Advertisement
Colleagues, family, and well-wishers filled the FAAN Managing Director’s boardroom, gathering to pay glowing tributes to Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed. It was a retirement send-forth for the General Manager, Research and Development, but also a celebration of decades of loyalty, humility, and service.
The atmosphere was emotional yet uplifting. Attendees described Mohammed as a mentor, leader, and friend whose contributions strengthened the Authority’s core values.
The evening revealed not only his achievements but also the respect he earned across different departments and professional circles.
The event began with a citation that traced his path from humble beginnings to his rise as a senior executive at FAAN. It highlighted his academic pursuits, professional memberships, and the principles that guided his career. For many, it was a reminder that persistence and discipline can carve out a lasting legacy.
One after another, colleagues offered heartfelt tributes that underscored the depth of their admiration. FAAN’s Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Jensen Asaba, represented by Mr. Segun Peters, praised Mohammed’s dedication and resilience. He spoke of the bittersweet nature of the farewell, noting that while the Authority celebrated his new chapter, it also felt the loss of an irreplaceable figure.
Other voices added colour to the evening. Mr. Hyacinth Ngwu commended Mohammed’s versatility, pointing out his impact across multiple departments. General Managers, Mrs. Asmau Nagenu and Mr. Oluwaseun Peter, described him as a steady influence who fostered teamwork and encouraged growth. Their tributes reflected the sense of respect he commanded among peers.
A more personal dimension came from his longtime friend, Alhaji Alhassan Gwarzo. He recalled their years as classmates and fellow members of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). Gwarzo described Mohammed as tireless, principled, and selfless, before warmly welcoming him “back to private life,” convinced retirement would not diminish his energy.
Family members also joined the celebration. Represented by his son, Kamal Mohammed, they expressed gratitude to FAAN for recognising their patriarch’s sacrifices and commitment. They described him as vibrant and principled, a man whose example of humility and strength would continue to inspire them. Their message added an emotional weight to the occasion.
When Alhaji Mohammed finally addressed the gathering, his calm words brought silence to the room. He reflected on his years at FAAN as enriching and transformative, admitting that challenges had shaped his resilience.
Above all, he credited Almighty God for life and strength, while thanking his family and colleagues for their support. He appreciated the tributes.
“What stands out in FAAN,” he observed, “is the culture of love and mutual support among staff. It is remarkable and worthy of commendation.”
The evening ended in celebration. Tributes made, cake was cut, toasts were made, and gifts exchanged. Photographs captured the warmth of colleagues bidding farewell to a man they described as both professional and deeply human.
As the celebration closed, one truth became clear: the send-forth was not merely a farewell but a testament. The tributes revealed the depth of respect earned by Alhaji Mohammed, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire long after his retirement.
Advertisement
