Tribute to my brother, Mahmud Hamza Zayyad

This week, I lost an integral member of my family, the only son of the #LateGreat #NationalTreasure, Dr. Hamza Zayyad and Hajiya Maimuna Zayyad, Mallam Mahmud Zayyad. My cousin, Mahmud, had battled with Diabetes for years. In that time, the family had seen this beloved member fight a ferocious fight against an even more ferocious ailment.

He won some aspects of that battle but eventually, Late Mahmud faded in front of his families very eyes until Diabetes stole him and he finally lost the battle for life. Diabetes doesn’t just claim one victim; it claims many of those who surround a sufferer. As I write this tribute about my brother, my heart is absolutely shattered and I know all those who knew, loved and cared for Mahmud are devastated.

His death hits the core of his immediate family, his extended family and for everybody who was associated, in one way or another, with Late Mahmud.

Those of us who knew Mahmud, knew of his huge heart and his ability to love anything and everything around him. He just loved who and what he loved so much; loved without limits and was able to go to any length for the things and people he loved. Mahmud was a good man who always wanted to help and bring value to those around him. He cared so much for his family and for those he didn’t even know.

During my brief stint in politics, Mahmud did his best to make it easy for his sister. He knew what I faced and gave me the kind of support that I never asked or expected from him. I have come to learn that he often did that for others, whether they were related to him or not.

Those who knew Mahmud, knew about his passion. An unrelenting man he was! We knew of his effortless devotion to obedience and we knew how much he submitted himself to the Almighty Allah.

Those who may not have known Mahmud but knew his father, Late Dr. Hamza Zayyad would have had a snippet of the humility, obedience, innovation and hard work that he inherited from his father.

For those who didn’t know my brother, I want to tell you who he was; what he stood for and the amazing achievements he made during the course of his life. With pride, I would like to tell the world who my #LateGreat Cousin, Mahmud Zayyad was…

Mahmud Zayyad was born in the early sixties in the United Kingdom and attended both primary and secondary schools in Kaduna State. He then proceeded to Katsina Polytechnic, now Hassan Usman Katsina polytechnic, and obtained a National diploma in Business Administration. Mahmud later was admitted into the Prestigious Millionaires College of Business Administration in Miami, Florida, America for advance studies in Business Management.

Upon his return from the United States in the Eighties, Mahmud started an Automobile designing and Improvement Company, HITECH. His company was a reflection of his professional passion. The company primarily specialized in motor design for companies and corporate individuals. The company did so well that it went ahead to provide services for some sections of the Nigerian government, the Police Force and Peugeot Automobile, amongst others.

Had Mahmud been a man stuck on material and worldly possessions, he could have made billions during the course of his lifetime. Rather, he was a simple man who was humble and relished in giving the very basics of life a material form. He was a content man who found the most base necessities of life to be of pleasant pursuit; to him, simplicity represented wealth.

During the course of his profession, Mahmud was able to successfully improve on already manufactured Japanese, European and United state vehicles. He was quintessentially, ‘The Maestro of automobiles’ and an authority as far as vehicle improvement was concerned. He had a lot of natural talent and a lot of ‘drive’ in his field. He had the Midas touch with automobiles and often it would take just a glance at a car for Mahmud to know what was wrong with it. He needed only a few minutes listening to an engine to know what it needed. He was a genius in his field and had so much passion for his work.

Those close to him will surely remember his professionalism as far as his disciple was concerned. He will also be remembered for coming first position during the only well organized car race at Murtala Muhammed square Kaduna.

Mahmud fought Diabetes for so long but he fought it all the way with courage. We have lost a great person and will miss him so very much. His passing from such a cruel and widespread illness in Nigeria has reminded me of the need to step up and do what I can to fight against Diabetes. With Mahmud’s death, I feel encouraged to work towards supporting charities that are searching for better treatment and a cure for Diabetes.

Mahmud Zayyad was so proud of his heritage. And it was a heritage to be proud of. He was the great grandson of the late famous Waziri Zayyana, whose reign as Waziri in Katsina State witnessed Islamic revival and adherence in the Katsina emirate. He was the first child and only son of the Late Wazirin Katsina, Dr. Hamza  Zayyad, of blessed memory.

The passing of Mahmud Zayyad is one where I have truly lost a brother. I speak about what I knew and saw of him. He was humble, obedient, misunderstood, innovative, hardworking, committed, kind, gentle, determined, strong, brave, compassionate and determined. He was a lovely person. I shall suffer with the thought that he is no longer with us; as I am sure will his family and friends.

He was a replica of Dr. Hamza Zayyad, in terms of hard work and commitment to a course. And Dr Hamza Zayyad was a very, very rare breed in Nigeria.

I offer my heartfelt prayers and condolence to all of Late Mahmud’s family. Due to what Late Mahmud’s death represents, my condolence further goes to, His Eminence, the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir, Dr. Sani Lugga Wazirin Katsina, all our relatives and people in Rafindadi, and the populace of Katsina.

Mahmud had an extremely large, close-knit group of friends, especially in Kaduna. He will be so sorely missed by them. My thoughts and prayers are with them also.

Mahmud Zayyad is survived by his mother, Hajiya Maimuna Zayyad, a wife and five incredibly beautiful, precious and perfect children.

“INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJI’UN…”

…Oh Allah, my dear brother, Mahmud Zayyad is under Your care and protection so protect him from the trial of the grave and torment of the Fire. Indeed You are faithful and truthful. Forgive and have mercy upon him, surely You are The Oft-Forgiving, The Most-Merciful.

Oh Allah, forgive and have mercy upon Mahmud Zayyad. Excuse him and pardon him, and make honorable his reception. Expand his entry and cleanse him with water, snow and ice, and purify him of sin as a white robe is purified of filth. Admit him into the Garden; protect him from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the fire.

“Oh Allah, Your servant and the son of Your maidservant, Mahmud Zayyad, is in need of Your mercy and You are without need of his punishment. If he was righteous then increase his reward and if he was wicked then overlook his sins.”