By Sam Israel, JP

Distinguished Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu on Friday joined family, friends, traditional rulers, and political associates at Tattara-Mada, Kokona Local Government Area, to bid farewell to the late Prof. Silas Dogara Gyar, describing him as one of Nasarawa State’s finest minds and most selfless patriots.

The burial ceremony was held a day after the scholar’s passing, with mourners echoing the hymn: “Only remembered by what we have done.”

Speaking at the funeral, Senator Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West in the National Assembly, said death may silence the voice but cannot erase the impact of a life dedicated to service.

“Death has a way of silencing voices, but it can never silence legacies. While the mortal remains of Professor Gyar were committed to Mother Earth, the values he lived for, the lives he touched, and the institutions he helped build remain living monuments that will continue to speak long after his departure,” Wadada stated.

Prof. Gyar, a former Rector of Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, and Senior Lecturer at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, was hailed for his contributions to education and community development.

Senator Wadada described him as “a builder of minds, a moulder of character, and a passionate advocate for human development” whose influence extended beyond academia into statesmanship and humanitarian service.

“Countless individuals benefited from his generosity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to social justice. He believed that leadership was not about titles but about service, and he lived that conviction until his last breath,” the senator said.

The senator highlighted Prof. Gyar’s role as Chairman of his 2023 Campaign Organization, noting that despite physical challenges, the late professor provided strategic guidance and fatherly counsel that strengthened the campaign structure.

“His physical limitations never weakened his spirit. His body may have been challenged, but his conviction was unshakable. He remained steadfast, offering strategic guidance, fatherly counsel, and intellectual depth that greatly strengthened the campaign,” Wadada said.

He added that his presence at the burial was a demonstration of loyalty: “In a world where many relationships end when usefulness fades, true leadership is measured not only by the crowds that gather during celebrations but also by the respect shown during moments of grief.”

Senator Wadada concluded that Prof. Gyar belonged to “that rare generation of leaders who planted trees under whose shade they knew they might never sit,” having sown seeds of knowledge, service, and integrity.

“As Nasarawa State mourns this illustrious son, it also celebrates a life well lived. His journey reminds us that greatness is not measured by wealth accumulated but by lives impacted; not by positions occupied but by service rendered,” he said.

Mourners, including political leaders and community members, offered final prayers as the remains of the late scholar were laid to rest.