With utter sadness, I received the sad news of the demise of the indefatigable Mallam Abba Kyari, who until his passing, served as the Chief of Staff to our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari. I, like other well meaning Nigerians and members of our great party had been praying for his recovery even as his last message of returning to work signaled hope and we looked forward to having him back at his desk. It is shocking that this was not meant to be.
In the course of working for Mr. President, I have had course to meet Mallam Kyari a number of times at close quarters. From his disposition and mien, you become aware that you were in the presence of a man who had unending capacity to achieve results. He fell ill while pursuing the cause of our nation, Nigeria. Mallam Kyari lived and breathed advancement to the cause of Nigeria. Little wonder Mr. President found in him a worthy ally and a dear friend.
Mallam Abba Kyari ran his race on sterling personal records of integrity, diligence, great standards and utmost professionalism in his brief stints as a lawyer and while in the media as an editor. He maintained his sublime personal traits while serving in different roles in the financial services industry and rising to become a chief executive officer of a bank.
Mallam Kyari served as an ex-commissioner of Forestry and Animal Resources in his home state of Borno and held board positions in multinational conglomerates. He had served in several other capacities before his appointment as Chief of Staff to Mr. President.
As always, his impressive intellect and exceptional personality impacted his efficient service to Mr. President and our country, Nigeria. In his own right, Mallam Abba Kyari was the brightest star in a galaxy of stars. His absence will be greatly felt.
On behalf of my family and the good people of Abia State, I offer my earnest condolences to our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Abba Kyari family, his colleagues and all who held him in great esteem. It is with a profound sense of loss that I bid adieu to a friend, nationalist and a fellow Officer of the Order of the Niger. May the soul of Mallam Abba Kyari rest in absolute peace.
Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, OON Honourable Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development
