By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Late Nigerian Olympian, Coach Yohanna Waziri was a rare gem and a legend whose replacement will be difficult to find.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Kabiru Mato expressed this, while speaking at the burial of the late sportsman at his residence in Sabon Tasha GRA, Kaduna on Friday October I, 2021.
“Yohanna Waziri was a legend in every aspect.
“The truth is that we have lost a gem. I don’t know if we can get a replacement, but even if, it would take time,” he said.
The Commissioner of Sports who was represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Yusuf Yamai, described the deceased as humble.
“He was humble, a good man and an inspirer. There are athletes representing NIgeria presently that he mentored,” he added.
Also speaking, the District Head of Kufana in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state, His Highness, Titus Dauda said that it is good to be close to people and maintain good relationship with neighbors, the way the late Waziri lived his life.
The Royal Father said that the entire Kufana District prays for the repose of his soul.
In his remarks, Coach Felix Oseibe on behalf of Athletics Association of Kaduna State, described late Coach Waziri as honest, sincere and humble, who encouraged people to stand strong.
“He was a man of peace. I am also standing on behalf of Athletics Coaches Association of Nigeria, and the association will greatly miss him,” he said.
In his sermon, Pastor Bobai Tanko, reading from Deutreonomy Chapter 34, vs 1-12, which he titled “the Death of a hero” said that the late Waziri was a hero admired and loved by many.
He advised people to be righteous and heroes so that those left behind will speak good of them when they pass on.
He said, “to be a hero, you must impact lives.”
Citing example from the story of Moses in the Bible, he said he was someone who walked with God and was a hero to the Israelites.
Late Yohanna Waziri popularly known as Ajagunana was born on October 1, 1964.
He represented Kaduna State and NIgeria at various sporting events locally and Internally, including the Olympics.
His burial procession started from the St. Gerard’s Catholic Hospital where his remains were deposited, to the ECWA English Service (EES), Sabon Tasha GRA, before interment at his residence.
At the funeral were several dignitaries including staff of Kaduna Sports Ministry, Traditional Rulers, sportsmen and women, coaches, clergy and sportswriters.
He died on 27th September 2021, three days before his birthday.
