A business tycoon and an elder statesman, who was a close associate of late President Shehu Usman Shagari, Alh. Isyaku Ibrahim, is dead.

Ibrahim died in the early hours of Saturday at a private hospital in Abuja, aged 88.

Described as an astute politician who played a key role in the formation of the Second Republic ruling party, the NPN, Ibrahim hailed from Mangar, Farin Ruwa Area Administrative Council of Wamba Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

He was the founder of the Mighty Jets Football club of Jos in the 70s and the first Nigerian to hire a foreign coach from Brazil to manage the club.

He also bought a new luxury bus for the team and spent millions of naira to sponsor the once dreaded Mighty Jets Football Club of Jos to victory.

Ibrahim was also one of the first two Nigerian to own a private jet.

His nephew, Dr Musa Ibrahim, a retired permanent secretary, confirmed the elder statesman’s demise to Daily Trust.

He said, “With total submission to the will of God, I hereby announce the passing of one of Nigeria’s towering political figures and a philanthropist per excellence, my uncle, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim. He died today (Saturday). His Janaza prayer will be held after the Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.

“For those who know him, Alhaji was highly principled and patriotic, one of the very few Northern politicians that had the Region at heart. May God grant his soul eternal rest. (Weekend Trust, excluding headline)