Tribute to Bala Ma Suya – Remi Oladoye
I wasn’t shocked when I heard the news of Bala’s passing because, like everyone else, his time had come. Death is a debt we all owe and must one day pay. Yet, I was deeply pained because Bala passed away at a time when he should have been enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Simply known as Bala, he was an icon at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Oyo State. His suya spot was more than just a place to grab roasted meat; it was a hub of warmth, camaraderie, and nostalgia. The irresistible aroma and taste of Bala’s suya were legendary, drawing journalists, visitors, and old friends back time and again.
Bala was the oldest tenant at the NUJ Press Centre. He had been there since the 1980s, arriving as a young man. Over the decades, he became a living repository of the Centre’s history, recounting tales of its growth and changes with vivid detail. Like the late Baba Gbenga, Bala was deeply invested in everything NUJ-related, taking pride in seeing old faces return to enjoy his suya.
I became acquainted with the NUJ in the late 1990s, and Bala was one of the first people I grew close to. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, never looking down on anyone. His humor was infectious, and his struggle with pronouncing Yoruba names often led to affectionate nicknames. He called me “Presido,” a nod to my role as a student leader at IIJ. Bala had a way of making everyone feel special, with a suya package tailored to every status.
He even extended his services to homes, a gesture that showed his dedication and commitment to his craft. His boys—late Ibrahim, Hawalu, Jubril, Mukaila, Baba, and others—were a reflection of his warmth and friendliness, always welcoming and accommodating.
Bala’s death is particularly painful because it came at a time when he deserved to relax and enjoy life. With his wife thriving as a political leader in Kano and one of his daughters recently married, it seemed like a season of harvest for him.
May Bala Ma Suya’s soul rest in perfect peace. His legacy will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
