Nigeria, Aug. 28 -- The passing of Colonel Mohammed Mana (FSS psc; rtd.) on Friday, 22nd August in Abuja, is not only a great personal loss to me but also a painful departure for Nigeria and humanity. He was a soldier, a statesman, a sound administrator, a leader, wonderful family man and above all, a compassionate human being who left indelible footprints in the sands of time.

I first met him in 1996 when he assumed duty as the Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, where I was a Lieutenant, then serving as Army Public Relations Officer (APRO) for both Depot Nigerian Army (Depot NA) and the Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria. From the onset, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, clarity of purpose and a rare dedication to excell...