Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Federal Government will immortalise former Minister of Finance and Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji.
Shettima made the disclosure on Thursday in Sokoto while leading mourners at the funeral rites of the late elder statesman.
The Vice President described Alhaji as a towering figure in Nigeria’s public service and a custodian of invaluable institutional memory.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the deceased’s contributions would never be forgotten.
He said Alhaji devoted his life to serving Nigeria and left behind a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations.
Shettima described the deceased as a behemoth of institutional memory who would never be forgotten.
The Vice President noted that the late Sokoto Caliphate prince distinguished himself through decades of dedicated service to the nation.
He added that Alhaji’s commitment to public administration, governance and economic management earned him national respect and recognition.
Shettima prayed for Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and provide his family with the strength to bear the loss.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhaji died on Thursday at the age of 88 at Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja.
He was buried in Sokoto in accordance with Islamic rites after funeral prayers attended by government officials, traditional rulers and residents.
Alhaji served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance between 1985 and 1986 during a challenging period in the nation’s economic history.
He also held key national positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Before entering political office, he built a distinguished civil service career and rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost technocrats, Alhaji played significant roles in shaping economic policies and strengthening public institutions.
He was instrumental in managing Nigeria’s engagement with international financial institutions during periods of economic transition.
His decades of service in government and the civil service left a lasting imprint on national development and public administration.
The late Sardauna of Sokoto is remembered for his integrity, leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape. (NAN)
