Pa Kaffoi: Royalty Remembered For Simplicity
“Pa Kaffoi was a quintessential father and leader who left sterling footprints in both his private and public life. He combined the simplicity of serving humanity and making life easier for weary feet on the path of life. I met him twice. The encounters reflected the essentials of a monarch who lived a life of simplicity, though royal in every sense of the word”.
BY SIMON REEF MUSA
When I met him last year during one of his medical visits to Abuja, Pa Kaffoi, whom we all called ‘Young Papa’ may have looked sick, but he carried a vestige of past greatness. He was a metaphor for an interesting old man whose life of simplicity remained an unrivaled capacity to relate with all ages without qualms. Even in old age, his height remained untampered and his gaiety was reflective of his past. One fact I got instantly from the two encounters we had was that he was a man full of gratitude. He was a delightful listener and demonstrated caution in his conversation.
I only got to know of his profile after his death. Pa Kaffoi who died short of four years to his centenary birthday was born in 1928 in Samaru-Kataf of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State to the family of Kaffoi Achi Sabanet. The then tall young and fair-complexioned man would later attend a Driving School at C5 Market Road (now Ibrahim Taiwo Road) in 1954 and obtained a driver’s license. With a driving skill acquired, the young Joshua would be employed to be the official driver of the District Head of Kagarko, His Royal Highness Mallam Baba.
He was also the official driver of Hon Shekarau Ka’ah who represented Kachia/Jema’a Federation in Lagos from 1960 – 1963. He worked for a private Italian surveyor before he was formally employed by the Federal College of Chemical and Leather Technology Zaria as Driver in 1964 and retired as Chief Driver in 1985.
While alive, Pa Kaffoi was a family man and dedicated Christian who held many positions in the church as a reflection of demonstration of his commitment to his Christian faith. He was the Youth Representative (Sarkin Samari da yanmata) at the 1st ECWA Church, Samaru-Zaria and later rose to become Assistant Chairman, First Evangelist African Church (now St James Anglican Church from 1997 -2004). He also served as Chairman, Tei Youth Development Association, Samaru-Zaria, from 1968 – to 1971. He would later be elected as Chairman of the Kataf Youth Development Association (KYDA) between 1971 and 1981.
Upon his retirement from the public service, he returned home and deployed his energies to community services. In recognition of this commitment, Kaffoi was crowned as Madaki in March 1995 and was later elevated to the position of Dakachi of Samaru 1 from March 2003 to 2018. From 2018 till his death on June 23, 2024, Kaffoi was the Dakachi Samaru-Kataf community.
His marriage to his former heartthrob Miss Agya Akut produced eight children: Habila (late); Elisha (late); Deborah, Nana, Na’omi (late); Emma (late); Ruth and Salome. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and a great grandchild.
One of the surviving daughters, Ruth, has this to say on life with her father that she fondly called ‘Young Papa’: “I still find it hard to believe that you’re no longer here. Your absence feels like a wound that will never truly heal; a constant reminder of the incredible man we lost. I miss you more than words can express. I celebrate your life and the profound impact you had on mine and the family.
“You were my hero. From my earliest memories, you were there with your gentle smile and strong, comforting presence. You taught me how to be brave, and most importantly, how to love unconditionally. Your kindness and patience were limitless, and you were always there to guide me through life’s ups and downs. I remember the way your eyes lit up when you talked about your passions. You expressed them with a quiet grace that I admired so much.
“You showed me the beauty in simple things, in finding joy in every moment. You were my biggest cheerleader, always encouraging me to follow my dreams. When I doubted myself, you were there to remind me of my strength. Your belief in me was unwavering, and it gave me the confidence to pursue my passions. I owe so much of who I am today to your love and support. Your wisdom was a guiding light in my life. You had a way of seeing the world that was so profound and unique. Whenever I faced a tough decision, your advice was always the first I sought. Even now, I find myself wondering what you would say, what guidance you would offer.
“Though you’re not here to answer, I still feel your presence, your voice echoing in my heart. The memories we shared are treasures I hold dear. I’ll never forget our heartfelt conversations, the way you made me laugh until my sides ached. You had a gift for making everyone around you feel special and loved. The world is a little dimmer without your light, but your legacy lives on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know you.
“Thank you, Young Papa, for everything. For your love, your wisdom, your unwavering support. You shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I promise to carry your spirit with me, to live in a way that honors the incredible person you were. Though you’re no longer by my side, you’ll always be in my heart. We miss you, and we love you more than words can say, the Young Papa!”
Another daughter, Nana, notes: “Baba, Sweet Daddy Honourable, in the next world I want you to be my father. None can be compared with you. You are the greatest, you are a faithful father. Sweet Daddy, continue to rest in perfect peace till we part no more in Jesus name. Amen”.
Salome eulogises her father: “Your absence leaves footprint, and heart pieces. I pray to God above with arms open, a heavy jaw, constantly visited by hidden tear floods and a tear-stained face, swollen with grief. Pull out this misery from its roots and retell the story of all those moments wrestling my soul, not to be lost in time, like tears in rain, Lord.
“Those moments we laughed about by remembering the days we cried, and those moments we cried by remembering the days we laughed. The weight in our hearts is not the kind that feels like Prison, but is the freedom from this sinful world that gives me hope that you are in a Better place”.
Deborah, in her tribute, recalls: “Baba was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and unwavering love in our family. Throughout his life, he taught us the importance of integrity, perseverance, and kindness. His stories of resilience and courage, from overcoming personal hardships to supporting our family through thick and thin, will forever inspire us. Even in his final days, his spirit remained indomitable, and he faced his brief illness with the same dignity and grace that defined his entire life.
“Baba’s legacy is one of boundless love and selflessness. He was not just a father, but a mentor and a friend. His laughter filled our home with joy, and his guidance shaped us into who we are today. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived and the countless memories he leaves behind. Though he is no longer with us in person, his lessons and love will continue to guide us. We are profoundly grateful for the time we had with him and will cherish his memory forever”.
Considering the tributes poured by his children, Pa Kaffoi was a quintessential father and leader who left sterling footprints in both private and public life. He combined the simplicity of serving humanity and making life easier for those weary feet on the path of life. I met him twice. The encounters reflected the essentials of a monarch who lived a life of simplicity, though royal in every sense of the word.
Young Papa, as you are buried tomorrow Friday, 5th July, 2024, in the land in habited by the people your served and loved, may the band of angels accompany you to your celestial home, and may you be united with your heartthrob and children that predeceased you. For Ruth, now that anxious weeks of medicals are over for your kind-hearted father, may the shared moments of the past provide relief during this present bereavement. You and your siblings must be eternally grateful and proud that Young Papa loved and enjoyed the bitter and sweetness of life in almost equal measure.
