I did not know Yakubu from Adam. Therefore, when the news of his death hit me, I was indifferent. However, shortly after his demise, the tapestry of his life unfolded before me. I was struck by the breadth of his compassion and commitment to his craft—nursing. Then I realized that his legacy demands a tribute. I knew that this piece was not just warranted, but imperative.
Banga was a certified Accident and Emergency Nurse. He rose to lead the A\&E unit of Tudunwada General Hospital in Kano. He was known for his unwavering resolve to consistently adjust his care to suit each patient’s unique situation and needs—until death, that intruder in the affairs of the living, struck without notice. But before his exit, Banga had made peace with everyone.
He fought a short battle with a debilitating illness, which was believed to have slowed his energy. This, coupled with the physical and emotional strain of overwork and selfless service, eventually led to his passing. This makes me feel diminished because I’m involved in the latter.
Banga made his mark in service to humanity. His passion for nursing impacted so many lives. Banga, as they say, was not the ‘shift’ guy. The hospital was his sanctuary—a place where he found purpose. He didn’t just work there; he lived there. In words and in deeds, Yakubu was a true nurse. He wrote his name in the legends of nursing, and his legacy is worth remembering.
But Banga was a family man. However, to him, family was beyond blood. Patients, colleagues, and neighbors populated his inner circle. He left behind a wife and three children.
As stewards of Banga’s legacy—the nursing community, nursing unions, and government—we should nurture the precious gift he bequeathed to us, ensuring its continued growth and impact. As we mourn his passing, let me reiterate that Banga left behind a wife and children who had hoped for him to bounce back. But his time was up. Alas, he left behind a family that is vulnerable and bereft. A family on the outskirts that can barely cope. A family in dire need of support. A desperate family, reeling from the loss of their pillar of strength. To honor his memory, we must honor his family.
Lastly, it’s not a goodbye but a celebration of a legacy that will live on. Adieu, Banga. You will be missed. “Grief is the price we pay for love.” – Queen Elizabeth II
Deedat wrote this piece from Kano, Nigeria. He is the Chairman of Kano Nurses and Midwives’ Connect. He was the former SUG President of the College of Nursing Sciences, Kano.
