Shettima Leads Federal Delegation at Burial of Former Finance Minister in Sokoto
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday led a Federal Government delegation to Sokoto for the funeral of former Minister of Finance and Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji.
The respected elder statesman died earlier in the day at the age of 88 after a brief illness.
Following his arrival in Sokoto, Shettima visited the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, to offer condolences before joining family members, government officials and other mourners for the Janai’za (Islamic funeral prayer).
During the visit, the Vice President described the late Abubakar Alhaji as a distinguished public servant whose contributions to Nigeria’s development would remain unforgettable.
He said the former minister was a custodian of institutional knowledge who served the country with dedication and integrity.
Shettima also disclosed that the Federal Government would immortalise the late elder statesman in recognition of his outstanding service to Nigeria.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and give his family the strength to bear the loss.
Abubakar Alhaji served as Minister of National Planning before later becoming Minister of Finance under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
He also represented Nigeria as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, serving in the diplomatic role until 1996.
His public service career began in 1964 as an Assistant Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance before rising through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary in the former Federal Ministry of Trade.
Among those who accompanied the Vice President to Sokoto were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi; and the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Dr Aliyu Modibbo, alongside other senior government officials.
