Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has described the death of a former Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Adamu Mohammed Fika, as a great loss to Nigeria.
Dr. Adelami, who retired as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly said his career was significantly shaped by the late Dr. Fika, whom he hailed as a mentor , inspirational and detribalised leader.
In a glowing tribute, the Deputy Governor recalled the sterling qualities of Dr. Fika and, immense contributions to institutional strengthening and the development of the National Assembly.
‘I remember, as a junior officer in the National Assembly Provisional Office, in the early nineties, as it was called then, Dr. Adamu Fika literally developed interest in the development of some of us that had the opportunity of working with him directly. He was indeed a very supportive, inspirational and detribalised boss.
‘More importantly, Dr. Fika believed in my capacity and gave me a rare opportunity to pioneer the Finance Department at an early stage of my career. That experience prepared me for a higher position as Director of Finance and Accounts of the National Assembly,’ the Deputy Governor said.
Adelami praised the deceased for his remarkable commitment to leadership, describing him as a diligent bureaucrat, exceptional team leader and passionate Nigerian who devoted his life to public service.
‘Though we are saddened that he will no longer be with us, we are consoled by the enduring legacies of selflessness, excellence, humanity and purposeful leadership that he left behind.
‘Dr. Fika will be remembered as a towering figure who laid a solid foundation for further development of the National Assembly and the sustenance of best practices, even in his capacity as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, a position he held with utmost dignity.
‘As a proud son of Fika in Yobe State, Dr. Adamu Fika remained a rallying point until he breathed his last. He was a role model to the younger generation, whose lives were positively impacted by his educational and career trajectory.’
The Deputy Governor described Dr. Fika as a man whose impact transcended the public service, noting his contributions to various areas of human endeavour.
‘Throughout his career, whether in the civil service of Borno State, where he rose to become a Permanent Secretary, Clerk to the National Assembly, Director at the National Institute, Kuru, Jos, where he supervised my project as a graduate of the prestigious Institute, and later as Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Adamu Fika had a trailblazing record of leading dynamic teams of change-makers that consistently produced outstanding results.
Until his death, he was the chairman, Board of Trustees of the Council of Clerks and Secretaries of the National Assembly.
‘Indeed, Nigeria and Africa have lost a rare gem, an intellectual mind, a thoroughbred public servant, a committed community leader, a detribalised Nigerian and, above all, a God-fearing elder statesman,’ Dr. Adelami said.
The Deputy Governor prayed for the repose of the soul of Dr. Adamu Fika, asking ‘Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannah Firdaus and to the family; the strength to bear the irreparable loss.