, he became the first opposition candidate to unseat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s democratic history, defeating Goodluck Jonathan under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected in 2019 and served two terms before handing over power in 2023.

A Controversial But Iconic Legacy

Throughout his time in office, Buhari was known for his firm stance on national security, anti-corruption, and infrastructure development. However, his administration also faced challenges, including economic instability, persistent insecurity in the North, and criticisms over human rights issues.

Despite the mixed reviews of his presidency, Buhari remained a symbol of resilience, patriotism, and integrity to many Nigerians, particularly in the North, where he retained a cult-like following.

Tributes Pour In

Current and former leaders have begun paying tribute to the late president. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement released by the presidency, described Buhari as “a patriot who gave his all to the service of Nigeria, in peace and in war.”

“He served with unwavering discipline, integrity, and an unrelenting commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress,” Tinubu said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan also paid tribute, saying: “Buhari was a man of conviction. We may have differed on political approaches, but I always respected his dedication to the country.”

Flags are expected to fly at half-mast across the country in honor of the late leader, while the Federal Government is expected to announce a period of national mourning and funeral arrangements in the coming days.

End of an Era

With his passing, Nigeria bids farewell to one of its most consequential and enigmatic leaders. From military boots to civilian ballots, Muhammadu Buhari’s journey through Nigeria’s tumultuous political landscape was marked by discipline, national duty, and an unshakeable belief in the power of sacrifice for the greater good.

He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, several children, and grandchildren.

May his soul rest in peace.

By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

Hon. Fatima Muhammad Paga, the UN Women Focal Person to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, has expressed her profound sorrow over the death of Balkisu Babangida, a revered veteran broadcast journalist whose remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on journalism.

In a statement made available to our correspondent, Paga described Balkisu’s passing as an irreplaceable loss to journalism in Nigeria and beyond.

“Balkisu Babangida was a shining example of professionalism, demonstrating unwavering dedication to ethical reporting and human rights advocacy,” Paga stated.

Throughout her distinguished career, Balkisu exemplified journalistic excellence.

She approached her work with integrity, avoiding the misuse of the profession for undue advantage or blackmail. Instead, she embraced her craft with pride, serving as a beacon of truth and fairness.

The statement further highlighted Balkisu’s role as a mentor to young journalists, describing her as a guiding light and a mother figure in the industry.

Her nurturing spirit and dedication to mentoring the next generation have left a lasting legacy that will continue to shape the media landscape.

“Her passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, both in Nigerian journalism and the global media community,” Paga said.

On behalf of herself and the UN Women team in Yobe State, Paga extended heartfelt condolences to Balkisu’s family, her colleagues at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and the entire journalism profession.

“May Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest and provide comfort to her loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement concluded