A business tycoon and elder statesman, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, is dead.
Ibrahim, who was a close associate of the late President Shehu Shagari, died in the early hours of Saturday, at a private hospital in Abuja, aged 88.
Described as an astute politician who played a key role in the formation of the Second Republic’s ruling party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Ibrahim hailed from Mangar, Farin Ruwa Area Administrative Council of Wamba Local Government Area (LGA) in Nasarawa State.
He was the founder of the Mighty Jets Football club of Jos in the 70s and the first Nigerian to hire a foreign coach from Brazil to manage the club.
He also bought a new luxury bus for the team and spent millions of naira to sponsor the once dreaded Club to victory.
Ibrahim was also one of the first two Nigerians to own a private jet.
His nephew, Dr. Musa Ibrahim, a retired permanent secretary, confirmed the elder statesman’s demise.
He said: “With total submission to the will of God, I hereby announce the passing of one of Nigeria’s towering political figures and a philanthropist per excellence, my uncle, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim. He died on Saturday. His Janaza prayer will be held after the Zuhr prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.
“For those who know him, Alhaji was highly principled and patriotic, one of the very few Northern politicians that had the Region at heart. May God grant his soul eternal rest.”
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