By Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu
The National Deputy President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), Mr. Kelechi Mejuobi, led members of the association’s national executive to attend the three-day Fidda’u prayer for the late National President, Alhaji Sani Zubairu.
The prayer session was held on Thursday at the deceased’s residence in Bauchi metropolis, following his passing last Monday.
Mr. Mejuobi described the late Sani Zubairu as an exemplary leader who guided referees across the country with fairness, free from tribalism, religious bias, or any form of discrimination.
He noted that members of the association nationwide were deeply shocked by the news of his death, describing it as a great loss to the football community.
“The national body of the association will immortalise the late President. His contributions to the development of football and the nation at large will never be forgotten, considering the sacrifices he made,” Mejuobi said.
He added that the loss of Zubairu is not only for his immediate family but for the entire refereeing and football community in Nigeria.
“At this critical time, we all feel the pain of losing a mentor, a leader, and a father figure. His absence has created a vacuum in the leadership of the association that will be difficult to fill, given his kindness, patience, honesty, dedication, and strong fear of God,” he said.
Mr. Mejuobi assured that the association would continue to support the family of the deceased in all aspects of their lives.
“We are here in Bauchi State at the residence of our boss, mentor, and leader to condole his family, the government, and the good people of Bauchi State,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the family, a younger brother of the deceased, Dr. Wada Umar Sani, expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executives led by President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), members of the football community, and Nigerians across the country for their condolence visits, prayers, and messages of support.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late Sani Zubairu, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Dignitaries who attended the Fidda’u prayer included former President of the association, Alhaji Ahmad Maude Zaria; Board Member of Barau Football Club Kano, Alhaji Mukhtar Ahmad Zico; as well as executives of various state referees associations, among others.
