The remains of former governor of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Akwe-Doma who died on March 6, were on Sunday laid to rest in Doma, Doma Local Government Area of the state.
Aged 75, Akwe-Doma died in an Isreali hospital where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
The former governor was buried at about 11:30 a.m. in his family compound after the funeral prayers (Salatu Janaiz) led by the Chief Imam of Doma Central Mosque, Mallam Hassan Jibril.
Amongst the dignitaries that attended the funeral prayers were Governor Umaru Al-Makura; Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; Emir of Wase, Muhammadu Sambo-Haruna; Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Mustapha Agwai; Andoma of Doma, Aliyu Oga-Onawo and other traditional rulers from the state.
Also in attendance were Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Sulieman Adokwe representing Nasarawa West and Nasarawa South respectively; former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; and former Minister of State, FCT, Solomon Ewuga.
All former commissioners and aides to the late governor were also on ground to pay their last respect to him.
Some of the dignitaries bared their minds on who the former governor was and what he stood for.
Al-Makura said Doma dedicated his life to the development of the state and service to humanity.
He said the former governor worked tirelessly for four years in office to galvanise the people towards self-reliance and progress.
Al-Makura said Doma’s fatherly advice and support would be greatly missed by the people of the state.
Mr. Mike Abdul, deputy to Doma, described him as a man of peace, who dedicated his time toward ensuring unity and progress in the state.
Abdul said Doma worked tirelessly for the empowerment of the people and development of the state during his tenure, especially agricultural empowerment through his “Badakoshi” intitiative and construction of rural roads.
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Similarly, Sen. Suleiman Adokwe said the former governor was an icon having touched lives of so many young people to fulfil their dreams and also excelled in whatever he did.
“As the artistic director during Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC)’77, Doma left his footprint on the sand of time not only in Nigeria but globally.
“As governor of Nasarawa State, his agricultural policy stood him out as he ensured that the state had the capacity to export yams to Europe and other parts of the world.
“He championed the diversification of the economy from oil to agriculture almost 10 years ago,” Adokwe said.
He noted that Aliyu Akwe-Doma would be greatly missed by all and prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also speaking, Mr Timothy Anjide, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), described Doma as father of the state, who taught those around him to imbibe peace, unity and brotherliness in the interest of the development of the state.
“He was a rallying point for all the people of the state, irrespective of religious or political leaning because he believed fundamentally in the growth and development of Nasarawa; being the arrow head for its creation in 1996.
“Baba Doma was an all rounder, who believed in human development.
“Most of us gathered here today, he identified our potentials, gave us the necessary encouragement that had made us rise to the height that we have attained in life,” Anjide said.
Mr. Nawani Aboki, a social crusader and former governorship aspirant in the state, said Doma was a strong pillar in the development of the state, who would be greatly missed by the people.
“I am not surprised by the mammoth crowd gathered here today to honour him because he truly deserved it. People have shown tremendous respect for him,” Aboki said.
Aboki said Aliyu Akwe-Doma was a principled man, who always declared to all where he stood on any issue.
(NAN)
