“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley
The unfortunate news of Pa Michael Abu Momoh a.k.a Papa 1’s death on the chilling Sunday of 20th July, 2025 came as a huge shock as it hits a lot of us like a volcano, the reason is that he did not show any sign of serious sickness although he was sick on and off a common sign with the elderly.
An inference (Papa 1 may be very much aware of his impending death but elected not to stress, worry or bother anyone, hence he did not give anyone a clue so that nobody will be thrown into panic mode).
Papa 1 meant different thing to those who came across him directly or indirectly when he was alive, to some he was a teacher, father, a disciplinarian, an astute administrator, renowned Medical Lab Scientist, footballer, Consultant and community leader per excellence.
To me, Papa 1 was a foremost mentor, l will proudly say that he mentored me as l learnt so much from him because he was an enigma and a reservoir of knowledge.
With nostalgia, when I moved into this Community, my path and Papa 1 crossed immediately. He was our Chairman during the time under reference, and I remembered that the very first meeting of the community l attended l was very impressed and captivated by his wisdom, dexterity, zeal and passion for service and because I made a contribution to the issue on discourse he discovered me with alacrity and we became very close henceforth.
And without hesitation he started saddling me with tasks and addressing me as a PRO even without election. If you have the zeal and passion for community service, you are an automatic friend of Papa 1.
The dedication and resilience of our dear late Papa 1 even at his old age was immeasurable and indeed a catalyst to anyone who wants to contribute to Community development.
As an elder statesman who ordinarily suppose to watch things happen from either behind the scenes or from the sidelines he chose to lead from the front like an army commander, commanding a troop or battalion.
Pa Momoh was a prolific and excellent writer, after each of our meeting, he will hit the ground running immediately by writing several letters to relevant agencies demanding for one thing or another that will benefit the residents/community.
Without exaggeration, Papa 1 put our dear Community on the podium of recognition and respect within Bwari Area Council and its environs. Need l say that because of his uprightness and boldness our Community is feared till now and forever because if he put pen to paper and write against poor service delivery or any act of corruption by any official of government heads will not only roll but they are always interventions and solutions.
For instance, he contributed immensely towards the acquisition and installation of the transformer in front of his house which is christened *Papa Transformer.*
And if not for him, the transformer would have since been vandalized or tempered with but for his ever vigilance and incorruptible nature, the AEDC officials fear Papa Transformer like a plague and no one dare to tamper with it, no wonder it has served us for over 15 years and still counting.
Papa 1 was not just a custodian of the Papa Transformer, he provides swift solutions during power outage or when the transformer malfunctioned, AEDC in Jigo and Bwari knew him for that.
This brings us to the question on the lips of everyone who now guard the transformer like Papa 1?
Under his leadership, the community recorded humongous achievements worthy of mention is the enactment of a constitution and the registration of the Community with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) known as ASSOCIATION OF USHAFA VILLAGE EXPANSION SCHEME COMMUNITY RESIDENTS (A.U.V.E.S.C.R) for lack of space we cannot Chronicle his entire achievements, even until his peaceful passing, he was still serving the Community actively, through the ongoing Bye-Laws amendment/review, (we need to conclude the work on time in his honour) and not forgetting his invaluable contribution on the issue of Tenement Rate wherein he will always cite the Australian example.
The reason we call or nickname him Papa 1.
It is simply because Pa Momoh is a no nonsense person, no matter how wealthy or highly placed one is, you cannot dare intimidate him as he has seen it all, never, he was very courageous, witty and bold. During disagreement in meetings when the atmosphere is very tensed and we want to calm him down we will call him
Papa 1 and he will just smile and the resolution that will be reached on such matter will always be in line with majority opinions.
Papa 1 despite being a senior citizen that attained the pinnacle of his career; who was retired but never tired, he was exceptionally very selfless, with the stipends he got as his monthly pension he use part of it to serve the community through printing of letters.