Obasanjo noted that, rather than seeking the noisy glare of the political spotlight, Hassan remained humble until his death.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed sadness over the passing of Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, in a condolence message to the country’s President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He consoled her on Tuesday via a statement issued to journalists by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi.
Hassan’s death was confirmed on Monday, 7 September, in a statement by the country’s Vice-President, Deogratius Ndejembi.
According to him, the First Gentleman died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Zanzibar for a heart-related ailment.
He added that he would be buried at his family’s residence in Kizimkazi, a village on the country’s semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, in the evening of the same day.
Reacting to the news of his death, Obasanjo described the late Hassan as the first ‘First Gentleman’ to carve a unique path in the country’s history.
He further noted that rather than seeking the noisy glare of the political spotlight, he remained a humble and dedicated agricultural academic until his death.
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Obasanjo said, “Rather than seeking the noisy glare of the political spotlight, the late First Gentleman remained a humble and dedicated agricultural academic, choosing to anchor his wife’s family with quiet grace.
“He stood by your side through the decades, long before you took up the monumental task of leading your great country, providing the warmth of home and a steady anchor.
“His passing is not only a profound personal loss for you and your children, but it is also a loss for the wider East African community that respects your leadership and service.”
The former Nigerian President went on to state that the news of his passing was received with a deep sense of shock and profound sorrow.
“On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I write to express our heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, your children including Wanu, and the entire bereaved family during this difficult and painful moment of bereavement.
“The loss of a lifelong companion and pillar of strength is a heavy burden to bear, but I pray you find comfort in the enduring legacy of peace, quiet dignity, and steadfast support that he exemplified throughout your shared journey,” he added.
“We take solace in knowing that he lived a meaningful life and left behind a wonderful family that continues to contribute meaningfully to public life and society.
“May Almighty God grant you the fortitude and divine comfort needed to bear this irreparable loss, and may He grant the soul of our dear brother, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, eternal rest,” Obasanjo added.
