With deep regret, the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development announces the death of our Chairman, Mallam Abidu Yazid, OON, which sad event took place in the early hours of today, 22 September, 2022.
The Centre was privileged to have Malam Abudu Yazid as a founding member of the Board of Directors and finally, its Chairman, spanning over a period of eight years.
During this period, he offered his entire resources, both intellectually and physically to the service of the Centre. This, in addition to his numerous commitment to serving the society and humanity in general.
He served in various capacities in government, including Head of Service and Secretary to Government of the old Kaduna State.
His commitment to public service and simple lifestyle was exemplary. In a clime where opulence and stupendous display of riches is the order of the day, Malam Abidu Yazid was a very simple and modest person.
The Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development will remember him in particular for his dedication to the Centre’s flagship projects, including Leadership Effectiveness and Accountability Dialogue (LEAD), the Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP) and “The Africa We want and the United Nations We need”, where he imprinted upon humanity, the need for durable peace and sustainable development.
As an economist, he was concerned about the Nigerian economy, particularly, the collapse of the industrial sector.
He had tasked the Centre on researching on the “Revitalization of the Nigerian Industrial Economy.” As at 6.00pm of September 21, 2022, he was on his desk working to promote peace and to release a public statement admonishing Nigerians about the need for peace as Nigeria enters the electoral cycle.We mourn this great Nigerian, a decent, humble, peaceful, deeply knowledgeable statesman and an illustrious son of Africa.
We therefore, pray to God to forgive his infractions and reward his good works with Aljanaah Firdaus. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen!! On behalf of the members of the Governing Board and the entire staff of the SCDDD, we convey our sincere condolence to his family, the government and people of Katsina state. Ambassador Sani Saulawa Bala Executive Director, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development.
22 September, 2022.