A Farewell To My Brother/Friend, Alhaji Kabir Umar

By Sani Mohammed Zaria (SWAN President, 1996-2002)

The news of the passing of my dear friend and brother, Alhaji Kabir Umar, came as a painful shock. It is difficult to come to terms with the reality that a man of such courage, conviction, and integrity has answered the final call in the Egyptian capital. He was buried today at the Bachama cemetery after the funeral prayer at the ‘Yan lilo mosque.

I first met Kabir in the late 1980s when my journalism career was blossoming at Triumph Newspapers. He had already carved a niche for himself in Nigerian football through his remarkable leadership of Ranchers Bees Football Club, transforming the club into one of the most admired teams in the country.

Our friendship blossomed years later when we served together on the Board of the Nigerian Football Association. He represented his zone while I served as President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. We shared an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the progress of Nigerian football. We were never afraid to speak our minds, and we stood shoulder to shoulder whenever principle was at stake. So often did we sit together to dissect issues that our Chairman, Col. Abdulmuminu Aminu (rtd), would jokingly separate us to keep Board deliberations moving. Today, those memories bring smiles through tears.

Kabir Umar was a man who could not be intimidated or persuaded to abandon what he believed was right. He was fearless, honest, and fiercely loyal to his convictions. Those qualities earned him respect, even from those who disagreed with him.

Beyond football, I witnessed the warmth of his heart as a father. When his son, Adamu, joined Unity Bank, Kabir entrusted him to my care with remarkable confidence. From then on, Adamu became like a son to me. I was privileged to guide him, including encouraging his transition to Canada. Nothing pleased Kabir more than seeing his son grow into a responsible and successful young man. That trust he placed in me is a privilege I will cherish forever.

As we bid farewell, I choose not to dwell on his departure but on the remarkable life he lived. He served football with honour, cherished his family with devotion, and nurtured friendships with sincerity. His legacy is written not only in the history of Nigerian football but also in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.

To the entire Umar family, I pray that Almighty Allah grants you the strength to bear this great loss. May He forgive Alhaji Kabir Umar’s shortcomings, widen and illuminate his grave, and admit him into Aljannatul Firdaus.

Farewell, my brother/friend. Your courage inspired many, your loyalty enriched our lives, and your memory will remain with us for generations to come.

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amin.