A Nigerian diplomat and former permanent secretary, Alhaji Hamzat Ahmadu, has died.
Imam Imam, the Senior Special Assistant, Media to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal revealed in a statement that Ahmadu, who held the traditional title of Walin Sokoto, died at a private hospital in Lagos on Sunday, aged 92.
An accomplished diplomat and technocrat, the deceased served as Personal Secretary to two Nigerian military leaders, Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi and Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
He had also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to U.S., Germany, France and the former Soviet Union (USSR).
Governor Tambuwal described the deceased as peace-loving and committed family man who gave invaluable contributions to the unity and development of Nigeria.
“He was an accomplished diplomat who distinguished himself in his chosen specialties.
“As an elder statesman, his wise counsel served both the older and younger generation of leaders not only in Sokoto, but in Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The funeral prayer for the deceased will be performed on Monday at 10.00 a.m. in Sokoto according to Islamic rites.
Buhari Commiserates With Sokoto Over Death Of Diplomat
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with the Sultanate, the Government and people of Sokoto State on the passing away of the Walin Sokoto, Ambassador Hamzat Ahmad, on Saturday.
In a condolence letter to the Sokoto State Government, President Buhari described the late Walin Sokoto as a reputable public servant and a highly distinguished diplomat, who spent most of his life in the service of his country.
The President expressed belief that the demise of the former Nigerian Ambassador, who served in London and Washington DC, is a great loss to his community and the entire Nigeria.
“I have learnt with deep shock and grief of the passing away of Alhaji Hamzat Ahmad (Walin Sokoto). His death is a great loss to Sokoto State, the diplomatic and business communities and to the Nigerian public service.
“Alhaji Hamzat served meritoriously as a senior civil servant in the old Northern Nigeria Government and with the Federal Civil Service. In Lagos, he held the post of Principal Secretary to the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, whom he served with diligence and loyalty.
“Please convey my sincere condolences to His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Sokoto, his family and the good people of Sokoto State on the demise of their illustrious son,” the President wrote.
President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will grant the soul of the late Walin Sokoto a peaceful rest, and grant his family the strength to bear the loss.
