The National Population Commission has announced the death of the federal commissioner representing Yobe, Mai Muhammed.

A statement issued on Friday by the commission’s spokeswoman, Nkoyo Nwakusor, said Mr Muhammed passed away on Sunday while performing lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia.

It also said he had been buried according to Islamic rites.

The statement said, “The commission received the sad news of his sudden demise as a rude shock, and it is one great loss that has left a deep vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

“He was appointed and sworn in as the NPC federal commissioner from Yobe by former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 28, 2020, for a five-year tenure.”

According to the statement, Mr Muhammed worked tirelessly to promote the commission’s noble objectives and made invaluable contributions to preparing for the forthcoming first digital Population and Housing Census in Nigeria.

It added that he brought his wealth of experience, vast contacts, and goodwill to bear on the smooth conduct of the commission’s activities.

“He lived a worthy life of service and devotion to Yobe and the nation,” the NPC statement added. “He will, therefore, be sorely missed for his contributions to population issues and national development as well as his fatherly role in the commission.”

The NPC also condoled with his bereaved family, the government and the people of Yobe. 

(NAN)