We arrived in Abuja in line with the federal government directives that all federal institutions should relocate to Abuja from Lagos. I had just had a baby who was now a year and a half and did not want to move my life away from Lagos. So much to close, so much to toe, so many friends to say goodbye to. It was a defining moment. I am a creature of habit, and moving from a big city to a new one was a herculean task for me. Much as I did not like Lagos, I was now to move to a new city, which most Lagosians were avoiding as at the time, it seemed like no man’s land. But Patrick Ityohegh, mercurial DG of the Nigerian Television Authority and superstar panellist of Sunny Side of life, was determined to move us to Abuja. He believed in Abuja and was a loyal civil servant and therefore carried out President Babangida’s directives to the latter.
There were several false starts for which I was pretty glad until one fine afternoon it was time. My senior colleague Hauwa Baba Ahmed burst into the newsroom in Lagos and announced that my name was on the list of people going to Abuja. I did not believe it, and it did not help that I had a fever. Although there had been multiple low-key hints by Mr Ityohegh himself, the day had finally come. Breaking this news to my family was tough, but I went to Abuja eventually.
Enter Aisha Bello as she was then known. Calm, beautiful, sweet voiced, and a born broadcaster, Aisha and a host of other Abuja based NTA staff became our hosts. There was Zainab Banu, Ayoade Adewuyi, Hauwa Salihu, Joy Osiagwu, Mohammed Kudu Abubakar and Muhammed Labbo amongst several others. But we had seen Aisha a number of times when Abuja became a centre of interest. She was one of the frontline Newscasters from Abuja. She was friendly, unhurried, and truly a warm personality. But it was her beauty and crisp Broadcast voice that endeared her to many. She hardly raised her voice and soon became everyone’s buddy. I talked to her quite easily. In addition to her Newscaster skills, she was also an excellent reporter and headed the environment desk before her retirement.
Broadcasters hardly come made like her anymore. It was about craft, duty, simplicity, and national service. There would be no more Christmases with Aisha in it. Soft spoken colleague, friend, and Sister, Adieu.
Together, Aisha Bello and I burnt the tracks co-anchoring the premium NTA network news together when we suffered a dearth of male Newscasters who had not moved from Lagos and ladies had to co- pair. I found her an excellent co- anchor and a wonderful professional. We shared many memories on the silver screen as we brought the news to your homes. We had many chit chats between takes and had many moments of joy and moments of sadness we were obliged to broadcast.
In those hey days of broadcast, Aisha built her profile as a national figure and a much loved broadcaster. As is often the case with national outfits like NTA, we often spent Christmas in the newsroom sharing food, making jokes, and just doing our duties as essential workers. Aisha was truly a team player joining in food sharing and food bringing. Those were the days of professionalism and camaraderie. It was warm, it was community, and yet it was all in a day’s work.
Outside of work, we looked out for each other, and when Aisha was getting married, she chose my daughter Ojochide Abu to be her little bride. Chide has kept the pictures very dear to her heart and talks about it often. Then, of course, Safiya Yaro, her cerebral daughter whose literary prowess led to a phenomenal book Naja. Academic and literary powerhouse, Safiya became a mentee and friend, and together, we have spent time discussing literature and academia.
It was five a.m. Nigerian time when my sister travelling in the United States broke the news of Aisha’s passing. I did not want to believe it, but social media was already flooded with the tragic news.
I had not even heard that she had been ill, so it was a rude shock. My heart goes out to her family and her siblings. And to the entire NTA family. Indeed we have lost a rare gem. Broadcasters hardly come made like her anymore. It was about craft, duty, simplicity, and national service. There would be no more Christmases with Aisha in it. Soft spoken colleague, friend, and Sister, Adieu.
May God rest your lovely soul and grant your family the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen
Aisha was a role model to many young aspiring female broadcasters. Her legacy is assured. We still hear her sweet, charming voice and her beautiful face.
I thank all those who have sent their condolences. Please pray along with us.
