Deputy Director Digital Media Voice of Nigeria (VON) Abuja, Dr Qasim Akinreti pays tribute to his former boss, Ahaziah Kabiru Suleiman, former Executive Director News.
“And the Beat Goes On” is a favourite pop song of old. Within a twinkle of an eye,35 years of public service at Voice of Nigeria, VON rolled by for Oga Ahaziah Kabiru Suleiman, former Executive Director of News.
I knew him more as a sports Correspondent, one of the most vibrant sports broadcasters, enthusiasts, commentators, and writers throughout his years at VON.
With these track records, he rose to the pinnacle of his career in Broadcasting.
Ahaziah Suleiman transferred his service to VON from NTA Bauchi. The sports desk was his forte. He showed dexterity, panache, and industry in sports broadcast at VON. His colleagues at the sports desk were Emeka Odikpo, Tom Offiong, Francis Ehikhaese, Lekan Sowande, and Terve Dominic in those days at the Broadcasting House, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Oga Emeka Odikpo and Francis Ehikhaese are retirees. Tom Offiong is now in the United States. He sought greener pastures after the coverage of the USA 1994 World Cup.
I enjoyed his reportage on the production of sports programmes such as ‘On the Ball, Sports Round Up’ among others.
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He had the opportunity to travel across continents to cover international sporting events in the good old days of VON.
As a broadcast administrator, before his retirement, Ahaziah, as fondly called by colleagues, gave the job his best.
He was good to me at the VON News Directorate. I recalled his recommendation for my PhD. programme at Babcock University, ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. I remained grateful sir.
Oga Ahaziah Suleiman has equally been a good neighbour at VON Garden City Estate, Lugbe Abuja. When I was transferred to Abuja from Lagos last year, he ensured my house was secured from my tenant and gave me a mattress to lay my head on. The house was not properly maintained by my tenant. I was thinking of where to start the repairs from. He encouraged me to start living in the two-bedroom apartment and pick each item of convenience to buy at an appropriate time once funds were available. He is checking on me at intervals on his way home. That was a great brotherly love from a senior colleague.
At your retirement, Oga EDN, the beats must go on slowly but steadily. I look forward to this in four years, too, by Allah’s grace.
Happy retirement, Sir.
