By Tunde Omolehin
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, were among Muslim faithful who attended the funeral prayer of a Sokoto-based business mogul, Alhaji Shehu Mai Akwai Jaredi.
Late Jaredi died on Tuesday afternoon after a brief illness at the age of 74. He is survived by one wife and eleven children.
The funeral prayer was attended by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko,speaker Sokoto State House of Assembly Rt Hon.Tukur Bala Bodinga, members of the State Legislature, commissioners, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, special advisers, senior special assistants, and other top government functionaries.
Others in attendance included businessmen, Islamic scholars, politicians, and representatives of the private sector.
In his condolence message shortly after the funeral prayer, Governor Aliyu expressed shock over the death of the late Jaredi, describing him as a pious and devoted Muslim philanthropist who dedicated his life to serving humanity.
“Late Mai Akwai was a man of his word, kind-hearted, honest, and above all, an upright gentleman,” the Governor said.
Governor Aliyu described the passing of the late Jaredi as a great loss not only to his family but also to the entire state, especially the business community, adding that his demise would create a vacuum too difficult to fill.
The Governor prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, admit him into Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort his bereaved family.
Prayers were also offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
Late Shehu Mai Akwai Jaredi has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
