The unsung heroes working tirelessly to serve Nigeria with all their strength are present in every part of the country. Their contribution to nation-building depends on their capacity and resources. Still, the common thread among them is serving the nation and humanity without expecting dividends for their toil, deriving joy from putting smiles on the faces of those uplifted, and their readiness and zeal to do more.
In my last article, I discussed two remarkable personalities—Coach OBJ and Hajia Dr. Salamatu Garba of WOFAN—and promised to highlight more unsung heroes deserving national recognition. One such distinguished individual is Dr. Hassan Ahmed Gimba, the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Neptune Prime, a reputable and well-known online newspaper based in Abuja.
Dr. Hassan Ahmed Gimba is a distinguished Nigerian journalist, editor, author, and public affairs commentator whose work has greatly enriched national discourse and reinforced the foundations of responsible journalism in Nigeria. As the founder and publisher of one of the most widely read newspapers in Northeast Nigeria and beyond, Neptune Prime has established a credible platform for factual reporting, insightful analysis, and balanced storytelling, focusing on security, education, humanity, and other meaningful issues affecting Northern Nigeria and the country overall.
With decades of experience in the media sector, Dr. Hassan Gimba has earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and unbiased commitment to truth. His writings carry depth, objectivity, and a strong passion for national unity, good governance, and social development that goes beyond class, tribe, or religion.
Through his weekly column, The Arbiter, he consistently enlightens the public, challenges leaders to account for their actions, and amplifies the voices of underserved groups and individuals. Beyond journalism, Dr Gimba has remained a dedicated and inspiring mentor to young people from diverse tribes and religions across Nigeria. He has also mentored emerging writers and media professionals, contributing significantly to capacity-building and the promotion of ethical standards in the Nigerian press. His drive for youth support and empowerment led him to organise a national poetry competition in 2022, which attracted entries from talented young Nigerians nationwide. The competition was organised to support young writers and help them pursue their dreams. Outstanding participants were honoured with cash prizes and other valuable gifts for their exceptional submissions.
In 2024, Hassan Gimba demonstrated his commitment to community development by establishing and commissioning the Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School in Potiskum, Yobe State, to provide affordable, accessible, and quality education, thereby creating opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to learn, grow, and access a brighter future. His investment in the education sector reflects a strong passion for impacting the next generation and contributing to the nation’s development. Hassan Gimba’s exemplary service, patriotic engagements, and contributions to various sectors of national development continue to shape public opinion, inspire lives, and restore hope.
From adolescence to adulthood, Dr. Hassan has been a confident, dependable, optimistic, kindhearted, and innovative builder. His central vocation is serving people, especially the downtrodden, at the bottom of the ladder. He is a modern-day godfather who derives joy in empowering the youth. Visit his Neptune Prime office in Abuja and see the bright faces of young men and women working as interns, seasonal journalists, and administrators with much hope for a better tomorrow despite the ongoing hardship in the country. I wonder how Hassan managed to pay their monthly salaries, given the number of employees and the dwindling income from the newspaper business.
His benevolent life and beloved vocation rise even as the noose tightens around people’s necks. He continuously offers help generously to people from all directions. You trust Nigerians; they don’t let his phone rest, nor do they let him sleep. You can’t dissuade Hassan from attending to people as they bring their baskets of requests; he may not meet all their expectations, but he can comfort them with his soothing words and counseling, which renews their hope for a better tomorrow. When you meet Hassan with your gloomy face, you leave him smiling; I wonder what his magic wand is. That is vintage Hassan! I hereby nominate Dr. Hassan Gimba for the highest national recognition, as he genuinely deserves it for all his diligent service to humanity.
Another person deserving recognition is Sadauki Dabai, a retired office assistant at NAERLS, ABU Zaria. Office Assistant, also known as a “messenger,” is the lowest rank in civil service. Sadauki retired a few years ago but is still missed by his colleagues for his meritorious service and dedication. Sadauki served this country diligently, often working on weekends and public holidays, using that time to specifically clean offices and workplaces without supervision.
On regular working days, Sadauki arrives at the office by 7 am, dusts and cleans the offices assigned to him before 8 am, and stands at the parking lot to pick up officers’ bags and luggage as they arrive for the day’s work until 10 am. Thereafter, he washes the officers’ cars without being told or expecting any monetary reward. These were routine duties of Sadauki Dabai 24/7 from Monday to Friday for over three decades until he retired in 2023 at the age of 65. On weekends, he performs special cleaning—sweeping, washing, and weeding—of the environment and its surroundings.
Sadauki performed his official duties diligently, to the satisfaction of every staff member, with a smile and contentment. He was simply moved by a passion to serve humanity and increase national productivity, with little regard for his own welfare. In personal interactions with colleagues, Sadauki was reliable and dependable, always ready to lend a helping hand. He had an irresistibly pleasant personality; you cannot meet him without looking forward to seeing him again.
The great personae discussed in this column – Coach OBJ, Dr. Salamatu Garba, Dr. Hassan Gimba, and Sadauki Dabai – are among the few essential individuals who make Nigeria a great country through their selfless service. They need to be supported to continue their benevolent work while mentoring young people to create a glorious future for the nation. Can the National Honors Awards Committee accept my nominations?
