Birthday Tribute To A Humanitarian Extraordinaire; Alh. Umar Abdul Barka
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| Alh. Umar Abdul Barka |
As we commemorate Alh. Umar Abdul Barka's 62nd birthday, merely wishing him a happy birthday, would be an injustice to his legacy. Posterity demands more. Let me take this opportunity to unveil the remarkable journey that has cemented his status as a humanitarian icon. This birthday message will transcend the ordinary, paying tribute to the extraordinary life of this exceptional individual.
"Let the poor breathe! Don’t suffocate them. It's our collective responsibility."
This powerful call to action by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Jagaban Borgu, resonates deeply with the long-held vision and commitment of the Yaru Yeruma of Yashikira Emirate Council and legal practitioner, Alh. Umar Abdul Barka, Esq. He has embraced the responsibility of uplifting the less privileged within his reach, dedicating himself to this noble mission for many years.
Humanitarianism transcends boundaries of culture, religion, and personal interest; it reflects the innate goodness of humanity. Those who embody this spirit become shining beacons of hope and compassion.
The retired Comptroller of Customs, Alh. Umar Abdul Barka, is a remarkable figure whose steadfast dedication to philanthropy has rightfully portrayed him as a humanitarian icon. This tribute aims to celebrate Alh. Umar Barka's contributions revealing the untold stories and pivotal moments that have defined his journey as a symbol of selflessness and benevolence.
His path as a humanitarian extraordinaire is deeply rooted in his early experiences and the influences that shaped his worldview. Born into the famous family of the Late Alh. Audu Barka of Gure, he witnessed the harsh realities of poverty and deprivation impacting those around him. These formative experiences ignited within him a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to alleviating the challenges of others. His cultural and religious upbringing emphasized compassion and charity, further reinforcing his values and inspiring his philanthropic endeavours.
A poignant moment unfolded during the annual Gure Day occasion when he extended a heartfelt invitation to the community and guests at his residence for a special dinner, exemplifying his spirit of generosity and community building/strong bond. Upon arrival, I was immensely impressed to see various groups, including non-indigenes having a good time together. The host (himself) full of joy, mingled with guests, ensuring everyone felt welcome. He seated me at a table laden with delicious food and assorted drinks and treated me with warmth and hospitality. As we engaged in meaningful conversation, I seized the opportunity to explore the origin and reasons for his philanthropic gestures/spirit. His insightful responses illuminated his character.
He responded: "So many people have asked me this same question, and my answer has never changed. I attribute my character to the teachings of my religion, my disciplined father, and kind-hearted mother (both of blessed memories). Their guidance shaped who I am today. Despite having many siblings, our father created a nurturing environment and prioritized our education, while our mothers concerned themselves with domestic chores of the large family. I have lived through both wealth and poverty, and these experiences have shaped my perspective."
"I don’t seek recognition or flaunt my wealth by oppressing the less privileged. If I must be acknowledged as a wealthy man, let it be for the lives I've positively impacted. I believe that success in life is measured by the number of lives we can touch. I often reflect on how I wish to be remembered—by the number of lives I've touched, which is my true measure of success."
Our conversation then turned to his interest in politics and whether his charitable actions were driven by political motives, especially in light of his significant contributions during the last 2023 general elections. With a chuckle, he remarked, "I can not avoid politics, but I won’t force myself into it. As for my charitable acts, I believe in doing the right thing, regardless of politics. I have never aspired to hold public office, which is why I keep my charitable activities away from media hype. Many beneficiaries of my charitable gestures don’t even know my face. It would be unfair to assume I engage in charity for political gain or in expectation of favours. Yet, if society decides otherwise, I will accept it as Allah’s will. I firmly believe in hard work and destiny."
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| Bar. Bānyo |
Bar. Umar Abdul Barka, affectionately known as Bānyo in his native community of Gure, was actively involved in the political campaigns for the APC, traversing the Fulani camps and utilizing his personal resources, sometimes resorting to use of motorcycles or trekkings. I told some party stakeholders that had he supported the opposition party, particularly the main opposition party, PDP, during the 2023 general elections, he would have drawn widespread attention, hypocritically portraying him as a retired Nigeria Customs Officer who worked against the ruling party. Remarkably, Bānyo never sought to document his involvement through photographs or video clips like many acclaimed stakeholders did.
Throughout his life, Alh. Umar Barka has initiated countless philanthropic gestures aimed at uplifting privileged members of society. From assisting with the payment of school fees for underprivileged students to providing boreholes in underserved communities, his philanthropic outreach is boundless. His unwavering commitment to improving lives has created opportunities and resources for those in need.
Beyond traditional charity, Bānyo champions initiatives that focus on empowerment and sustainable development. Acknowledging the importance of equipping youth with the tools necessary to forge a better future, he has invested in providing vocational training resources and support for entrepreneurship and agribusinesses. His dedication to promoting self-reliance and economic independence has resulted in significant impacts, enabling individuals to break the cycle of poverty. I can personally attest to this, as my younger brother, Seko Jimoh, benefited when Bānyo generously provided working tools for aspiring tradespeople, including youths from outside Gure community.
Alh. Umar Barka's impact extends well beyond his immediate community. Through strategic partnerships and advocacy, he amplifies the reach of his philanthropic contributions, addressing pressing community needs for food and financial assistance in times of distress. His commitment to cultivating solidarity reflects his broader dedication to humanity.
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| The Yaru Yeruma of Yashikira Emirate |
As the Yaru Yeruma of Yashikira Emirate Council, Alh. Barka is leaving an indelible mark, blazing a trail that inspires many to follow in his footsteps. His remarkable legacy exemplifies the transformative power of kindness and compassion, highlighting how individual actions can create profound ripples, driving positive change on a grand scale. As a paragon of leadership and selfless dedication, Bānyo illuminates the path for future philanthropists, encouraging them to chase excellence and continue his legacy of service.
The rise of Alh. Umar Barka, as a symbol of benevolence, illustrates the transformative impact of philanthropy. From a humble beginning, his journey epitomizes the boundless potential of compassion, altruism, and selflessness. As we delve into the untold stories and pivotal moments of his extraordinary path, we reveal the deep reverberations of his generosity and the enduring legacy he is crafting. Alh. Umar Barka stands as a beacon of humanitarian excellence, embodying the timeless values of empathy, generosity, and solidarity that are the essence of humanity, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
Seko Jibril Gure writes from Abuja.
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