Bashiru Jimoh: One Death, Too Many!

By Ishola Gbenga

It turned out to be one of those difficult phone calls I don't like making when the news became a public knowledge, that Alhaji Bashiru Ademola Jimoh of Radio Kwara was no more. Without further delay, I telephoned his bosom friend, Bunmi Adedoyin (JP) at about 5:23am of Sunday 3rd March 2024. Adedoyin responded in affirmative. At that time, it was as if the whole world has come crashing. Confused I was! Again, I felt like telephoning another bosom friend of his, this time, Jimoh Bashir of The Herald Newspaper, but the reality of not seeking further clarification dawned on me. Certainly, the inevitable had occurred. I concluded.

As I was reflecting on my last encounter with Bashiru Jimoh, I was also mindful of the fact that I had to be in the studio for the Sunday morning Yoruba paper review, popularly known as Oro Ree! How do I coordinate myself? I asked. How do I break the news to the whole world that Bashiru is no more? Totally, I was not in the right frame of mind. I informed my co-anchor, Prince Yemi Aderounmu, who himself expressed shock over the news. We both cried in the studio, but Aderounmu broke the news to our listeners in the end.

Devoid of any doubt in my mind, the death of Alhaji Bashiru Ademola Jimoh has robbed us of a patriot, a professional, and a fine media guru of his own class. Not surprisingly, there have been an outpouring of tributes from across Kwara and beyond only for a man who earned the respect of many. Little wonder, this world is fleeting, ephemeral, will-o’-the-wisp. What is man that thou art mindful of him? Man, whose breath is in his nostrils, the Good Book says.

In retrospect, the remarkable life and career of Bashiru Jimoh transcended Radio Kwara where he worked last and retired in January this year. He made far-reaching contributions to the growth and development in several areas, including selfless services to humanity. Bashiru remained an exemplary figure and worthy role model to the very end. His loyalty to friends, matched only by his competence and devotion to duty, sets him apart. In deed, I owe Bashiru this little tribute even in death. 

Indeed, we are as good as that breath in our nostrils! When it ceases, we are done, gone, across the bridge, to eternal life. And that is if only we are conscious of this daily. But as human beings, we often forget, and live as if it would last forever. But the masquerade festival always ends, no matter how long it lasts. Therefore, whether it is long or short, let us make our life matter. Bashiru Jimoh did, and it ended on Sunday 3rd, March. He now rests, after what Shakespeare calls "life’s fitful fever", where we are like actors on a stage, and we have our entrances and exits.

Life is about memories! It is the only thing we are left with when flesh and spirit depart the earthly plane and we can do no more than remember the life of the departed, through times and memories shared, especially their deeds in lifetime. I can lay claim to have been close to Bashiru Jimoh, at least. We had shared several moments together. The last was when he retired from the civil service of Kwara State. 

He had organized a small reception to that effect at his residence where he invited few among his cronies, and I was privileged to be there too! Alhaji was happy to see me for which out of all the invited guests, I was the only one who practically held his hands and requested that I want to dance with him as a mark of honor and celebration. We both danced, exchanged banters and I left unexcused for another engagement. Typical of him, he telephoned to thank me later for adding colour to his moment of joy. There are many other moments too like that.

This incident of Bashiru's death invoked thoughts of Adam Grant’s acclaimed work, "Give and Take", which categorises humanity into two reciprocity styles: Givers and Takers. Givers, characterized by their altruism, quietly assist others without seeking the spotlight, while Takers are driven by greed, desiring more than they contribute. The book celebrates legendary figures like C.J. Skender, the late Stu Inman, and George Meyer as quintessential Givers. Undoubtedly, my dear brother, Bashiru Ademola Jimoh, belongs to the distinguished category of these selfless and beautiful souls.

Affirming that he was really no more after the news of his sudden demise got to me was so painful. It was like that, I supposed because we, mortals, are always guilty of thinking we can live forever, and thus forgetting that everyday is a bonus from God. Bashiru Jimoh was a man I held in high esteem and now they say he is gone. Gone to where? Just like that? It is painful, shocking and sad. Bashiru Jimoh, why? What happened? Bashiru was above anything else; experienced and talented in his field of call. He had retired from the civil service of Kwara State but was never tired of intervening for the junior officers he left behind. 

For sure, it is a known fact that people die everyday, but all of them affirm for us the goodness in humanity like Bashiru Ademola Jimoh. I am glad our path crossed. Times and circumstances determine who we meet in life. Our hearts decide who we want to retain in our lives, and people's behaviour determined whether we want them to remain in our memories or not. Bashiru, for me, is the type that comes once in century. Yes!

The void left by Bashiru's transition, as he departed from the sphere of influence, transcends Radio Kwara. His loss is immense for the entire media world and humanity at large, which requires courageous advisors around our public office-holders, and for the humanity he served until his last breath on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024. May Allah repose his soul and comfort all those he left behind.

As painful as his demise might seem, I am also glad he died a modest man and he earned everyone's respect. Albeit rest, they say, is sweet after labour. Bashiru had a lifetime of work. He was poised to have his due rest. But the rest became eternal. He has been laid to rest. My Oga lived a disciplined life as attested to by many, including family, friends and other well wishers in their tributes, and I agreed completely with them all.

Whichever way we see the whole situation, I will continue to live in denial that this never happened. Maybe I have only been sleeping. Hopefully, I will wake up from this nightmare. That is a dream one day. Little wonder when beggars die, there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. Those were the words of that famous and my favourite poet, Williams Shakespeare. I agree completely with also.

Death may have ended his life at a time we least expect, but not the relationships he had built with many over the years. And because of this alone, a lot of people who knew him are understandably still going through grief, denial, depression and acceptance. He was a man of wisdom. Strength and dignity were his garb. And also, his gift and his legacy. Painful end indeed. His demise remains depressing and shocking, but there's no time for a lengthy farewell.

It would therefore be an understatement to say Bashiru would be sorely missed. Maybe by share providence, if someone like me is privileged to write a biography in the nearest future, such a book will not be complete without mentioning the leading roles played by Bashiru Jimoh in my career as a journalist, whose faith, hard work and dedication to his job as a decent public official, offered a true meaning to his existence for which he demonstrated the fact that when our beliefs are invested in something greater than self, we will indeed find fulfilment in life.

Bashiru was such a kindhearted man who believed in talent discovery and encourage you on what you can do with your talent to positively impact the world. To the glory of God, I believe he came, he saw and he actually conquered by leaving his marks for everyone to see. The lesson we can all learn I suppose is that, religious and faith can never be a part-time conviction for the true believer, especially when there is a need for people to practice what they preach.

And I ask, how many people (including this writer) can we truly identify with their faith in words and indeed? That we can talk about Bashiru today is because he lived his life in a manner that put no one in doubt that there was no compromise when it comes to the matter of his faith, job and selfless services to humanity.

As we mourn the late asset to humanity, cum illustrious son of Ijagbo town in Oyun Local Government area of Kwara State, let us reflect on his legacies of simplicity, professionalism and a form of self respect that did not at anytime seek self advertisement. Unfortunately, this enduring virtues are conspicuously absent in the official profile of most people today.

Now that he has commenced the beginning of her everlasting journey, my condolences therefore, is to his family members, Ijagbo community, Management and Staff of Radio Kwara, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) , associates, friends and well wishers.

Even in death, I say thank you for everything Bashiru Jimoh. Thank you also for putting up a good work and lasting records to be emulated. Thank God for helping you to win the race. What awaits you now I am sure is a full compensation of your good deeds, which no doubt, is Aljannat Firdaos 

Rest on till we meet to part no more.

Adieu!

Ishola Gbenga ANIPR

Writes from Ilorin.

isholagbenga@yahoo.com