Nigeria’s seasoned diplomat and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, has passed away at the age of 81.
Ambassador Ibrahim, a native of Katsina State and holder of the traditional title Talban Katsina, reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday. The exact cause of his death had not been disclosed as of press time.
The late diplomat was a schoolmate of former President Muhammadu Buhari at Katsina Government College and served as the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency from 1993 to 1998.
He also held the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the early 1990s and was appointed in 2011 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan to coordinate Nigeria’s national anti-terrorism efforts.
His remains are expected to arrive in Katsina on Sunday afternoon for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reacting to the news, Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda expressed profound grief over the passing of the Talban Katsina.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kaula Mohamed, Governor Radda described Ambassador Ibrahim as “an illustrious son of Katsina who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities.”
The governor further noted that the late diplomat’s contributions to national development and international diplomacy would remain a source of pride for the state and the nation.
Governor Radda stated, “The passing of Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim represents an irreparable loss not only to Katsina State but to Nigeria as a whole. His remarkable contributions to national security and diplomacy have left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
“As Talban Katsina, Ambassador Ibrahim exemplified the noble values of our traditional institution and served as a bridge between tradition and modern governance.”
The Katsina Governor extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Katsina Emirate Council, and the entire people of Katsina State.
He prayed for Allah (SWT) to grant the departed soul Al-jannatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.
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