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<p>By Balarabe Idris</p><div class="LHabkcXG" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>It&#8217;s hard to believe that 15 years have passed since we graduated from the Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication program at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Even more difficult to accept, is the loss of my dear colleague and friend, Lawal Saidu Funtua, a correspondent of Peoples Daily Newspaper in Katsina and also Publisher of blueinknews, an online media. The last time we met was in 2019 during the wedding ceremony of his daughter in Funtua. Even though, we maintained communication through phone calls, the last time we had spoken was almost 6 months ago.</p>
<p>I still remember Lawal Saidu Funtua&#8217;s bright smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering dedication to our studies. We shared many late-night study sessions and lively discussions that shaped our understanding of the media and communication.</p>
<p>Lawal Saidu was more than just a classmate; he was a true friend, generous and confidant. His selflessness stood out, particularly when he covered our hotel accommodation at Afforestation Hotel in Kano during our program.<br />
I recall how he&#8217;d arrive in Kano before me and entrust his car key to his late brother, Murtala, to book our accommodation. Even his ATM card was in Murtala&#8217;s possession, showing his trust and generosity.<br />
One notable instance was when Lawal received a call for an advertisement payment worth millions of naira. Instead of sharing his own account details, he opted to share those of his younger brother.</p>
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<p>Lawal&#8217;s kindness and empathy extended beyond these gestures. I recall in 2016 when our entourage came to Katsina from Abuja for a SCI Work to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINNN) Media/CSO&#8217;s field visit to Katsina communities. At that time when he visited me in my hotel room, I told him about some personal issues I was undergoing and he offered his support.</p>
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<p>Lawal Saidu was a book worm, a good writer and researcher to the core whom has spent so much money on books related to media and communication, political economy and governance. His commitment to research had definitely assisted me during our study.</p>
<p>His passion for journalism and commitment to telling the stories that needed to be told inspired us all. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and communicators</p>
<p>Though Lawal Saidu may be gone but his memory lives on in our hearts.</p>
<p>Rest in peace, my dear friend, Lawal Saidu Funtua. You will never be forgotten by us. May Jannatil Firdaus be your final abode.</p>
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