By Auwal Ahmad Umar

26 September 2026 is another painful day for me and for everyone who knew and loved Alhaji Mansur Lawal Isma’il. Today marks exactly 12 years since his death, yet the pain of losing him still feels fresh.

Twelve years may have passed, but some people are never truly gone. They remain alive in our memories, in the lessons they taught us, in the people they helped and in the lives they touched.

Alh. Mansur was one of those rare people.

His death was a painful loss to his family, his friends, his colleagues and the entire Nigerian journalism community. But for me personally, his departure was the loss of a brother, mentor, teacher and a man who played a significant role in my journey in journalism and in life.

I first met Alh Mansur on 14 June 2002.

On that day, Dr Hassan Gimba Ahmad, the publisher of Neptune Prime, posted me to Gombe as a correspondent for Informant and Mafadi newspapers.

I was not a stranger to Gombe. I am an indigene of Gombe State. But despite being from Gombe, I was still a young journalist trying to establish myself and find my place in the profession.

At that time, Alh. Mansur was the Chairman of the Gombe State Correspondents Chapel.

When I met him, he did something I have never forgotten.

He called his office assistant and said:

“This is my brother, Auwal. Anytime he comes to the office, allow him in.”

He then turned to me and said:

“If you want to send your story, come here or go to the Chapel and use the fax machine.”

Those simple words changed the direction of my professional life.

He did not look at me as a competitor. He did not see me as somebody who had come to take anything from him. Instead, he welcomed me like a younger brother.

From that day, Alh Mansur became my mentor.

He taught me many things not only about journalism, writing stories and dealing with sources, but also about life, relationships, patience, perseverance and how to succeed.

He was always ready to share his knowledge.

He never made you feel that you were asking too much. He was the kind of person who wanted to see others grow.

A Journalist Who Stood Apart

Alh. Mansur was a journalist who was different from many others.

His professionalism, integrity and commitment to the journalism profession were widely recognised.

He was originally from Zaria in Kaduna State, but his professional contribution in Gombe earned him respect far beyond his place of origin.

His reputation as a journalist and media professional also opened the door to public service.

In 2007, after Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje returned for a second tenure as Governor of Gombe State, he appointed Mansur as his Special Assistant on Media.

Later, under Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Alh Mansur served as Director-General, Press Affairs.

That appointment was a reflection of the confidence placed in his professional ability and understanding of the media.

One thing that still speaks to the respect he commanded was what happened after his death. The office he occupied as DG Press Affairs remained vacant for the rest of the tenure; no one was appointed to replace him.

For those who knew Alh Mansur, that was more than an administrative decision. It was a quiet reminder of the space he left behind.

The Man Who Always Reached Into His Pocket

But beyond the titles, positions and professional achievements was a much simpler story the story of a generous human being.

Alh Mansur was a man whose hand seemed almost permanently in his pocket, not because he was looking for something for himself, but because he was always looking for an opportunity to help somebody.

Sometimes you did not even need to ask.

He could look at you and understand that you needed help.

And if he had something to give, he gave.

That was Alh. Mansur.

He helped people quietly. He encouraged people privately. He supported people without demanding recognition.

He was not the type of person who measured friendship by what he could gain.

He gave because giving was part of who he was.

My Brother, My Mentor

For me, Alh Mansur was much more than a colleague.

He was the man who welcomed me when I was beginning my journey.

He was the man who opened his office to me.

He was the man who made his resources available to me.

He was the man who taught me.

He was the man who believed in me.

And he was the man I could call a brother.

When I remember that first meeting on 14 June 2002, I often wonder how one simple act of kindness could have such a lasting impact on another person’s life.

Mansur probably did not know what that gesture meant to me.

But I have never forgotten it.

Today, 12 years after his death, I still carry the lessons he taught me.

I still remember his voice.

I still remember his kindness.

I still remember the way he treated people.

And I still remember the doors he opened for me.

That is why today is not just an anniversary of his death.

It is a reminder of the life he lived.

A life of journalism.

A life of service.

A life of generosity.

A life of mentorship.

A life that touched many people.

Alh Mansur Lawal Isma’il may have left this world 12 years ago, but he did not leave our hearts.

His work remains part of the history of journalism in Gombe. His contribution to public communication remains part of the state’s story. And for those of us he mentored and helped, his influence continues to live through us.

Today, I do not have much to give him except prayers.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, reward him for every person he helped and every life he touched. May Allah illuminate and widen his grave, grant him eternal peace and admit him into Aljannatul Firdausi.

May Allah also give his family the strength to continue living with the loss of a man whose absence can never truly be replaced.

Mansur, 12 years have passed, but I still remember the young journalist you welcomed into your office in 2002.

I remember your kindness.

I remember your lessons.

I remember your brotherhood.

And I remember you.

You were my mentor.
You were my brother.
You were my friend.

May Allah grant you Aljannatul Firdausi.

Rest in peace, Alh Mansur Lawal Isma’il.

You will never be forgotten.

Auwal Ahmad Umar
26 September 2026