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Former NIA director and ambassador Sheikh AbdulAzeez died after brief illness.
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Leaders across Kwara and Ilorin paid tribute to his service.
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He served Nigeria in intelligence and diplomacy for decades.
A retired senior intelligence officer of the National Intelligence Agency and former Nigerian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Sheikh Uthman AbdulAzeez, has died. He was 71.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that AbdulAzeez passed away on Saturday night after a brief illness. The Ilorin born diplomat was also a former National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union.
The death was announced on Sunday by the current IEDPU President, Alhaji AbdulMumin AbdulMalik, who confirmed that the late ambassador would be buried the same day in line with Islamic rites.
“With heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I announce the passing of a one time National President of the IEDPU, Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman,” AbdulMalik said.
“We lost this servant of Allah to the cold hands of death after a brief illness on Saturday. He will be buried on Sunday today.”
“Please remember the family of the deceased in prayers during this traumatic period of the loss of their loved one. May Allah grant Amb. Sheikh Abdulazeez Uthman Al Janat Firdaus.”
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the late ambassador as a man of outstanding character whose service left lasting impact on his community. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor prayed Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant his family strength.
Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, described the death as a deeply painful and irreplaceable loss, calling AbdulAzeez a seasoned diplomat, intelligence expert, elder statesman and unifying figure.
“His life was marked by selfless service to the Ilorin Emirate and humanity at large,” Saraki said.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, also described the passing as a monumental loss to the Emirate and humanity.
Born on February 18, 1952, AbdulAzeez built a distinguished career spanning education, intelligence, diplomacy and public service. He joined the National Intelligence Agency in 1985, rose to the top echelon, served in multiple countries, and was appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to China in 2010, hosting Nigeria’s satellite launch in 2011.
