Lawan, governors, minister, others gather for Dangote’s funeral

• Osinbajo, SGF, others mourn
• Zulum donates N20m to Zirkusu’s family in Kaduna

It was an emotional moment at the Emir of Kano’s palace, yesterday when hundreds of sympathisers converged to pay last respect to the late Sani Dangote.

The funeral rites attracted members of the National Assembly led by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; also had former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano; Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and others.

The prayers led by the Palace Imam, Sheikh Sani Muhammad, about 10.30 a.m., also witnessed the presence of Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero, accompanied by several royal fathers and traditional title holders as well as religious leaders.

Sani, the younger brother to the President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, passed on Sunday night at a private hospital in the United States of America.

He was the Vice President of Dangote Group and Chairman of Dansa Group of Companies, just as he chaired several corporate organisations and professional bodies.

He was buried at the Dantata family cemetery close to Sanusi Mosque at Koki quarters in Kano.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, joined hundreds of sympathisers to mourn.

Osinbajo, who led the Federal Government delegation on a condolence visit to the Dangote families in Kano, disclosed that, in Sani’s death, President Muhammadu Buhari lost a rare gem and friend who believed and promoted the government’s agricultural policy.

RELATEDLY, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, yesterday, released N20 million when he led a delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late Brig-Gen. Dzarma Zirkusu, who was killed by terrorists.

The governor met the family at Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna, during which he directed the immediate release of the sum as support to the General’s family.

The directive was reportedly effected, according to Zulum’s spokesman, Isa Gusau, in a statement.

Gusau added that financial support would also be made to families of other soldiers who died alongside the General.

Zulum was received at the airport by Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and Garrison Commander of the Nigerian Army’s One Division, Brig-Gen Uriah Opuene.