By Sade Adewale
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has described the death of former Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Adamu Mohammed Fika, as a great loss to Nigeria and Africa.
Adelami, who retired as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, said the late Fika played a significant role in shaping his career, describing him as a mentor, inspirational leader and a thoroughly detribalised Nigerian.
In a tribute, the Deputy Governor recalled the late Fika’s sterling qualities and immense contributions to the development and institutional strengthening of the National Assembly.
He said Fika took a keen interest in the development of young officers during his early years in the National Assembly, describing him as a supportive and inspirational boss.
“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,” Adelami said.
He added that Fika’s confidence in his abilities gave him a rare opportunity to pioneer the Finance Department at an early stage of his career, an experience he said prepared him for his subsequent appointment as Director of Finance and Accounts of the National Assembly.
Adelami praised the deceased for his commitment to leadership and public service, describing him as a diligent bureaucrat, exceptional team leader and passionate Nigerian who devoted his life to serving humanity.
“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,” he said.
According to him, Fika would be remembered as a towering figure who laid a solid foundation for the continued development of the National Assembly and the sustenance of best practices.
He noted that Fika also served with distinction as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, a position he held with dignity and dedication.
Adelami said the late elder statesman remained a rallying point for his community in Fika, Yobe State, until his death, adding that his educational and professional achievements made him a role model whose life positively influenced younger generations.
He further highlighted Fika’s distinguished career in the civil service of Borno State, where he rose to become Permanent Secretary, as well as his service as Clerk to the National Assembly and Director at the National Institute, Kuru, Jos.
According to Adelami, Fika consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership while heading dynamic teams that delivered outstanding results across the various institutions where he served.
Until his death, Fika was Chairman of the 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,” Adelami said.
The Deputy Governor prayed for the repose of Fika’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.