The Nigerian diplomatic and intelligence community is in mourning following the death of a distinguished former ambassador to China, Ambassador Uthman AbdulAzeez. The retired senior officer of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) passed away on Saturday, December 13, after battling a brief illness. He was 71 years old.
A Life of Service: From Intelligence to Diplomacy
The sad news was officially confirmed on Sunday, December 14, by the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), where the late AbdulAzeez once served as national president. In a heartfelt statement, the union's incumbent president, AbdulMumin AbdulMalik, announced the passing with "heavy heart and tears in my eyes." The statement revealed that the septuagenarian was buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Ambassador AbdulAzeez's career was marked by significant contributions to Nigeria's security and international relations. Between 2000 and 2001, he served as director of financial crimes in the office of the special adviser to the president on drugs and financial crimes. His work during this period was instrumental in the foundational efforts that led to the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His diplomatic postings were extensive, with service in several countries including China, Angola, Egypt, and Liberia. His most prominent role was his appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to China in 2010. A notable highlight of his tenure in Beijing was hosting the launch of Nigeria’s satellite on December 21, 2011.
An Outpouring of Tributes from Kwara and Beyond
The loss has triggered a wave of condolences from prominent figures across Kwara State and Nigeria. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State expressed his grief through a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye. The governor mourned the exit of the esteemed son of Ilorin.
Similarly, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, chairman of the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), paid a moving tribute. He described the late ambassador as a "visionary, peace-builder and principled leader" whose life strengthened unity within the Ilorin Emirate. Oloriegbe noted that AbdulAzeez's death was a "personal loss" to him and a great loss to both Kwara State and Nigeria.
Legacy of a Community Leader and Statesman
Beyond his national service, Uthman AbdulAzeez was deeply rooted in his community. His leadership of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union underscored his commitment to the development and progress of his homeland. His passing is felt not just in diplomatic circles but also at the grassroots level, where he was regarded as a pillar and a golden son of Ilorin.
The news of his demise comes shortly after the reported death of another former diplomat, Muhammad Maradun, who served as Nigeria's ambassador to Tunisia. The back-to-back losses highlight the passing of a generation of Nigerian public servants who played key roles in shaping the nation's foreign policy and institutional frameworks.
As family, associates, and the nation come to terms with this loss, the focus remains on the enduring legacy of a man who served in the shadows of intelligence, in the halls of diplomacy abroad, and in the heart of his community at home.
