All men must die, but each death brings a different level of shock. I am deeply saddened and shocked, and I have yet to come to terms with the reality that Nde Barr. Asabar Gofwan Golar (AG Golar) is no more. On Saturday, 3rd January, 2026, he came to my house around the Abattoir, Jos, in the evening after the wedding of a sister, Precious Yakubu, which took place in Jos. He was full of life at the wedding and we had fruitful conversations at my house before he left around 7 p.m.
Seeing how healthy he was, none of us had any inkling that this respected elder brother and my personal father‑figure would not survive the next 48 hours. What sorrowful life is it that we live in this world?
Late Barrister A.G. Golar was a rare breed, a very conservative and complete gentleman whose life was dedicated to the service of God and humanity. He was a dedicated family man and a community builder whose name was never spoken in a bad light, as far as memory can take me.
In 2009, I had the rare privilege of staying under his roof in Abuja until I secured a job and left in 2010. His immediate family came through for me when I needed them the most. There was no favour I did not get throughout my sojourn with them. His wise counsels were a great influence on my life.
I can say without mincing words that, Late Nde A.G. Golar was a force for good, a great benefactor and a harbinger of hope. Many people enjoyed his goodwill, but he never made noise about it. Indeed, the deceased was a low‑key achiever who sacrificed quite a lot in the service of humanity!
Late Barr. A.G. Golar was a respected unifier, a lesson in humility and a unique personality who never sought public attention. As an accomplished public servant, he rose to the enviable rank of Deputy Director in the prestigious Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but kept a very low profile throughout his lifetime.
Late AG was not a saint (no one is), but the unique thing about him was that he took exception to unruly tendencies. He was not favourably disposed to careless living or misbehaviour. The deceased maintained a high sense of decency. He lived an exemplary life that was worthy of emulation!
Late Nde Asabar was a loving disciplinarian who had learned the secret of correcting people, especially the younger ones, in love. His only motivation was to ensure that, everyone - younger and old - found meaning in life and strove with renewed commitment to make a difference in the land of the living. This made him a celebrated mentor and role model!
As a successful Central Banker and trained political scientist-cum‑legal expert, one would have expected him to dabble in politics after retirement, but he chose absolute restraint. His deep sense of morality could not allow him to plunge into the murky waters of the game.
The Late Barrister was heavenly conscious. Throughout my stay with him, he never defaulted in fellowship with the congregation of God’s people, and took his family prayer altar seriously and consistently. He always used the prayer Altar to give useful instructions that were rooted in the Word of God.
He valued relationships, and nobody who met him ever wanted to leave, for there was no reason to do so. For instance, the deceased’s supporting staff—including drivers that he worked with while in active public service—continually kept in touch long after his retirement. Such sustained bonding can exist only when there is a constant flow of shared goodwill and affection.
This bereavement hits badly, and the enthusiasm with which this new year began has been shattered and battered beyond measure. Life has happened to us again: A profile in virtue has left us to be with his Creator!
In the demise of Nde A. G. Golar, I have lost a charismatic leader, a moral compass and mentor who strived hard and lived above board. Now, what else can one say?
God’s ways are mysterious, and His verdict cannot be questioned. Thus, this tragic and unsettling incident is left to the Creator who has visited us this way!
It was the world's reggae legend, Bob Marley of blessed memory who said, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." This knock is definitely a hard one but we have no choice but to be strong in faith.
As painful as this incident is, the Scripture commands believers to give thanks in every circumstance. May God help us to bear allegiance through this divine instruction which is hard to cultivate in trying times like this.
I just wish this piece were a life tribute not eulogy. Be that as it may, Late Barr. A.G. Golar has paid his dues. His marks are quite visible and will last through generations! Death has robbed humanity of a good man, but not the virtues he lived for; death has inflicted us with pain but cannot diminish the good memories we shared; death has harmed us but not the hope of our meeting at the resurrection morning.
Nde Barr. A.G. Golar is gone but, certainly, not from our hearts and minds. May his soul find eternal rest in the great beyond. May God comfort the immediate family - Mrs Kisitimwa Asabar Golar (I call her Mummy), Minen Asabar Golar, Nenlap Asabar Golar and Comfort Asabar Golar. May God also comfort the extended family and friends, Gochom community, Ngas nation, Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole. In times like this, God is to be focused upon more than the devastating occurrence that has weaken multitudes who shared great moments with the decease while alive!
*Ayuba, Yilgak’ha, 10th January, 2026*
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