“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” – John Crosby
In writing this eulogy, I have pondered on the word, “Mentor” and how it came about. Various resource materials attribute the word to a Greek mythology. According to this myth, Mentor was the name of the son of Alcimus. In his old age, Mentor was a friend of Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca. As time went by, Odysseus placed his son, Telemachus, and his palace in the care of Mentor and his foster-brother Eumaeus when he departed for the Trojan War. When Athena, the great Olympian goddess of wise counsel visited Telemachus, she disguised as Mentor to hide herself from the suitors of Telemachus’ mother Penelope, whose husband (Odysseus) was thought to have died in the Trojan War. As Mentor, the goddess encouraged Telemachus to stand up against the suitors and go abroad to find out what had happened to his father. When Odysseus suddenly returned to Ithaca, Athena appeared briefly in the form of Mentor again at Odysseus’ palace. As a result of Mentor’s relationship with Telemachus, and the disguised Athena’s encouragement and practical plans for dealing with personal dilemmas, the name Mentor was adopted in English as a term meaning someone who imparts wisdom to and shares knowledge with a less experienced colleague.
Since my first encounter with Anas some 19 years ago as a young pilot officer fresh from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, I have come to regard him as my mentor given that it was he who nurtured me and instilled those basic on-the-field PR techniques I needed in performing my duties. I recall my first interface with Anas then as a Staff Officer DOPRI at the then HQ NAF Annex situated at HQ NAF Officers’ Mess, No 1 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Being one of the very few officers to voluntarily opt for PR as a trade in the NAF back then, Anas received me with open arms and made me feel at ease at the Directorate. He struck me as a refined and humble officer always willing to lend a helping hand to a much younger colleague. It didn’t take long for me to realise the calming and infectious effect of his presence in the Directorate, especially during crisis periods. Even the airmen felt at ease with his demeanour. He would always come to the library, the then makeshift office I shared with Late Group Captain Dayo Makun (May His Soul Rest in Peace), to check up on us and find out how we were coping. Even when we fell out of line, Anas was always at hand to sort things out. As a young officer, I must confess that I was awestruck by Anas’ meekness and his attitude towards his subordinates. Clearly, Anas was aware that subordinates buy into the visions of their leaders only when you carry them along and add value to their lives. Hence his good nature knows no bound when relating with both his superiors and subordinates alike.
Aside being a truly eminent man-manager, great educator, a man of vision, integrity, humility, extraordinary leadership and tremendous energy, Air Cdre Anas had a sensitive and warm approach to people and took a personal and keen interest in personnel welfare and career progression. This he brought to bear on the two occasions he served as the DOPRI. During his second tenure, nearly all of the non-trade personnel in the Directorate underwent Basic PR or PR-related training. It must also be said that Anas has a commanding presence, yet was humble, approachable and friendly.
Anas attended the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 27th Regular Course. He is a recipient of many awards some of which include Best Man of the Year in 2012 by the American Biographical Institute for Outstanding Pursuits and Achievements in Public Relations, Forces Services Star, Meritorious Service Star and Defence Service Star. He is also a member of several national and international professional bodies, some of which include Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), Member Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), Member Federation of African Public Relations Association (MIPRA) and Member International Public Relations Association (AFPRA). He recently retired after attaining the rank of Air Commodore.