Gwadabawa – The remains of a former diplomat Alhaji Hamzat Ahmadu was laid to rest on Monday in his hometown, Gwadabawa, Sokoto State.
Ahmadu died on Sunday in Lagos at the age of 92.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the prayer was led by chief Imam of Gwadabawa Central Mosque Malam Isa Atu.
The funeral ceremony was attended by Gov Aminu Tambuwal, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Saád Abubakar III and a former Minister of Defence Gen Aliyu Gusau
Also in attendance was a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Jubril Ayinla, Baba Addini of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez and a former Minister of Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji.
In his tribute Tambuwal said the people of the state would continue to be proud of the deceased’s contributions to the development of Nigeria.
“He was active during independence struggle as a backroom staff to our founding fathers, and distinguished himself in the Northern Province civil service and later the Federal civil service.
“His most telling contributions, however, were in the foreign service. He lived a fulfilled life, and we pray to Allah to grant him eternal rest,” he said.
Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, a former Deputy Governor of Sokoto state described late Ahmad as a role model for Nigerians.
Gusau told NAN that the late Ahmadu served his country diligently.
” He was honest, sincere and complete gentleman and ever willing to help his country, state and community when he held various public offices ” he said.
Gusau called on the federal and state governments to honour the memory of the deceased for his tremendous contribution to the socio-economic and political development of the country.
The late Ahmadu left behind two wives, four children and four grandchildren. (NAN)