By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The family of the late Alhaji Umar Gimba, aged 50, on Wednesday held a Fidau (third-day) prayer at his Ibaji Quarters residence in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The solemn event drew relatives, friends, political associates, and community members, who gathered to pray for the repose of his soul and console the bereaved family.
Late Alhaji Umar Gimba died on Sunday after a protracted illness, a development that threw his family, friends, and the entire Ibaji Quarters community into deep mourning.
He was remembered as a humble, God-fearing, and community-oriented man, whose passing created a painful vacuum in the lives of those who knew him.
The Chief Imam of Lokoja, Sheikh Aminu Shaban, presided over the prayer, leading Islamic scholars and faithful in recitations from the Holy Qur’an and special supplications for the deceased.
In his sermon, Sheikh Shaban reminded Muslims of the certainty of death and the importance of living a righteous and purposeful life. He emphasized the transience of worldly life, urging believers to seek Allah’s mercy through good deeds, humility, and service to humanity.
He prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy upon the late Gimba and advised the family to take solace in Allah’s will, who gives and takes life at His appointed time.
Among the dignitaries present was the former Acting Governor of Kogi State, Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi, who described the late Alhaji Umar Gimba as “his blossom boy” who had served him faithfully and diligently during his lifetime.
Olafemi commended the deceased for his loyalty, humility, and dedication to service, adding that his death was a great personal loss to him and to the entire Lokoja community.
He prayed for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Also in attendance was Hon. Isah Umar, a former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing Ward B, who stood in solidarity with the Gimba family and expressed his heartfelt condolences.
He prayed for Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the family the strength to bear the loss.
Dignitaries and community leaders at the prayer described Alhaji Umar Gimba as a devout Muslim, peace lover, and pillar of support within the community.
One attendee recalled how he often mediated in local disputes and assisted the less privileged without seeking recognition.
His simplicity, generosity, and compassion, they noted, would remain evergreen in the hearts of many.
The Fidau prayer featured Qur’anic recitations by clerics and students, followed by collective prayers seeking Allah’s forgiveness and the granting of Aljannatul Firdaus to the deceased.
Members of the Gimba family expressed deep gratitude to all who attended the Fidau and stood by them during their period of grief.
They thanked Sheikh Aminu Shaban, Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi, Hon. Isah Umar, and other well-wishers for their prayers, visits, and words of comfort.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Isah Umar thanked all guests and sympathizers for gracing the ceremony and praying for the late Alhaji Umar Gimba, wishing everyone journey mercies back to their various destinations.
Refreshments were later served as sympathizers continued to offer condolences and prayers for the peaceful repose of the late Gimba.
Late Alhaji Umar Gimba is survived by his wife and three children, who, alongside other relatives, continue to mourn his passing and celebrate the exemplary life he lived.
The event ended peacefully with renewed calls for unity, faith, and compassion among community members — virtues that the late Alhaji Umar Gimba lived by and is fondly remembered for.
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