By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed grief over the death of Malam Kabiru Yusuf, a member of the 2024 National Media Team.

Mallam Yusuf died in Kano, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after a brief illness; days after his return from Saudi.

NAHCON’s statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director/Public Affairs, on behalf of the Chairman/ CEO reads:

"It is with deep sense of loss but total submission to the will of Allah that we mourn the death of one of our 2024 Hajj Media Team members, Malam Kabiru Yusuf of Radio France International.

"Malam Kabiru Yusuf had been a friend of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) from inception with Malam Musa Bello as Chairman until his demise. He left the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hale and hearty on Sunday and returned to his family in Kano. Indeed, the principled journalist had premonition of his final days having left wasiyya (will) with a close confidant shortly before his demise.

"The entire team at NAHCON is saddened by his death but take solace with the fact that he remained a part of us until his final days on earth. The NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi extends the Commissions deepest condolences to his family and his work place family of Radio France International, Hausa Service.

'Malam Jalal Arabi also extends heartfelt sympathies to his friends and colleagues in the Media Team during this challenging time.

"We pray that his last Hajj was indeed Hajj mabrur. May jannatul firdaus be his final abode. May his cherished memories bring us all comfort and peace knowing that he was a good man. He is survived by three wives and 17 children."

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has joined to mourn the death of Kabiru Yusuf.

Kabiru Yusuf was a state house correspondents covering the Presidential Villa, for years, for Triumph newspapers and recently with Radio France

President Tinubu, in a condolence message, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort to his family in this time of grief and always.

The President sympathized with the family of Kabiru Yusuf, recalling that the veteran journalist was the Federal Capital Territory correspondent for The Triumph Newspaper and Radio France Internationale Hausa.

“He covered the State House for many years until his passing.”

A statement from the Radio France said: “With complete submission to the Will of Allah, I regret to announce the death of our colleague and one of the pillars of RFI Hausa, Kabir Yusuf, our Abuja correspondent, who few days ago returned from pilgrimage in Makkah.

“Kabir passed away in Kano last night and will be buried today (July 4).

“May Allah in His infinite mercies grant this gentleman Aljannah Firdaus!”