Minister of Steel Development mourns Chief Gabriel Adukwu, says an icon has been lost.
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the entire Igala nation, Kogi indigenes, and family over the death of Chief Gabriel Adukwu, who passed away in the early hours of March 11.
Prince Audu, in his condolence message made available by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, on Monday in Abuja, stated that the Igala elder statesman is an icon that will be greatly missed by all.
The Honourable Minister stated that the late Adukwu’s demise was a great loss not only to the people of Kogi State but to the nation at large, having served in several capacities at the national level, including as former Minister of Health (State), immediate past Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), amongst other portfolios.
He described the late Adukwu as a man of peace and a great intellectual who brought the “Igala Kingdom” to the top pedestal at the national level through his able representation. “He made us proud at every point he had the opportunity to serve,” Audu stated.
“It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of our father and Elder Stateman, and former Minister of the Federal Republic, Chief Gabriel Adukwu.
“His commitment to service and nation building has set a remarkable precedent for people like myself and other illustrious sons of the Igala and Arewa kingdoms.
“Unfortunately, his call to answer Almighty Allah came at a time when we needed him the most to help foster love and unity among us as an Igala Nation, but we would continue to look up to him as an embodiment of peace for the development and progress of our land.
“My immense commiseration to his wife and my aunty, Mrs Lydia Aduku and the immediate family, as I admonish them to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life, with positive impacts on the lives of so many.
“May Almighty Allah, in his infinite mercies, grant the late Chief Gabriel Adukwu Aljannah Firdaus, as we use this period of Ramadan to pray for the repose of his soul,” Audu stated.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development,
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
March 11, 2024