Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has lost his foster father, Yahaya Hamza, a renowned educationist and former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, the governor said Hamza died in Kaduna after a brief illness on Tuesday night.


"Born in 1935, late Hamza had a distinguished career in public service. Among the positions he held was office of Secretary to the Kaduna State Government. That came after a long and successful service in the education sector. He was also chairman of the council of the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

"We will miss the wisdom and counsel of this great man who became a father to me and guided my steps with tender firmness. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdaus, and to give the family fortitude," Governor el-Rufai was quoted as saying.

Mr. Hamza, who is survived by wives, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was buried in Kaduna at 10am on Wednesday according to Islamic rites.