Ex-finance minister buried in Sokoto

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The remains of former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, were buried on Thursday at Hubbare Royal Cemetery, Sokoto.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late elder statesman held the traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto.

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His burial was conducted in line with Islamic rites, following a funeral prayer led by Sheikh Bello-Akwara, Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque.

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The prayer was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony.

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Also present were Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu.

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Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Gobir, at the funeral.

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The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, and other dignitaries attended.

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After the funeral, Shettima visited the Sultan and other relatives to offer condolences over Alhaji’s death.

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The Vice-President prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and comfort for his family.

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Alhaji died on Thursday at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, ending a distinguished public service career spanning several decades.

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NAN recalls that he served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 1985 to 1986 during a critical period.

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He was also a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

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Before his political appointments, Alhaji had a remarkable federal civil service career, rising to become a Permanent Secretary.

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He was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, contributing significantly to national economic management.

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The late Sardaunan Sokoto played a key role in shaping economic policies and managing relations with international financial institutions.

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His contributions came during a challenging era in Nigeria’s economic history, leaving a lasting legacy in public administration.

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