Shettima, El-Rufai mourn HCD adviser Sagir Balarabe
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Vice President Kashim Shettima mourned the death of Alhaji Sagir Balarabe, Special Adviser on Human Capital Development for Kaduna State, calling it a significant loss.
- Balarabe, who also chaired the North-West Focal Persons Forum, died Sunday after a prolonged illness, and was remembered for his dedication to improving Nigerians' welfare.
- Rukaiya El-Rufai, National Coordinator of Human Capital Development 2.0, praised Balarabe as a devoted public servant and bridge builder whose work advanced the agenda in Kaduna and the North-West.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Alhaji Sagir Balarabe, the Special Adviser and Focal Person on Human Capital Development for Kaduna State. Shettima described Balarabe's death as a "major loss" to Nigeria's human capital development sector.
Alhaji Sagir Balarabe was a man who understood that the true wealth of any nation lies in its people. He worked tirelessly to ensure that policies and programmes translated into real impact in the lives of citizens.
Balarabe, who also served as Chairman of the North-West Focal Persons Forum, died on Sunday following a protracted illness. In a personal tribute, the Vice President lauded the deceased as a patriotic and selfless leader who devoted his life to enhancing the welfare of Nigerians. Shettima emphasized Balarabe's understanding that a nation's true wealth lies in its people, noting his tireless efforts to ensure policies translated into tangible impacts.
Rukaiya El-Rufai, the National Coordinator of Human Capital Development 2.0, joined in mourning Balarabe, remembering him as a devoted public servant, a man of deep faith, and a bridge builder. She highlighted his significant contributions to the Human Capital Development agenda in Kaduna State and the broader North-West region. El-Rufai added that Balarabe viewed investing in people as a personal responsibility and was passionate about developing human potential throughout his career.
His commitment, humility, and passion for building people will continue to inspire all of us working to strengthen human capital outcomes across Nigeria.
El-Rufai further noted that Balarabe was widely respected for his humility, intellectual acumen, and mentorship of emerging leaders in the human capital development field. His work to foster collaboration among states and establish functional HCD structures is expected to continue influencing development outcomes across the region. The HCD National Coordinator extended condolences to Balarabe's family and the Kaduna State Government, praying for his eternal rest.
He was a man who considered investing in people a personal responsibility. His passion for developing human potential defined both his work and personal engagements.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.