By Chidiebere Ugwu
The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has, yesterday, 8 June 2024 buried his elder brother, Mr Timothy Musa Gwabin. Mr Timothy died at an Egyptian Hospital after a brief illness.
In a statement, Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, the Director Defence Information, explained that the late Mr Timothy was the eldest member of the Musa family.
General Musa while speaking at the All Saints Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment , venue of the burial rites said, ” The earth takes the body, God takes the soul; our minds holds the memories; our heart keeps the love, and our faith let’s us know we will meet again. Truly, those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday; unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and held so dear”.
He further described his brother as ” a towering giant whose soft foot falls will remain Indelible in many hearts.
He maintained that Mr Timothy is a simple, amiable, genial, humane and gentle soul. He added that he is a father everyone would craved for; a brother with a heart large Enough to accommodate a city, and a friend one could run to and never fill disappointed.
Speaking further, the CDS appreciate everyone “who took his time from yesterday , till this today to be with us in this very tying period. In life, we’re used to celebrating; celebrating good things. Sometimes we tend to forget that there’s always an end to this situation. And this is just one of it. But we give God the glory to thank him for the life of my brother, Timothy Musa Gwabin.” He assured that as a family, they will do their best to continue to sustain the family values as a team. He added that
“today is a Saturday, you could have been somewhere else, but you choose to be with us. We really appreciate that. We’ll never take it for Granted, So thank you very much.”
General Musa further added that “Nigeria is a great country. Wherever we are, please let’s always say a prayer for our dear country to continue to strive”.
The officiating Minister, Reverend Father Mati preaching with the theme: ” Set yourself in Order; Death is real” said the late Mr Timothy was a well respected person in the community. He added that no matter how well one leaves, death is inevitable. He prayed for the repose of the departed.
Mr Timothy Musa was born on 1 July 1963 and died on 1 June 2024. His love for children and passion for education saw him acquiring a National Certificate in Education from the Sokoto State College of Education. He worked for 35 years at the Sokoto State Education Board until his retirement. Late Mr Timothy Musa left behind Six children and Three siblings.
Among dignitaries who graced the burial are the representative of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigerian, His Excellency, Kashim Shetima, the former speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, immediate past Chief Of Army Staff, the drug law czar, Brigadier General Buba Marwa retired, traditional rulers, senior Military officers and other well meaning Nigerians.
