A former Bauchi State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza, is dead.
He died on Saturday in Abuja after a protracted illness. He was buried on Sunday in Bauchi following funeral prayers at the Bauchi Emir’s Palace.
The deceased served as Commissioner for Religious Affairs for about two years during the second tenure of Governor Bala Mohammed. He was later redeployed during a minor cabinet reshuffle and appointed Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education.
Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former commissioner.
In a statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, the Governor said on behalf of his family, the government and people of Bauchi State, he received the news “with profound grief.”
The Governor recalled that until his death, Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza served diligently as Special Adviser on Higher Education, where he brought to bear his vast experience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the development of the education sector in Bauchi State.
He described the late elder statesman as “a distinguished public servant whose life was defined by integrity, humility, selfless service, and an unrelenting passion for the advancement of education.”
According to the Governor, the deceased made invaluable contributions to the growth and transformation of education in both the old and present-day Bauchi State, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Governor Bala also recalled Hamza’s exemplary service in various capacities, particularly as Commissioner for Religious Affairs, where he demonstrated exceptional commitment and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza was a committed patriot, a respected educationist, a mentor to many, and a bridge-builder whose contributions to the educational and moral development of our society will remain indelible. His death is a painful loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Government and people of Bauchi State and the nation at large,” the Governor said.
Governor Bala prayed that the Almighty Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy will forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends, associates, and the entire people of Bauchi State the strength to bear the loss.
The Bauchi State Government extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and to all those touched by the remarkable service and enduring legacy of Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim Hamza.