The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expressed condolences to the government and people of Kwara State over the passing of Prince Mahe Abdulkadir, Chief of Staff to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Prince Mahe, a septuagenarian, retired as a Permanent Secretary and Clerk of the Kwara State House of Assembly before serving as Secretary to the State Government. He was appointed Chief of Staff on November 3, 2023.
In a statement signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, and made available to Blueprint in Abuja on Sunday, the deceased was described as a dedicated public servant who made significant contributions to the development of Kwara State.
“Prince Abdulkadir was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to the development of Kwara State was evident in his years of service. His exemplary leadership and contributions will be remembered as a legacy of service to his state and country,” the statement read.
On behalf of NELFUND’s management and staff, Sawyerr extended heartfelt condolences to Governor AbdulRazaq, the Abdulkadir family, and the people of Kwara State, praying for the deceased to attain eternal rest and for comfort for those mourning him.
The late Chief of Staff was buried on Saturday evening in Ilorin according to Islamic rites. Thousands attended the Janazah, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu Danladi, clerics, senior government officials, and community leaders.
Governor AbdulRazaq described the late Prince Mahe as a stabilizing force in his administration, adding, “This is a great loss. He was a pillar of support for our administration. We will truly miss him. May Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus.”
Governor Ododo praised the deceased’s peace-loving nature, stating, “The entire family and the state will miss him. From Him, we come, and to Him, we return. What we owe him now is prayer.”
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, led the prayers, seeking Allah’s mercy for the departed soul.