Yesterday marked a significant moment in the history of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as we bid farewell to one of our most dedicated and esteemed members, Engr. Goni Sanda, who tendered his voluntary retirement .
NAHCON has been profoundly enriched by his unwavering commitment, exceptional professionalism, and exemplary service. Today, we honor not just his contributions, but also the remarkable legacy of a man whose life has been an embodiment of faith, humility, and devotion to duty.
Engr. Sanda’s journey with NAHCON began during the tenure of Prof. Gwandu, who personally invited him from the private sector to establish the Commission’s ICT Unit. Initially, Engr. Sanda believed this would be a brief assignment lasting only a few weeks.
When he was informed that the task would take six months, he hesitated, insisting that the timeline was excessive because he didn’t like working with government. However, he was gently reminded that their work at NAHCON was a sacred service to Allah’s guests, carrying immense spiritual rewards.
These words resonated deeply with Engr. Sanda, inspiring him to dedicate himself to NAHCON with the sincere intention of earning Allah’s pleasure.
From that moment, his sincerity and determination became evident to all. In 2019, Engr. Sanda attempted to resign, but the management, fully aware of his invaluable contributions, sought his family’s intervention to convince him to remain in service.
Their efforts succeeded at the time. However, his most recent resignation, carefully discussed and approved by his family beforehand, reflects his thoughtful approach and his determination to close this chapter of his career with grace and dignity.
Engr. Sanda is an extraordinary example of integrity and selflessness. His humility and fairness left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. A personal story comes to mind: during a visit to the EFCC, he realized he had forgotten his ATM card, and I offered to pay for our meal. Although the amount was minor, he insisted that, as an elder, it was inappropriate for me to bear the cost. He promptly requested my account details to reimburse me—a testament to his unwavering sense of accountability and fairness.
Throughout his career at NAHCON, Engr. Sanda upheld the highest standards of honesty and transparency. He consistently refused bribes and distanced himself from any form of malpractice. Notably, when he received estacodes for official travel but did not stay the full duration, he would refund the unused portion to the Commission—an admirable habit that underscored his ethical principles.
His remarkable work ethic and leadership were unmatched. Always punctual, Engr. Sanda was a fixture at the office by 8 a.m., setting a standard for others to follow. He nurtured and mentored countless staff members, imparting valuable skills and fostering a culture of professionalism and excellence. His impact on the workforce will continue to inspire long after his departure.
Engr. Sanda’s kindness extended far beyond the workplace. A memorable story from 2019 captures the essence of his generosity. A staff member of the Commission, while commuting in a taxi, engaged the driver in conversation. The driver revealed that the vehicle had been gifted to him by a benefactor who advised him to fear Allah, work honestly, and share the earnings equally. When asked who this benefactor was, the driver proudly replied, “It was Engr. Goni Sanda.” This moving account is one of many that illustrate his quiet but profound acts of generosity, which have touched and transformed lives.
As we bid farewell to Engr. Goni Sanda, we do so with immense gratitude and admiration for a man who has devoted himself to a life of service, guided by faith and anchored in integrity. His legacy is one of honesty, humility, and unwavering commitment to the greater good.
We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) rewards him abundantly for his sacrifices, blesses him in all his future endeavors, and grants him continued health, peace, and fulfillment. May his exemplary life inspire us all to emulate his good deeds as we collectively strive to uphold the values he so ardently embodied.
Engr. Sanda, your remarkable legacy will forever remain a cornerstone of NAHCON’s story. As you embark on this new chapter, we wish you the very best.
With profound respect and prayers,
Rabiu Ibrahim Gusau, Esq.
