Tributes Held for Beloved Councillor and Community Leader who Passed Away
59-year-old Mohammed Nasim was described as a “wonderful man” and an “inspiration” as former city councillor of Wingston. The father of three and grandfather died in hospital in December from a stroke, tributes poured in for the community leader who until six months ago lived in Evington for 30 years and previously lived in the Highfields.
His daughter Somia Nasim said, “He was a kind man, a generous man, and a very patient man. He did not want the recognition, he was just passionate about helping people.”
He served as councillor for 18 years from May 1991 firstly for Crown Hills for eight years then latter years as a Stoneygate councillor for the remainder. He also took time to form Leicester Asian Youth Association (LAYA) recreation centre, in Evington Valley Road.
Somia added, “He had always worked with youths. That was one thing he enjoyed, helping young people.”
His additional roles include chairman of the Masjid E Bilal Mosque, in Evington Valley Road, Leicester, sitting on ASRA housing association board, as well as being a governor at three schools, Evington Valley Primary, City of Leicester College and Mayflower Primary School.
Somia added, “He did a lot of work around racism, like kicking racism out of football. He was quite involved in that campaign.”
15 years ago Mohammed was diagnosed with atypical pneumonia which led to one of his lungs being removed, as a result his work hours were reduced. However he remained committed to working with others regardless of his condition.
“Even though he was so unwell, he was as active as he could be.”
“My dad’s passion was football – that is why he got involved in kicking racism out of football.”
Somia states she and her family received letters and kind tributes from many people including City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, the Lord Mayor Coun John Thomas and Leicester East MP Keith Vaz.
Sir Peter Soulsby said, “I worked very closely with him over many years as a councillor and the excellent work he did with LAYA, which provided support and recreational opportunities for young people from across the city.
“He was a wonderful man, full of energy and a real inspiration to the young people that he worked with.
“Everybody he worked with grew to love him and respect him.
“He was an excellent city councillor campaigning on behalf of his constituents and was very well respected by them.”
