Former High Commissioner to UK, Abubakar Alhaji, dies at 78
Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has passed on at a hospital in Abuja.
Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, has passed on. A reliable source confirmed that the elder statesman died on Thursday morning at a hospital in Abuja. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the former diplomat had been receiving medical treatment before his death.
Alhaji served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and was widely known for his contributions to public service and national development. Further details regarding his death and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and the relevant authorities.
The passing of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s diplomatic service. He was one of the country’s most experienced diplomats, having represented Nigeria at the highest level in the United Kingdom, one of Nigeria’s most important bilateral relationships. His contributions to public service and national development will be remembered.
This echoes the 2020 passing of another veteran diplomat, which also marked the end of an era. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a loss for Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.
The winners: none. The losers: the family of the deceased; the Nigerian diplomatic corps, which has lost a veteran; and the Nigerian public, who have lost a distinguished public servant.
Bottom Line: A former High Commissioner to the UK has passed on. His service to Nigeria will be remembered. The question is whether his legacy will inspire a new generation of diplomats.