President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a close ally, friend and associate, Malam Wada Maida.
In a condolence message by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Tuesday, Buhari noted that Maida’s stewardship and loyalty to him and the country, over many years, had been with great distinction.
President Buhari said: “I am profoundly shocked by the sudden death of Malam Wada Maida, my former Press Secretary, a man who possessed one of the highest qualities of professional integrity throughout the course of his journalistic career.
“Wada Maida was a very dedicated, hardworking and loyal professional for whom I have the deepest respect and admiration.
“’The passion with which Maida did his job accounted for his professional success in life, making it possible for him to attain the pinnacle of excellence in his career’’.
The president joined Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State, members of his cabinet and the family of late Malam Wada Maida in mourning the sad loss.
He called for prayers for the state and country as they accept the will of the Almighty God, who determines the fate of everyone.
President Buhari commiserated with staff and management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), where Malam Maida served as Chairman of the Board until his transition.
Maida worked with NAN extensively as European Bureau Chief, based in London, before honouring the national call as Press Secretary to the Head of State in 1984.
Maida later returned to the NAN to continue as Editor-In-Chief and Managing Director.
The president also condoled with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, International Press Institute and Peoples’ Daily Newspapers, which Malam Wada established and chaired.
He also commiserated with the Pan African News Agency (PANA), where he played a pioneering role in founding and remained an inspiration for many years.
While sympathising with friends and family of the former managing director of NAN, Buhari expressed the belief that Malam Wada left a legacy of modesty, loyalty and commitment.
He prayed that the Almighty God would forgive his shortcomings and grant him a home in Jannatul Firdaus.
Maida passed away on Monday night in Abuja at the age of 70.
Until his death, he was the Chairman, Board of Directors of NAN.
He had also served as the managing director of the Agency from 1994 to 2004
