Nigeria, Jan. 12 -- Yesterday, friends, relations and colleagues of Salihu Bappa met at the Pavilion in Abuja in remembrance of his contributions to society, his commitment to progress, and in recognition of the role he played as an anchor of networking across generations, disciplines and numerous associations. The memorial event was chaired by his friend and school mate, Ahmadu Muazu, former governor of Bauchi State, who emphasised Bappa's role as a bridge builder across communities and networks since their childhood days in Gindiri, where they grew up in a very mixed and convivial Plateau State.

Bappa and I started our careers together as graduate assistants in Ahmadu Bello University in 1978. I called him O.C. Drama because of the way...