If only i could find the words....but words fail me... all i can say is "Innalillahi wa inna ilaihim raji'un...My dearest farie...my sister, my friend, my roomate... Allah ya jikan ki da Rahama...We remember you today as always..and pray for you..insha Allah every single day till my last breath...
May Allah (SWT) grant you eternal rest. Amin
Fa - fa, thats what i call you , whenever i walk by your office i still hear your voice calling me Wos- wos, i remember when we both used to come to work together, you wud text me every morning that you are ready...you were a very wonderful friend, the last discussion we had was for you to give me gist about something during lunch hours which never happened. i can go on and on and on, i am glad we had loving memories together,and i ll forever cherish them. i will miss you greatly Farie... InshAllah Al-jannah will be your final resting place, i Pray to Allah that i see you again in the hereafter in Bliss. InshaAllah...
Farida was more than a friend to me, she was always there to listen and to help. She was my partner in crime.Despite the fact she was a Muslim, she will ping me as early as 6am on Sundays saying '' ENSURE YOU GO TO CHURCH'' She wll greatly be missed Dear friend rest in the bosom of the Lord.
On the afternoon of Sunday, June 3, before Dana Air Flight 992 plummeted to claim the lives of at least 170 innocent passengers and people on the ground, the gentle and beautiful soul of a wonderful young lady sat in the airplane, anxious to land in Lagos in order to begin her job training. Farida Shehu Kaikai, born on November 16, 1981, tragically died along with other victims of the coffin that Dana Air insisted on flying that tragic day.
Farida was the best daughter any parent could wish for, the best sister any sibling could have and the best friend anybody could have ever wished for. She started her primary education at St Louis Primary School and finished in Aunty Ramatu Primary School, both in Katsina. She then proceeded to Hassan Gwarzo Secondary School in Kano and finished in Federal Government Girls’ College, Zaria. Farida stayed in Zaria where she attended the Ahmadu Bello University in order to study Economics, after which she proceeded to the University of Sunderland, UK, to do her master’s in Human Relations. Farida got a job at Aso Savings and Loans in Abuja and was travelling to Lagos for a few days of job training…
Farida was always happy and ready to share that joy. She made friends with everyone who knew her and never discriminated. One of the glowing qualities of Farida was that she never forgot her friends and always tried to keep in touch with them, especially on their birthdays.
Farida was never married and her one wish was to find a good man that she could settle down with. During a recent wedding ceremony of a friend, after catching the bouquet, she turned to her friends and said, “Look, I caught the bouquet and, if the saying is true, I’ll be getting married next!” While Farida never lived to see that day, we pray that in Paradise Allah would provide her with a husband who would delight her heart.
Farida is survived by her mother Hajiya Thayibba Shehu Kaikai and five siblings -- Maryam, Mukhtar, Abubakar, Aisha and Yasmin. Today, as Farida’s family mourn her, her friends from FGGC Zaria (Brown Checkers) pray and mourn as follows:
Yasmin Ahmed: Farida was the epitome of a true friend. She had a heart that was even more lovely than her ever so beautiful and radiant face. Ya Allah please forgive her shortcomings and grant her paradise.
Asiya Zakari Muhammad: Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. Words seem inadequate to express my feelings on hearing of Farida’s death. Farida will always be in my prayers.
Halima Bello Sani: Allah gave me a wonderful friend in you Farida. You were a person whom I could trust with any confidence and your advice and guidance helped me in so many ways.
Zainab Lawal Gwamna: I will thank Allah every day for having given me Farida as a dear and close friend. I will miss you in a way that words cannot convey.
Badiya Awak: It was a joy to know Farida. We had become very good friends and we enjoyed each other’s company. I will love and miss her forever.
Yemisi Oshagbemi: One of the saddest moments is when you hear of the death of a dear friend. Farida was that to me. My heart is broken today.
Gbemisola Adegun-Elekula: Mademoiselle Farie...pretty, outspoken, outgoing, loves life … a beautiful light dimmed today! Adieu.
Hadiza Mohammed: May Allah enhance your recompense, Farida, and be generous in your calamity and forgive you and induce you with patience and multiply for us and for you recompense through patience.
Dyenaan Dawan-Labesa: My heart is so heavy because F. was a different person not because she has passed on, but that lady was an angel in disguise. I can’t recall her fighting with anybody. Lord, mercy is all we ask for Farida Shehu Kaikai…
Sharifa Mustapha: Farida’s loss is shared by many friends who care and she will be in our thoughts and hearts and in our every prayer.
Adama Lawal: Your life was full of loving deeds, forever thoughtful of our special needs. Today and tomorrow, my whole life through, I will always love and cherish you.
Maryam Lawal: Gone, yet not forgotten. Although we are apart, the memory of your friendship will live forever in my heart, Farida.
Hauwa Ibrahim A: Allah ya jikan Farida. She was an incredibly special person and a gift to the world.
Saudatu Rimi: The one thing I can now give my dear friend Farida in exchange for the years of loyal friendship is my prayers. May Allah open the gates of Aljana Firdaus for Farida.
Rukaiyya Amin: Farida had the most radiant smile and peaceful soul. Her death is a heartbreaking tragedy.
Bilkisu Salihu: I am shocked and grief-stricken to learn of Farida’s death, and express profound sorrow and condolences to her family.
Binta Yusuf: Farida was more than a friend to me, she was a sister. Today my heart weeps and prays for my sister.
Zainab Ibrahim Haruna: She was a sunshine on a bright summer’s day. Her glowing heart and pious soul will never be forgotten.
Halima Sule Ahman: We pray almighty Allah to forgive Farida’s shortcomings and admit her into al-jannah firdaus. I will miss her.
Zainab O. Zubairu: I am so grateful for the life and friendship of Farida. I truly appreciated her. May Allah in his infinite mercies have mercy on her soul and bless her, grant her forgiveness and expiate her sins by mercy.
Khadija Yusuf: The gift of Farida’s friendship is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Allah ya jikan ta.
Hauwa Ndayako: I was close to Farida and we used to joke a lot. Today I pray for Allah to expand her grave, illuminate it and grant her wonderful and blessed companions in the grave.
Amina Ndayako: The loss of Farida continues to break my heart every time I remember her beautiful face. I pray for Allah to forgive her.
Omotsome Olowodun: I’m in shock from this senseless tragedy that saw me lose my friend. May Farida find peaceful rest. She will never be forgotten.
Fatima Enagi: Only people that are lucky in life can say that they have been blessed with a truly good friend… I was one of those lucky people to have had Farida as a friend. I will miss her.
Aghogho Okodaso-Omolegbe: Through the years that I have known Farida, I was certain of her as a good person with a good character. She always goes out of her way to be kind. May that goodness protect her in the hereafter.
Hasiya Ghaji: May Allah in his mercy grant Farida rest; may her grave be an abode of light and not darkness. May Allah (SWT) make her pass successfully in all the stages of the life after death. Amiin.
Lolade Bolarinwa: If only we had known, we would have agreed on the lunch you suggested.
Janet Arua-Alex: My friend Farida is gone but will never be forgotten. May her gentle soul rest in everlasting peace.
Fatima Yuguda: With a broken heart, I pray for Allah to grant my sister Farida light in her grave.
Amina Natsu: I’m devastated to learn of Farida’s death. No one knows when it is their time to go. May my friend rest in peace, Insha Allah.
Faiza Usman Jibrin: My darling friend is gone forever. May Allah give strength to the beloved family and friends she left on earth.
Zainab Hammayero: May Allah forgive all Farida’s sins and count her among the ones to follow Prophet Mohammed to Aljannat Firdaus. Ameen.
Rashida Adamu Gumba: Never thought Saturday would be the last time we would meet. So you came to bid me farewell siree? Allah ubangiji ya jikan ki da rahama.
Asmau Ardo: I pray to Allah to bless my sister Farida with his forgiveness and mercy. Allah ya jikan ta.
Lauriya Baba: Farida’s big heart is the reason why so many mourn for her and this is why we cherish everything she has meant to our lives. May her soul rest in peace.
Rukaiya el-Rufai Mohammed: May Allah grant Farida Jannah and forgive her sins. Amin. Indeed, the way she died has the virtue of martyrdom.
Fatima Jibrilla: Farida was my friend. Our trip to the Holy Land will forever stay with me and I’m glad I got to share it with you. Not only was Farida a special friend and sister, she was a very, very special human being. She will be greatly missed. Allah ya jikan ta.
Mary Bawa-Gomwalk: Rest on, dear friend. I will forever hold you dear in my heart.
Ainau Sani Makudi: The loss of Farida is a loss of titanic proportions. Those of us who knew her know that we have lost a gem and a great friend. May Allah grant her Jannah.
Rukkiaya Sulieman: My darling friend Farida, I pray for Allah to forgive you, comfort you in your grave and lighten your stay.
Rumasau Mahuta: Allah ya gafarta miki, my cousin, my friend. Oh how my heart weeps. I’m sad my children will not get to learn from you.
Zainab Abdulrazaq: To Allah we belong and to him we shall return. My friend has returned to her Maker. May she reside in Aljanna.
Mardiyyah Ja’afar: The departure of Farida is a great loss to all who knew her and I would like to tell the world how special she was and convey my condolences to her family.
Halima Ango Abdullahi: O Allah! Forgive my friend Farida, elevate her status among the guided people and look after the family that she left behind. Amen. I will miss her greatly.
Fatima Dabo Aliyu: It is with the great sorrow I learnt of the death of my friend and sister Farida. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may Almighty give her family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. Amen.
Aisha Iya Abubakar: Farida’s death breaks my heart. This unexpected demise is something which keeps all of us in great grief. Farida was not a friend that I liked; she was a sister that I loved. Allah ya jikan ta.
Saadatu Umitta Musawa Imam: I am truly saddened by Farida’s death. Farida was an amazing person. Her passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her voice and smile will forever stay with me, and I will love her forever.
AN ELEGY FOR A SOLITAIRE: FARIDA SHEHU KAIKAI (U00EC1003)
NEVER GONE
Death be not proud for you have not conquered this,
Forever alive FSK, you are not gone.
The kindness in your heart still reverberates,
We feel the warmth of your laughter,
The hands you lent we still use,
And the joy you shared we hold dear.
Forever alive FSK, in our minds immortality you gained
Animated memories of you leave no shadow, beautiful jewel.
Transposed in a spectrum of light by a transport cruel,
Homeward, you find rest as earths vain flees.
Missed you’ll ever be, as happy times we’ll always seek,
And a sweet smile as you gave we’ll crave,
Thus you’ll be mentioned ever we see a rose.
FSK, forever alive.
TRIBUTES FROM THE SOLITAIRES
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May Allah in His infinite Mercy grant her a home in Aljannatul-Firdaus, and grant her family the fortitude to bear the loss. Safiya Musa Mohammed (U00EC1046)
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Hhmmn Tweeny! I already miss you. I know tears cannot bring you back! My heart is heavy but, I promise to pray, pray, pray and pray for you till the day I breathe no more. Your humility brought out the best in me, thank you. Insha Allah your husband awaits you in Aljannatul-Firdaus, where I pray we’ll be friends all over again. For every birthday I will spend without you, your spirit is with me even though you are not here. Allah ya yi miki rahama! Maryam Yahya (Malory) (U00EC1006)
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It’s a thin line between life and death. Live right and remember, we aren’t promised tomorrow. Life ends very soon. So be grateful for the people that fill your days withjoy, love and tears. You will miss them once they have gone. You can’t see that I’m hurting, you don’t notice the pain. It feels like everyone else is sitting in the sunshine, while I drowned in the rain. Allah Ya jikan Farida. Mohammed Naseer Ibraheem (U00EC1106)
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After a very short visit, sadly, now you are late. You left behind a world of misery, nothing but sheer hate. The joy of this world is but just bait. I know one but one, that we all have to meet that fate. Finally, you can have cool days and quiet nights. No more bombs blasts or ill-fated crashed flights. I pray that when we meet again, we’ll all dine amongst the righteous. Ibrahim Manzuma (U00EC2010)
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May Allah rest her soul, amin. Abdul-Razzaq Adesoji Oyawoye (U00MM1029)
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Farida was gentle and very kind. Her passing came as a sudden shock but Almighty Allah knows best. It was an honour to have been a part of her life’s journey. May Allah (SWT) grant her Aljannatul-Firdaus and, may He give her family the fortitude to bear this loss. Ayishat Omar (U00EC1056)
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Farida! Paragon of beauty, Wagon of virtue. Steady shall your journey be, to the beyond Allah shall be your Provider. Our prayers? Forgiveness and blessings of Allah shall be with you. Amen. Rest in peace. Bello AbdulAzeez (U00EC1110)
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FSK.... known you since 1999, a sweet soul you are inside and out. For me, you are not dead; you live on forever in my heart. RIP. Betty Abiona-Bamidele (U00EC1154)
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I was shocked and devastated when I heard you were on board the ill-fated Dana flight that crashed. I prayed and hoped it was a dream, but you are gone my friend, Farida. I pray your soul finds rest. Death is indeed a painful intruder, a pernicious reminder of our human condition. I am glad our part crossed in this life and, you were such a great person that cared about her friends. I will always remember you. Yusuf Sambo (U00EC2034)
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As the sun sets in paradise, we relive the memories of the day. The laughs we had, the goofing that made us friends, the shoulders that made us strong and the tears that made us tight. Grim, the reaper plucked this fruit green, this, yes this one sets edge to teeth. Farida, I am sad – the best of days had just begun as midnite oil gave way to noonday sun. I miss you. Gabriel Ekha (U00EC1060)
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Farida! Simple, unassuming, pretty, friendly, quiet are just some of the words to describe you. You were a classmate and a friend. I will surely miss you. Rest in the bossom of the Lord. Bosede Ogunbi-Otaigbe (U00EC1005)
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I was introduced to Farida just before we started our first class in remedial (in 2000). My cousin was like, hey she was also going to study Economics, and so I thought I have found a friend and, she proved to be more than just that. Farida was a sister to me; we went to lectures together, ate together, stayed on the same block, went to Kaduna for weekends, we learnt how to drive together where she got a personal coach to teach us. I could go on and on and on ....... but the last thing we did was postpone lunch which we will never have here but, I pray to have it with her in Aljannatul Firdaus Insha Allah. She was considerate enough to say, “Just wait till after your exams”. That is Farida for you, never selfish, always willing to go the extra-mile for you. Farida, happy times past, that is all I have to remember you by. You were a friend when I needed a friend; you were a sister when I had none; you took me as I am without judging. I pray for Allah’s infinite mercy upon you my dear sweet friend. I will miss you forever. Aishatu Dahiru Modibbo (U00EC1004)
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I have lost a dear friend and no matter how long I live, I will always count her among my favourite people. I actually came to appreciate her humility, simplicity and generousity after graduation and good friends we became ever since. Ironically, I woke up on that fateful day (030612) with the thought of calling her. I would never have disobeyed my instinct had I been aware of the cruel turn of events. You are dearly missed and shall never be forgotten and while you are no longer with us, your spirit and virtues shall continue to permeate and endure. Rest in peace my dear friend.Saidu Musa Abdullahi (U00EC1082)
Courtesy: The Solitaire (The Economic Class of U00/01DE), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
This is our last day in University of Sunderland England when lesli gofton finishes the lecture and we had a group photo with Raza, Saad(Behind) Vera, Huwa and You beloved farida. we remember you and miss you always.
