Tribute: How Modi’s Death Evokes My Deepest Sympathy for Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
By Mustapha Atiku Ribadu
The passing of Mallam Aliyu Yusuf Ribadu, fondly known as Hamma Modi, Bappa Modi, Kawu Modi, or Modibbo Bajada, depending on who is addressing him, has cast a long and heavy shadow over the Ribadu family.
In his death, we have lost far more than a relative; we have lost a pillar, a calm and dependable presence, a true gentleman whose life quietly but firmly held the family together. His absence leaves a void that words can scarcely fill.
For the Ribadu family, Bappa Modi was the umbilical cord that bound generations together. He was the steady hand and the listening ear, the one whose disposition naturally drew people closer and restored harmony when strains appeared.
His commitment to love, respect, and family cohesion was not theoretical; it was lived daily, expressed through patience, fairness, and a sense of responsibility.
With his passing, the family’s central nervous system has been abruptly severed, leaving us stunned and struggling to comprehend a future without his guiding presence.
Bappa Modi embodied attributes that made him not only a reliable family anchor but also a source of inspiration and direction.
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He was down-to-earth, approachable, and principled. He believed deeply in the sanctity of family bonds and practiced what he preached, ensuring that differences never overwhelmed unity.
It is these qualities that elevated him beyond the ordinary, making him a rallying point for relatives near and far.
Yet, amid the overwhelming sense of loss and the poignant emotions that accompany it, my deepest sympathy rests particularly with Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
This is because of the extraordinary bond that existed between these two family pillars; a bond rooted in kinship, affection, loyalty, and mutual respect.
While grief weighs heavily on me personally, it pales when I reflect on the depth of camaraderie between Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Bappa Modi. From that reflection, I am compelled to acknowledge that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu must be experiencing a profound and deep personal sorrow.
It is important to note that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, my father, and Bappa Modi were first cousins, with Mallam being the youngest of the three.
However, the affection Bappa Modi had for Mallam Nuhu Ribadu went far beyond the ordinary bounds of family ties. In a gesture rich with cultural meaning, he named his first child after him and later named his second daughter after Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s wife.
In our culture, such acts are powerful symbols of enduring love, deep respect, and an unbreakable personal commitment.
This affection was not confined to words or symbolic gestures; it was evident in action. Bappa Modi was always prepared to stand by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, regardless of the risks involved or whose interests were at stake.
He defended him fiercely and without hesitation. There were instances where he chose to severe ties with individuals and groups he believed were unfairly antagonistic toward Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
I recall vividly how he distanced himself from a popular community gathering point near Waziri Babba Lawal house because he could not tolerate what he saw as unjust criticism and hostility directed at Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Such was the strength of his conviction and loyalty.
Born in 1959, Bappa Modi hailed from an illustrious lineage. He was the son of Alkali Yusuf Ribadu and the grandson of Alkali Atiku Ribadu, a heritage that instilled in him a strong sense of duty, integrity, and service.
He was a first cousin to Alh Lawal Ribadu (Dangaladima Adamawa) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Alhaji Bashiru Ribadu, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed Ribadu (Bappanyo) Lamido Funaange, among many other distinguished family members.
His siblings include Alh Gidado Yusuf Ribadu (Daddy) former AGM of First Bank and Habib Bank respectively, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, former Vice-Chancellor of FUTY and now Executive Secretary of the NUC; Alhaji Musa Ribadu (Bappa Numun), former Managing Director of an HMO with the NNPC; and Dr. Dahiru Ribadu, a Head of Department of Ophthalmology at the Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital, among others.
These are individuals who, in different ways, reflect the values of excellence and service that defined their family.
Bappa Modi is survived by his mother, his wife, five children. He has silently made tremendous impact to all of us and those who came across him during his life sojourn.
Bappa Modi is a respected community leader, a mentor, and a silent unifier whose influence will endure long after his passing. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and comfort all of us. Adieu Bappa Modi.
