Former Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports Damishi Sango is mourning the loss of two siblings who died within a few days of each other, prompting a condolence visit from a prominent Plateau State political figure.
Kefiano Ropshik Pays Condolence Visit to Sango
Kefas Wungak Ropshik, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Plateau State in the 2027 elections, visited Sango on Friday, July 17, 2026, to offer his sympathies. Ropshik, popularly known as 'Kefiano', described the back-to-back losses as deeply painful and expressed heartfelt condolences to the former minister and his family.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ropshik stated: "I, Kefiano Wungak Ropshik, paid a condolence visit to our respected elder statesman, Hon. Damishi Sango, to commiserate with him over the painful loss of his two beloved siblings within the span of a few days." He added that his thoughts and prayers remain with the Sango family during this difficult time.
Sango's Political Legacy
Damishi Sango served as Nigeria's Minister of Youth and Sports from June 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo's first cabinet. He was removed from the position in January 2001. After leaving the ministry, Sango held various government appointments, including Chairman of the Nigerian Copyright Commission and member of the board of the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC). He also previously served as Plateau State chairman of the PDP.
Condolences and Undisclosed Causes
The visit underscores the high regard in which Sango is held among his peers, with Ropshik referring to him as a respected elder statesman. While local officials and leaders have visited Sango to mourn with him, the specific medical or natural causes of the siblings' deaths have not been publicly disclosed by the family.
Broader Context of Political Condolences
In a separate but related development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State governor and ex-transportation minister Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. Tinubu described the late matriarch as a woman of deep Catholic faith and exemplary family values.
