The late Walin Sokoto, Ambassador Hamzat Ahmad, will be buried today in Sokoto.
The funeral prayer for the deceased will be performed this morning at 10.00 a.m. at the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto according to Islamic rites.
Ahmad, an accomplished diplomat and technocrat, died at a private hospital in Lagos, aged 92.
The deceased served as Personal Secretary to two Nigerian military leaders– General Aguiyi Ironsi and General Yakubu Gowon.
He had served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to United States, Germany, France and the former Soviet Union (USSR).
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State had described Ahmad as peace-loving and a 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,” a statement issued from the Governor’s Office by Malam Imam Imam, quoted Tambuwal as saying.
President Muhammadu Buhari in his condolence message commiserated with the Sultanate as well as the government and people of Sokoto State.
The president in a condolence letter to the Sokoto State Government described Ahmad as a reputable public servant and highly distinguished diplomat who spent most of his life in the service of his country.
Buhari, according to the condolence letter, said the demise of the former Nigerian ambassador, who served in London and Washington DC, was a great loss to his community and the entire country.
‘‘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.