Ayuba Wabba Mourns: Patriarch and Military Veteran Dies at 90

The Nigerian labour community and the people of Borno State have been plunged into mourning following the transition of Mallam Jidayi Filibus Asarya Wabba, the father of the immediate past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba. The elder statesman passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy defined by three decades of military service and a deep commitment to grassroots leadership.

A devout Christian and a disciplined patriot, the late Mallam Wabba dedicated 35 years of his life to the Nigerian Army, where he served with distinction before retiring to a quiet life in his ancestral home. His military background deeply influenced his post-service years, as he became a symbol of integrity and moral guidance within the Askira Emirate. His transition marks the end of a long and fulfilled chapter for a man who witnessed nearly a century of Nigeria’s evolving history.

Upon his retirement from the military, Wabba did not withdraw from public life; instead, he channeled his energy into community development. He served as the District Head of Sabongari-Puba in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. In this traditional role, he was a tireless advocate for self-help initiatives, focusing on mentoring the youth and providing sage counsel during elders’ council meetings. His leadership was characterized by a rare humility that endeared him to both his subjects and the traditional institution.

The Emir of Askira, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mai Abdullahi Ibn Askirama, has already paid glowing tribute to the deceased, describing him as a pillar of wisdom whose courage would continue to inspire the community. The monarch noted that Mallam Wabba’s life was a testament to the values of discipline and selfless service, qualities that have clearly been inherited by his children, most notably Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who also holds the traditional title of Barden Askira.

The late patriarch is survived by his wife, 11 children, and 26 grandchildren. His death has drawn condolences from across the country, with current NLC leadership expressing profound shock and sorrow. The labour movement has described his passing as the loss of a “disciplined elder statesman” whose influence extended far beyond the borders of Borno State, touching the lives of many through his commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

Burial arrangements have been finalized, with the family announcing that the late Mallam Wabba will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. in his hometown of Sabongari-Puba. The event is expected to draw a significant gathering of military veterans, traditional rulers, and high-ranking members of the Nigerian labour movement who wish to pay their final respects to a man who served both his country and his community with unwavering devotion.

As the Wabba family prepares for this final transition, the mood in Sabongari-Puba remains one of reflective gratitude for a life well-lived. The patriarch’s journey from the battlefields of the Nigerian Army to the quiet halls of traditional leadership stands as a powerful example of the “citizen-soldier” ideal. For the people of Askira/Uba, the void left by his departure will be felt for years, but his legacy of integrity remains a guiding light for the next generation.