Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday condoled with Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State over the passage of his foster father, Malam Yahaya Hamza.

This was contained in a statement issued by Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ambode, according to the statement, urged Gov. El-Rufai to take solace in the fact that the late Hamza lived a fulfilled life.

He noted that Hamza rose to the pinnacle in the Kaduna State Civil Service, where he served as the Secretary to the State Government.

Ambode said that he also served as Chairman of the Council of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) from 1997 to 2000.

“I condole with you and the people of Kaduna State in this trying time. Take solace in the fact that Malam Hamza lived a fulfilled life and you’re a product of that fulfillment.

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, accept my heartfelt condolence on this irreparable loss. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

NAN reports that the late Malam Hamza, 80, who was a renowned educationist and former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, died in the late hours of Tuesday during a brief illness.

He was buried on Wednesday in accordance with Muslim rites. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Ambode