The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has paid tribute to former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, describing him as a principled public servant whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic management and national development will continue to inspire generations.

Oyedele, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Raymond Omachi, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, and the management and staff of the ministry, expressed deep sadness over the passing of the former minister.

In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Efe Ovuakporie, the Finance Minister said the late elder statesman devoted his life to serving Nigeria with integrity, discipline and sound judgement, leaving behind a lasting legacy in public service.

Describing the loss as a painful one for the country, Oyedele said Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji distinguished himself through decades of dedicated service and made important contributions to the nation’s economic management.

“His death is a great loss to the nation,” the minister said, adding that the late former minister’s record of service reflected his commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria.

Oyedele noted that the late statesman served the country beyond the Ministry of Finance, recalling that he also represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He added that Alhaji was widely respected in traditional leadership as the Sardaunan Sokoto, a position that further reflected the confidence and esteem he enjoyed throughout the country.

According to the minister, the former Finance Minister’s legacy extends far beyond the offices he occupied. He described him as a thoughtful leader whose wisdom, experience and dedication to the public good continue to serve as an example for present and future generations of public servants.

He said Alhaji played an important role in strengthening Nigeria’s public finance institutions, adding that the impact of his work would continue to be felt within the Federal Ministry of Finance and across the wider public service.

Oyedele also conveyed his condolences to the family of the late former minister, the Governor and Government of Sokoto State, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultanate Council and the people of Sokoto State.

He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family, friends and all those mourning him the strength to bear the loss. (The Nation)

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