The death has occurred of Amb. Hamzat Ahmadu, Walin Sokoto.
He died at the weekend at a private hospital in Lagos. He was 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 served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Germany, France and the former Soviet Union (USSR).
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal described him as a peace-loving and committed family man, who contributed to the country’s unity and development.
“He was an accomplished diplomat who distinguished himself in his chosen specialties. As an elder statesman, his wise advice served the older and the younger generations of leaders not only in Sokoto, but in Nigeria,” a statement from the Governor’s Office by Malam Imam Imam quoted Governor Tambuwal as saying.
A funeral prayer for the deceased will be performed today at 10am at the Sultan’s palace in Sokoto.
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Sultanate, the Government and people of Sokoto State on the passing away of Amb. Ahmadu.
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, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, believed that the demise of the former Nigerian ambassador, who served in London and Washington DC, was a great loss to his community and country.
He prayed that the Almighty God would grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful rest and grant his family the strength to bear the loss